Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Louisville, KY – Derby Dinner Playhouse

Today’s travel brings you to Louisville, KY where you will be accommodated at the historic Brown Hotel for two nights of luxury. A Louisville legend, the Brown Hotel has been loved by generations of guests for its Georgian-Revival elegance and timeless Southern charm that infuses every experience with gentility and refinement. The hotels Holiday decorations will set a festive Christmas mood.

Your group has dinner tonight at the Derby Dinner Playhouse, one of America’s finest dinner theaters. Show is still TBD, but it will be a show highlighting the spirit of Christmas. (D)

Day 2 – Reindeer Games at Derby Museum – Slugger Museum – Frazier Holiday Exhibit – Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

This morning after breakfast your group will Join in all the Reindeer Games at the Kentucky Derby Museum.  It’s a festive laugh-filled festive morning of Reindeer Racing.  Everyone receives $5000 worth of $ $ Horsey Bucks $$ and a Reindeer Racing Program.  You will notice immediately that all the Thoroughbred horses have been given Reindeer Names.    The emcee will provide you with handicapping tips so you can pick a winner.   Then armed with insider advice, a racing program and a fist full of Holiday Money you make your bets just before the bell sounds.  It’s contagious excitement, you’ll be cheering and laughing with your travelers as they yell “On Donner, On Blitzen . . .  ho ho ho.”   The top three money winners (Win – Place – Show) receive silly prizes.  Oh and everyone who wants, receives their own set of reindeer antlers to wear and keep for luck!

Note:  Serious race people will find the Derby Museum is also filled with a marvelous collection of everything that deals with the pageantry of the annual Kentucky Derby race. Also included: a walking tour of Churchill Downs.

Then after a break for lunch on own, you head to the Louisville Slugger Museum. Take a guided tour through the factory where Louisville Slugger bats are crafted with the same pride that started in 1884. Whether it’s a personalized bat or one destined for the big leagues, we make sure it’s just right. You’ll learn every step in the process. After the tour, you’ll receive a FREE miniature Louisville Slugger bat!

Next it’s off to the Frazier History Museum and its Holiday Exhibit 65 years of White Christmas. Featuring props, costumes, and memorabilia, this exhibition pays tribute to White Christmas (1954), a holiday classic starring Kentucky native Rosemary Clooney. November 19, 2019 – March 1, 2020.

You then spend late afternoon and evening at The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. It is an artisanal distillery located in downtown Louisville on Whiskey Row and celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller. This is an immersive experience that brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit.

Your group has a guided history tour and more. While here you will enjoy a tasting of three bourbons, and learn how to make a Mint Julep before sitting down to a nice dinner in The Speakeasy.  Mint Juleps are the quintessential Kentucky Derby Drink and it is important to the “educational mission” of this Holiday Evening in a Bourbon Distillery that you learn how to make one.

Following dinner is a historic music presentation by the costumed characters of “My Old Kentucky Home” Outdoor Drama. You will be serenaded by a few of Stephen Foster’s famous songs mixed with classic Christmas Carols you’ve know forever. (B,D)

Day 3 – Depart for Home 

After breakfast, depart for Home. (B)

Tour Map