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2027 Kentucky Derby Travel Packages
Experience the high speed thrills of the 2027 Kentucky Derby!
The Kentucky Derby, a Grade I Stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” This prestigious race has been held annually since 1875, and the 152nd running will take place on May 2, 2026. The Kentucky Derby weekend offers much more than the race itself, with Louisville kicking off celebrations weeks in advance. The event truly provides a unique experience. On the big day, the Derby crowd features some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, as everyone gathers at the Twin Spires for the famed Run for the Roses.
Experience Sport will create a personalized 4-day Kentucky Derby travel package tailored to your preferences, including first-class Louisville hotels, your choice of tickets, premium viewing options, race hospitality, event day transfers, and high-touch service throughout. Customize your itinerary further with tickets to additional events like the Kentucky Oaks, fascinating tours, and other options to complete your ultimate Derby experience.

Package Options
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown
Standard Room
from $10,219
The Galt House Hotel
Deluxe Room
from $12,699
The Brown Hotel
Choice of rooms
Enquire for Rates
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS:
- Full payment must be made at the time of booking.
Package Inclusions
Included
- Ticket with reserved seating at the Kentucky Derby (Saturday)
- Four days, three nights first class hotel accommodations in downtown Louisville
- Transportation passes for roundtrip Churchill Downs transfers
- Reserved seating includes all-inclusive food and beverage menu (including Mint Juleps, beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic options and concessions)
- Ticket with reserved seating at the Kentucky Oaks on Friday
- Commemorative gift package
- Personalized itinerary
- Onsite host team
- Expert Pre-Travel Assistance of the Experience Sport team
- All taxes and service charges included
Not Included
- Flights (Domestic and International)
- We can assist with your flights
- Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for the USA
Optional Upgrades
- Reserved seat for the Kentucky Oaks including roundtrip transfers (Friday)
- Private sedan roundtrip transfer between hotel and Churchill Downs
- Mint Julep Sunset Social tickets (Thursday)
- Taste of Derby Gala Dinner (Thursday)
- Exclusive Behind the Scenes Stable Tour
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour
- Horse Country Tour
- Barnstable Brown Gala
- Best of Kentucky Tour
- Extra nights and/or room upgrades
Hotel Options
"The Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown is a great option for your Derby experience."
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown
100 South Second Street Louisville, KY 40202
Perfectly placed for exploring the best of downtown Louisville, the Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown is a great option for your Derby experience. The property’s great location puts guests within steps of shopping, dining, and attractions. Inside, the hotel offers plenty of amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. When you’ve finished exploring for the day, retreat to your spacious guest room complete with complimentary wi-fi, mini-refrigerators, and plush bedding.
- Complimentary wi-fi
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Onsite restaurant: The Bistro
"Experience gracious Southern hospitality, several dining options and unique amenities all onsite at this unique property"
The Galt House Hotel
140 North Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky
The Galt House is a name long associated with the gracious Southern hospitality and style that’s made Louisville famous. The largest hotel in Kentucky and the only downtown hotel on the Ohio River in Louisville, the Galt House boasts 25 stories and 1300 contemporary guest rooms. The 10,000-square-foot conservatory is three stories in height and features a café, cocktail lounge, gathering area and aviary. The convenient Skywalk connects the Galt House guests to the rest of the downtown Louisville sky-bridge system so you’ll never feel disconnected.
- Located in the heart of Louisville
- Five restaurant and lounge options
- Roof-top fitness center, outdoor pool, revolving restaurant
"One of Louisville's most treasured landmark hotels, enjoy luxury and opulence in the heart of Louisville"
The Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway Louisville, Kentucky
When yearning for grace and grandeur, The Brown Hotel satisfies. Since being restored to its classic, English Renaissance opulence, The Brown Hotel has been one of Louisville’s most treasured landmark luxury hotels. The AAA Four Diamond rating is evident upon first entering the two story lobby with hand-painted coffered ceiling, Botticino marble flooring, finely carved mahogany furnishings and Palladian-style windows. With its genteel Southern charm and ornate finery, the hotel offers the comforts of home in an environment of sophistication and grace.
- Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024
- Primely located in the theater district of downtown Louisville; five miles from the airport
- AAA Four Diamond Luxury Hotel 2024
- Complimentary wifi
Package Itinerary
Day 1 | April 30, 2026
Louisville, Kentucky
‘Thurby’, the official start of Derby weekend takes place at Churchill Downs. Featuring racing, live music, and, of course, bourbon, Thurby is not only a whole lot of fun, but it’s also a great time to explore Churchill Downs while the crowds are typically smaller than they are on Friday and Saturday. Thurby runs from late morning to early evening.
Thursday evening offers a couple of great social events. The Mint Julep Sunset Social includes a memorable farm-to-table dinner at the picturesque Hermitage Farm, preceded by a tour of the gorgeous property. Another option is Taste of Derby, which allows guests to mingle with horse racing VIPs while enjoying incredible regional dishes prepared by nationally renowned chefs, with live music to cap off the evening.
Day 2 | May 1, 2026
Louisville, Kentucky
Friday is a big day in Louisville. The day begins with the Kentucky Oaks, the premier horse race for 3-year-old fillies. The gates at Churchill Downs open mid-morning and there are races all day until early evening. The day is a celebration of racing, fundraising for women’s health issues, and fashion. Speaking of which, the event includes a fashion contest if you’re so inclined. The color of the day is pink, so be sure to include as much of it as possible when planning your outfit for the event.
In the evening, join celebrities and other VIPs at the hottest party of the weekend: The Barnstable Brown Gala. This exclusive black-tie gala is the place to be seen on Derby eve. It’s been dubbed as one of the top 10 parties in the world by Condé Nast and each year it attracts some of the biggest names in film, sport, and music.
Day 3 | May 2, 2026
Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday is the day all of this has been leading up to: the Kentucky Derby. Plan to spend a full day at Churchill Downs enjoying the racing and taking in the electric atmosphere. The racing begins mid-morning and keeps going until well into the evening. The main event usually takes place between 6:00 and 7:00 pm, with pre- and post-race ceremonies bookending the race itself.
Day 4 | May 3, 2026
Sunday is a day of recovery, and the end of your Kentucky Derby Experience.
Gallery
Tour Map
Testimonials
- Annmarie Lamb
- Thomas R McKinney
- Matilda, Fugazi Travel (Ensemble)
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