Tauck World Discovery rolls out the red carpet for our guests on this exclusive five-day event commemorating the 135th Running of the Kentucky Derby! Experience the thrill of the first leg in horse racing’s Triple Crown as a VIP from the moment you arrive at Churchill Downs – from a behind-the-scenes look at the world of thoroughbred horse racing to signature Tauck touches on Derby Day, including a private hospitality marquee with open bar and dining throughout the day, reserved seating on the First Turn, and private pari-mutuel betting windows. As a Tauck guest, you’ll also enjoy privileged visits to historic landmarks, gala evenings featuring special entertainment and headline performers, and in-depth exploration of the gracious traditions of Kentucky Bluegrass country – for an annual Tauck Event that’s a winner in every way!

Tauck's Kentucky Derby Highlights:                                                                                                         

• Four nights’ accommodations at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort,AAA 4-Diamond Award winner
• Welcome reception and dinner featuring country humorist and storyteller Carl Hurley
• Barbecue lunch, tour and tasting at famous Maker’s Mark Distillery
• A historic mansion tour at My Old Kentucky Home State Park
• Dinner at Keene Barn at the Keeneland racing complex, with a performance by Bluegrass band Highway 41
• Exclusive visit to a renowned private horse farm or admission to the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks, the sister race to the Kentucky Derby
• Private reception, dinner and dancing at Kentucky Horse Park
• Exclusive Derby Day privileges with a private hospitality marquee, food and open bar, closed-circuit TV monitors, private pari-mutuel windows and reserved seating on Churchill Downs’ First Turn

Departure Dates & Rates:                                                                                                                            

5 Days from $4,590 plus airfare
(4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 4 Dinners)

April 29, 2009

Price Per Person - 5 days

Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
Double $4590 Single $5090 *Triple $4419

*Please see General Information for details about triples.

Schedule of Kentucky Derby Week:                                                                                                        

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
WELCOME TO LEXING TON, KENTUCKY
Event begins: 7:00 PM, Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington. A transfer is included from Lexington's Blue Grass Airport to your resort hotel, Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, located in the rolling green meadows of Kentucky's Bluegrass horse country. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner, with entertainment provided by Kentucky humorist and storyteller Carl Hurley. Meals D

Thursday, April 30, 2009
BEHIND-THE-SCENES IN BLUEGRASS COUNTRY
Get a firsthand look at the time-honored process of creating handmade sour mash whisky on a memorable visit to Maker’s Mark, the only operating distillery in America designated a National Historic Landmark; enjoy a tasting and a barbecue lunch with entertainment on the great lawn. Step back in time to the days of the antebellum south as costumed guides lead you through the Georgian-style estate where, in 1853, Stephen Collins Foster wrote the lyrics to what would become Kentucky’s state song while visiting his Kentucky cousins at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Later, join us for a special evening at Keene Barn, overlooking the rolling pastures and stone fences of Keeneland, the renowned non-profit thoroughbred horse racing and auction complex founded just outside Lexington in 1935; enjoy dinner and a performance by Bluegrass band Highway 41. Meals BLD

Friday, May 1, 2009
KENTUCKY OAKS OR LEXINGTON HORSE FARM
A choice of activities awaits today, which must be made at time of booking. Watch the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing build at the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks; dubbed the “Run for the Lilies,” this sister race to the Kentucky Derby for 3-year-old fillies was first run in 1875 along with the Derby. Or join us on a Tauck-exclusive visit to one of Lexington’s famous private horse farms, where many of the world’s top thoroughbreds have been born, raised, and retired. Experience a special evening at the Kentucky Horse Park tonight, featuring the Parade of Breeds followed by live entertainment. Meals BLD “‘Did the Derby’ with Tauck and had a glorious time. Can’t begin to express our delight with all the features, trips, food, etc. A truly fantastic week.” – Jim & Mary Eckart, VA

Saturday, May 2, 2009
135TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY
After breakfast, it’s off to the 135th running of the first jewel in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. Travel by Tauck’s specially arranged escort to Churchill Downs, the official home of the Kentucky Derby since 1875. The historic grounds of the world’s most legendary racetrack are a destination unto themselves; on your visit, you’ll see firsthand why Churchill Downs is an integral part of the equine industry. As a VIP Tauck guest, you can spend the day in Tauck’s exclusive, air- conditioned hospitality marquee, offering a buffet of fine regional cuisine, an open bar (including the famous Mint Juleps), closed-circuit transmission of the races, and private pari-mutuel betting windows. A highlight of your experience is Tauck’s reserved seating along Churchill Downs’ First Turn, for premier viewing. Return to the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, where this unforgettable Derby Day concludes with a light dinner. Meals BLD

Sunday, May 3, 2009
JOURNEY HOME
Event Ends: Lexington. A transfer from the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort to Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport is included and is available throughout the day; allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Hotel checkout time is 12:00 noon. Meals B

For reservation information or answers to any other questions, feel free to
Contact Us anytime. Call 1-800-942-3301 for information and reservations.

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