SIX-NIGHT LAND-ONLY (PRE-TOUR INCLUDED)
May 2-8, 2022
Overview & Pricing
Package Overview
Spend more time immersed in the excitement of the Derby with the University of Illinois Alumni Association, EXPLORERS Alumni Travel Program, and Illinois Sports Tours by exploring more of what central Kentucky has to offer. Packages include all aspects of our four-night tour, plus in-depth visits to Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, optional Dawn at the Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum access, and more.
Package Includes:
- Six (6) nights deluxe hotel ACCOMMODATIONS at the Lexington Marriott City Center
- Check-in: Monday, May 2
- Tour ends: Sunday, May 8
- Please note the hotel is located in Lexington, not Louisville
- BREAKFAST daily from Tuesday to Saturday
- TUESDAY TOURS
- In-depth, behind-the-scenes tour at Keeneland, including a meet-and-greet with a trainer, observing morning workouts, and visiting the training barns
- Kentucky Horse Park tour
- Drive down the Old Frankfort Pike
- WEDNESDAY TOURS
- Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- Wednesday evening WELCOME RECEPTION with horse industry guest speaker, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks
- THURSDAY TOURS
- Belle of Louisville Breakfast & Steamboat Cruise
- Distillery Tour
- Motor coach transfers, lunch included
- FRIDAY TOURS
- Morning workouts at Keeneland Race Course
- Select horse farm tours
- Lunch at Fasig-Tipton
- Motor coach transfers
- Round-trip motor coach TRANSFERS to Churchill Downs on derby day
- 100 LEVEL TICKET
- Uncovered Reserved Seating, with all-inclusive food, beverages, and alcohol
- Official Kentucky Derby SOUVENIRS
- Event LANYARD, CREDENTIAL and TICKET HOLDER
- On-site SET TRAVEL HOSTS and HOTEL HOSPITALITY DESK
- TAXES and GRATUITIES on all included items
PLEASE NOTE: Air transportation to/from Lexington is not included. Note the hotel is located in Lexington, not Louisville, when making flight arrangements.
Pricing
*Pricing per person, based on occupancy.
Single | Double | Triple | Quad |
$6,099 | $4,799 | $4,499 | $4,349 |
*Extra nights. Price per person.
Date | Single | Double | Triple | Quad |
5/1/22 | $359 | $180 | $120 | $90 |
5/8/22 | $359 | $180 | $120 | $90 |
Occupancy Rules:
Max Occupancy: 4
Max Adult: 4
Max Children: 3
Hotel
Lexington Marriott City Center
121 W. Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507
859-253-1000
The new Lexington Marriott City Center, which opened in November 2019, is in the heart of downtown Lexington, Kentucky. With a touch of local flare, it reflects the lifestyle of travelers who seamlessly blend work and play in the mobile and global world of today. Located just minutes away from the University of Kentucky, UK Good Samaritan Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph East Hospital, and Keeneland racetrack, the hotel is only two blocks away from Rupp Arena and Lexington Convention Center, as well. The sophisticated, confident, and authentic atmosphere will provide you the elegant and modern conveniences you’ve come to know with Marriott Hotels. The chef’s kitchen-style dining experience, open-plan lobby, rooftop bar and lounge, outdoor roof top pool, and firepits provide a remarkable experience all their own. The City Center destination boasts several restaurants, retail, and entertainment locations within walking distance to enjoy effortlessly during your stay.
Hotel Information
Standard Guestroom
Max Occupancy: 4 / Max Adults: 4 and Max Children: 3
Luxuriously appointed rooms are equipped with amenities that ensure a comfortable and productive stay, and include high-speed internet access and a spacious work desk for the business traveler. Connect My Device allows you to plug in and continue your technology experiences just like home. Spacious rooms allow for comfort during your stay, with mobile desk features so you can work the way you want to work.
Ticket
Misc
Tuesday Tours
Keeneland
Located in the Horse Capital of the World, Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse and the Thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house. Founded in 1936, Keeneland’s mission is to continually invest in the industry and to preserve the tradition of Thoroughbred racing. Our tour will include a history of Keeneland from its beginnings, 1936 to present day. The main attraction of course is the training of thoroughbreds on the track. We will also see the horses training out of the gate. Besides visiting the Keeneland facility, we will go to the training barns. Keeneland is one of only a handful of racetracks where visitors are allowed on the backside.
Kentucky Horse Park
Kentucky Horse Park is the premier event venue for equestrians and those who love and want to learn more about horses and man’s relationship with the horse. At the Kentucky Horse Park, visitors have diverse opportunities to engage with, learn about and be enchanted by the beauty, strength and spirit of the horse.
Old Frankfort Pike
This 16.9-mile scenic byway connecting Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky has been voted "one of the ten best scenic drives in the United States." Along the way, you will pass many of the Thoroughbred Farms for which Kentucky, and the Bluegrass area in particular, are famous, giving Old Frankfort Pike the nickname, Thoroughbred Alley.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Wednesday Tours
Watch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast. Dawn at the Downs is a popular tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors, giving Kentucky Derby fans the opportunity to see the contenders train for the big race, while listening to expert commentary.
Listen as the horses are announced on the track, and evaluated on their workouts, discussion on their past performances, and provide insight to the Kentucky Derby & Oaks races. Admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum is also included.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Thursday Tours
See Louisville...by really seeing Louisville! Depart early morning from Lexington to board a piece of living American history - a steamboat cruise along the mighty Ohio River which has shaped life along its shores from the Shawnee to the early European settlers. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet as you relax and learn about these bygone days through narrated commentary. Then head to an area distillery for a tour and an inside look at the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Lunch is provided between the tours. Evening is at leisure to enjoy downtown Lexington.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Friday Tours
Morning departure to Keeneland for the opportunity to see morning workouts trackside. After touring Keeneland, head to a selection of horse farms for tours. Lunch is provided between the tours at North America’s oldest Thoroughbred auction company, Fasig-Tipton. Return to the hotel early afternoon. Evening is at leisure to enjoy downtown Lexington.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Map
FAQ
What is a “Land-Only” package?
A Land-Only package includes all the items listed as “tour package features” EXCEPT for air transportation, airport/hotel transfers, and baggage handling. A Land-Only package would be appropriate should the tour participant not be able to conveniently depart/return from the same city listed in the Air package or wish to travel on their own. Please note flights and/or motor coach transportation to the destination city is not included in this type of package.
What’s included in my price?
Your final price includes room and all hotel taxes. It does not include items such as charges for meals, parking, rollaway beds, phone calls, valet and room service, or any other items of a personal nature.
What do “Single,” “Double,” “Triple,” and “Quad” mean?
Single, Double, Triple, and Quad refer to how many adults (13 and over) are sharing each room (total room occupancy). For example, if two adults wish to stay in the same room, the price would be the Double price, and this would be per person.
Do I need travel insurance?
Due to the investment of your travel package, we strongly recommend the purchase of appropriate insurance coverage. Medical insurance policies may not protect your travels away from home and often have out-of-network deductibles. Likewise, coverage through credit cards and travel suppliers can have shortfalls and not fully protect you. For additional information, please click on the Insurance link on the bottom right of this website.
What does the “Child” price mean?
Children’s prices are limited to those 12 years of age or under sharing a room with one or more adults and using existing bedding. For example, if the room is shared with one adult, the single rate applies as the adult’s price plus the child’s price. If the room is shared with two adults, the double rate applies as each adult’s price plus the child’s price.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Debit cards featuring the Visa or MasterCard logo are also accepted; however, please be advised these types of cards typically have a maximum amount that you may charge daily. Please check with your financial institution.
When will I receive my trip documents?
Trip documents are typically emailed two to three weeks prior to departure for regular season football weekends and specialty programs while bowl game participants will receive theirs five to seven days out. Itineraries for special events, such as the Final Four and Bowl Games, will be sent via email just prior to leaving. If you are not the main reservation contact and would like to receive the emailed tour documents, please add your email to the reservation or contact your booking agent.
If I’m not traveling, can I make a reservation for someone else?
When completing the reservation, use the name of the person for whom you are making the reservation. When entering credit card information, you may use your credit card and billing address for payment.