Kentucky & The Great Steamboat Race

Get ready to join the excitement of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY, like never before. Instead of traditional horse racing, you'll witness the thrilling Kentucky Derby Steamboat Race aboard the historic Belle of Louisville. Our journey takes us through the scenic rolling hills of Wisconsin, with an included lunch stop on the way to our hotel just outside Chicago.  (L)

Our driver will guide us through the bustling city of Chicago and into Indiana. You might catch a glimpse of Indiana’s impressive capitol building as we pass near Indianapolis. Along the way, we'll make our usual stops, and an included meal, before arriving in Louisville. By mid-afternoon, a local guide will take us on a driving tour of Louisville. After a full day, unwind at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. (B) (L)

We begin with a walking tour of Churchill Downs and a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you'll learn about the storied history of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. The iconic Twin Spires atop the grandstands are a symbol of the Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday in May and is America’s oldest continuously held sporting event. Often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Derby gets its nickname from the approximate time it takes the winner to race from start to finish. Lunch is on your own at the Derby Café.

Next, prepare for an exciting visit to the Mega Caverns, an attraction rich with fascinating history. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where you'll learn about Louisville’s whiskey heritage and enjoy a bourbon tasting. After a short rest at the hotel, we head out for an included dinner at the Bristol Bar & Grill. (B) (D)

This morning, we take a short drive to the Falls of the Ohio State Park interpretive center in Clarksville, Indiana. Here, you'll learn about the importance of riverboats while enjoying the scenic Falls of the Ohio River. The Howard Steamboat Museum offers a glimpse into the Great Steamboat Era through models, paintings, photographs, and artifacts.

After an included lunch, we visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. The interactive exhibits celebrate baseball’s significant role in American history and culture, appealing even to those who aren’t avid fans. Later, we explore the Frazier History Museum, the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, where the world meets Kentucky.

We end the day with a sumptuous dinner buffet and a performance of "Hairspray," a Tony Award-winning musical set in the 1960s, at the Derby Dinner Theater. Enjoy infectious songs, humor, and themes of individuality. (B) (L) (D)

Explore more of the area with a visit to Chestnut Hall Farm, a sanctuary providing a “forever home” for retired thoroughbred racehorses. After an included lunch, we stop at G.A. Schimpff’s Confectionery, one of the oldest family-owned candy businesses in the U.S. We’ll take a short break to freshen up before the evening’s festivities. You’ll experience one of the oldest river traditions, the Kentucky Derby Steamboat Race, with reserved seating, a buffet meal, and Kentucky Bourbon tasting. (B) (L) (D)

On our return journey, we make our usual stops, including an included meal in Indianapolis, before arriving at our hotel near Chicago. (B) (L)

We travel through Wisconsin by mid-morning, where you’ll have the chance to purchase some authentic Wisconsin cheese. After an included lunch, we return to the Rustad Tour parking lot by early evening. (L)