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DAY 1, TUESDAY MAY 16

ARRIVE LEXINGTON

Arrive in Lexington, KY, the heart of Bluegrass State and center of Horse Country. You will be met and transferred to the Campbell House Hotel. Tonight before dinner meet Micole, Teri and the other Ramona Ranch group members at a Bourbon Old Fashioned welcome reception. The Old Fashioned cocktail dates back to the 1800s. It’s a sophisticated blend of bourbon, bitters, soda and sugar. The name comes from the unique mixture of ingredients and people requesting their drink to be made the ‘old fashioned way.’ (D)

OVERNIGHT: The Campbell House (2 nights)

DAY 2, WEDNESDAY MAY 17

KEENELAND, HORSES AND BOURBON COURSES

Begin today’s extensive sightseeing with a tour of Keeneland, the internationally renowned racecourse and the American thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house. Hear an overview of racing and sales operations. Enjoy a guided walk through the Keeneland Paddock, Grandstand, grounds and if available, to the world-renowned Sales Pavilion where auctions are held. Afterward stop in at the Old Friends Horse Farm, a working retirement ranch for racehorses at the end of their racing and breeding careers. Lunch will be at the Kentucky Castle, a medieval style castle manse. Enjoy a splendid meal here, a farm-to-table experience sourcing local and property grown ingredients.

This afternoon is a treat! Visit Woodford Reserve Distillery for an educational tour that explains the history of bourbon, its five sources of flavor, the whiskey bottling process and much more, followed by a private tasting of this award-winning craft bourbon.

Finish today with our own blending class with a Master Crafter. Learn how to blend, choosing from the different whiskeys on hand to create your own special Bourbon. Once your blend is complete you’ll select a bottle style, name and label for the Bourbon you’ve created. And yes, there will be sampling after class! (B, L)

DAY 3, THURSDAY MAY 18

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, JIM BEAM & HEAVEN HILL

This morning we visit the Kentucky Horse Park, where racing legends trot on by. Touching of horses is permitted. See the Hall of Champions Show, the Museum of the Horse, American Saddlebred Museum, and ride aboard a horse-drawn carriage through the Big Barn. After lunch travel one hour to Bardstown and visit two of the most famous distilleries in America. At Jim Beam experience the entire Bourbon-crafting process, from the natural limestone water well, mashing, distilling, barreling, aging and bottling. Great photo ops here! Later visit the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center for the “Bourbon 101” tour. Learn the meaning of “grain to glass”, a lesson on what it takes to make America’s original whiskey. End the day here with a 40-minute “Whiskey Connoisseur” tasting class sampling Heaven Hill limited release American whiskeys. Afterwards drive to Louisville and check into the historic Brown Hotel. Dinner is at leisure this evening. (B)

OVERNIGHT: The Brown Hotel (3 nights)

DAY 4, FRIDAY MAY 19

KENTUCKY’S BOURBON TRAIL

This morning’s first stop is the Frazier History Museum, home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center. This exhibition provides an overview of the history of Bourbon and its contribution to the state of Kentucky. Artifacts on exhibit belonged to famous politicians and celebrities, noted frontiersmen and soldiers, including the ceremonial sword of founding father Josiah Bartlett and the family bible of Daniel Boone. Afterward enjoy free time on Fourth Street Live, Kentucky’s premier dining, entertainment and retail area in the heart of downtown Louisville. After lunch visit the Evan Williams Distillery celebrating the legacy of Kentucky’s first distiller. This immersive experience brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit, including an in-depth demonstration how to make Kentucky’s own Mint Julep. Conclude today with a private tour through Old Forester, the “Bourbon of Bourbons”. Hear about this establishment’s long and special history. Afterward taste the award-winning craft bourbons in the Old Forester Room. Tonight enjoy the signature “Hot Brown” dinner at our historic hotel. Created here in 1926, this dish remains a culinary requisite on any visit to Louisville. It has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and countless cookbook pages since its baked-to-perfection debut. (B,D)

DAY 5, SATURDAY MAY 20

CHURCHILL DOWNS, A DAY AT THE RACES

This morning tour the Kentucky Derby Museum on the grounds of Churchill Downs Racetrack. This is the preeminent American thoroughbred horse racing museum, preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby. You will have access to two floors of interactive permanent exhibits. Viewing of the Greatest Race, a 360 degree, 18 minute experience that makes hearts race and emotions soar. Afterward join a expert guided walking tour Churchill Downs, followed by a class on betting. Receive $5000 in $$ Horsey Bucks $$ and a sample racing program to play the “Off to the Races” game. The emcee will provide you with handicapping tips to pick a winner. Armed with insider advice, a racing program and a fist full of “Money” make your bets just before the bell sounds on previously taped races. Its contagious excitement! You’ll be cheering and laughing with everyone in our Ramona Ranch group. Complete the morning with brunch in Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs during live thoroughbred racing with premium seating and views of the Finish Line. Every person our group will receive ten (10) complimentary $2.00 bets. (B,L)

DAY 6, SUNDAY MAY 21

DEPART LOUISVILLE

After breakfast transfer to Louisville Airport for return flights home, or to continue your onward journey. (B)