Kentucky Derby 2012 Exclusive

Itinerary

• Kentucky

  The southern state of Kentucky is located in the East Central part of the country. Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State", a nickname based on the fact that native bluegrass is present in many of the pastures throughout the state, based on the fertile soil. It made possible the breeding of high-quality livestock, especially thoroughbred racing horses. It is a land with diverse environments and abundant resources, including the world's longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park; the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the Lower 48 states; and the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River. It is also home to the highest per capita number of deer and turkey in the country, the largest free-ranging elk herd east of Montana, and the nation's most productive coalfield. Kentucky is also known for thoroughbred horses, bourbon distilleries, bluegrass music, auto manufacturing, and tobacco.

• Louisville

  Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County.  An important internal shipping port in the 19th century, Louisville is today most well known for the Kentucky Derby, the widely watched first race of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  It is situated on the Ohio River in north-central Kentucky at the Falls of the Ohio.

• • Louisville
  • The Seelbach Hilton Louisville

  Day 1: Thu, May 03 2012 - Louisville

  Meet your driver for a private transfer.

  Accommodation: The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (4*)

  The Seelbach Hilton Hotel (4*) is ideally situated in the center of downtown Louisville's arts and culture community. You'll find the Kentucky International Convention Center only three blocks away. The hotel offers you the atmosphere of a bygone era coupled with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology - including high-speed internet access in all rooms. Step into the "golden era" at The Oakroom, Kentucky's first and only AAA Five Diamond restaurant award-winner since 1998. Hand-carved lion's head columns, ornate wood accents and brass chandeliers are reminiscent of its original gentlemen's-billiards-hall décor originating around 1907. Experience the heart and soul of Kentucky with a visit to Old Seelbach Bar, now restored to its authentic, early 1900 décor. For those who want to work out the hotel provide a state-of-the-art fitness center.

• • Oakroom Restaurant
  • Kentucky Oaks Hat

  Day 2: Fri, May 04 2012 - Louisville

  Relax in the majestic setting of Oakroom restaurant of the Seelbach with a glass of champagne and, over 100 tempting items are available to you from the buffet, including an omelet station and seafood chilling on fanciful ice carvings. You'll taste delectable specialties that won The Oakroom the only AAA Five Diamond Award in Kentucky.

  Meet your driver and enjoy a transfer to Churchill Downs.

  The Kentucky Oaks event is as old as the “Run for the Roses” but features fillies and lilies and lots of things women love. The Kentucky Oaks is famous for Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually in Louisville. Known as the “Lilies for the Fillies”, the winner receives a large garland of lilies and silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy. With a chilled mint julep in your hand, you will bask in the unforgettable atmosphere with beautiful ladies wearing fancy hats juxaposed by horses charging towards their stake to victory.

  Tonight we recommend drinks and dinner at Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, which fuses a swanky environment with an innovative menu in a non-intimidating way. Taking cues from the hipster handbook, the lounge capitalizes on slick minimalism with its use of blond and dark-wood fixtures, flat-screen TV’s, a double-decker fireplace, sleek red-tiled pillars, and a back-lit bar that pays homage to all of Kentucky’s bourbons. The menu demonstrates a strong Asian influence paired with local ingredients, and dishes range from Black-skillet-seared scallops to “naked” lobster ravioli and grilled double-cut New Zealand lamb chops paired with a basil-mint pesto and polenta cake.

  Accommodation: The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (4*)
• • Kentucky Derby

  Day 3: Sat, May 05 2012 - Louisville

  Meet your driver and enjoy a transfer to Churchill Downs.

  We will arrive early to allow for plenty of time to enjoy the parade of hats on display. From the fantastic to the sublime the quirky to the extravagant, there are no rules or limits. The more refined and elegant ladies sport classy, fashionable styles in the clubhouse and paddock, while the eccentric and downright outrageous headgear is reserved for the infield. Sit back and watch the action from the VIP seats in the clubhouse until the moment of the race, when an audience of over 150,000 suddenly falls silent in hushed anticipation of the starting bell. After the adrenaline-rush of watching the winner cross the finish line right before your eyes, take some time to enjoy the post-race scene before returning to our hotel by private transfer.

  Accommodation: The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (4*)
• • Keeneland Race Course

  Day 4: Sun, May 06 2012 - Louisville

  Experience why Kentucky is world famous! This fun and informative tour takes you through the heart and soul of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country. See a world class private farm that is home to current and future Derby stars and studs. Tour the ivy covered grounds of Keeneland race course, also home to the world’s most expensive horse auction. As famous for its beauty as its racing prominence, Keeneland was constructed in 1936 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Distinguished by its limestone buildings and mature trees, Keeneland helped to reinvigorate horse racing when it was faltering – clearly a successful effort. These days, visitors from around the world gather to watch horses train, catch them race during April and October, and bid for thoroughbreds at auction.

  Accommodation: The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (4*)

• Day 5: Mon, May 07 2012 - Louisville

  Meet your driver for a private transfer.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
  • The Seelbach Hilton Louisville

  The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (4*)

  The Seelbach Hilton Hotel (4*) is ideally situated in the center of downtown Louisville's arts and culture community. You'll find the Kentucky International Convention Center only three blocks away. The hotel offers you the atmosphere of a bygone era coupled with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology - including high-speed internet access in all rooms. Step into the "golden era" at The Oakroom, Kentucky's first and only AAA Five Diamond restaurant award-winner since 1998. Hand-carved lion's head columns, ornate wood accents and brass chandeliers are reminiscent of its original gentlemen's-billiards-hall décor originating around 1907. Experience the heart and soul of Kentucky with a visit to Old Seelbach Bar, now restored to its authentic, early 1900 décor. For those who want to work out the hotel provide a state-of-the-art fitness center.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your non-refundable deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 120 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations 120 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise, or hotel deposits). 119 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price. .
  • Payment of the program price constitutes acceptance of the full terms and conditions found at www.Horizon-co.com/Terms-and-Conditions

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