Kentucky Derby Tauck Tours: Tauck World Discovery all tours, Kentucky Derby package Run for the Roses with Kentucky Derby horse racing tickets

Celebrate the 134th Running of the Kentucky Derby on a 5-Day Event
in Kentucky's Bluegrass “Horse Country” RUN FOR THE ROSES
May 30, 2008

Tauck’s five-day premier event offers a complete behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating world of thoroughbred racing and Lexington’s horse country – including a VIP experience at Churchill Downs for the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby with many, many exclusives!

It's off to the races with Tauck on April 30, 2008 for the Kentucky Derby and our premier Run for the Roses event, featuring 5 days of blue ribbon excitement, Tauck Style – with everything included in the cost! Join us as we go inside Kentucky's Bluegrass horse country for first-hand discoveries of the privileged world of thoroughbred racing. Enjoy in-depth sightseeing, exclusive Tauck soirees, nightly entertainment, and VIP treatment leading up to the 134th running of the world's most exciting two-minute horse race, the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy a private marquee hospitality tent, Tauck's exclusive pari-mutuel betting window, and reserved seating along Churchill Downs' first turn as Tauck puts you in the winner's seat at the Kentucky Derby.

Overnight Accommodations

Nights 1 - 4: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort - Lexington, Kentucky

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country, Griffin Gate Marriott Resort exudes a tradition of gracious southern hospitality and resort amenities to ensure a most delightful stay. A soaring 6-story atrium and spacious lobby provide a welcome introduction; enjoy an array of casual and elegant restaurants plus many recreational options. Fine dining with a choice of menus is available at the resort’s five restaurants, including the historic antebellum Mansion at Griffin Gate. Golf aficionados can tee off on the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Rees Jones. Relax in the resort’s spa or take advantage of the fully-equipped fitness center; the resort offers activities to suit many different interests. Gracefully appointed guest rooms attend to your comfort and convenience in style, with plush bedding, down comforters and luxurious bathroom facilities, as well as high-speed internet access, and in-room TV and movie entertainment.

5 Days – Tauck-Inclusive Price!

Double Occupancy $4190 Single Occupancy $4750 Triple Occ $3999
11 Meals Included
* Prices are per person, based on land only and subject to change

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Kentucky
Event begins: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington, at 7:00 PM. Your blue ribbon treatment begins upon arrival from the Lexington Blue Grass Airport, when you are transferred to the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort. Settle in to your newly renovated resort and join us for a welcome dinner tonight as you get your first taste of our Kentucky Derby festivities, Tauck Style!
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington, Kentucky

Day 2 – The Secrets of Bluegrass Country
Discover the essence of true Kentucky spirit as you travel back in time to a historic mansion in My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where Stephen Foster penned Kentucky's nostalgic state song. Then wet your whistle for some genuine Kentucky bourbon during a tour, tasting and barbecue lunch at Maker's Mark, the only operating distillery in America designated a National Historic Landmark. You're in for a special treat during a special evening at Keene Barn, overlooking the rolling pastures and stone fences of Keeneland Farm. Enjoy dinner and entertainment by Bluegrass band Highway 41.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington, Kentucky

Day 3 – The Excitement of Derby Day Builds
A choice of activities today (which must be made at time of booking) includes attending the 134th running of the Kentucky Oaks – the sister race of the Kentucky Derby, known as the "Run for the Lilies" – or visiting one of Lexington's private horse farms for an insider's look at the world of thoroughbred horses. Tonight, everyone spends a fabulous evening at the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, where dinner and live entertainment combines with fascinating insights on the history of horses to introduce you to the Parade of Breeds and best-in-class traditions of Kentucky's horse country.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington, Kentucky

Day 4 – See Who Wins the Run for the Roses
It's off to the races after breakfast this morning, when Tauck takes you to Churchill Downs to experience the 134th Kentucky Derby in person! A guided tour of this historic racetrack begins in the Marquee Village and culminates in Tauck's private hospitality marquee, where a day-long buffet of fine regional cuisine, open bar, closed circuit transmission of the races, and a private pari-mutuel betting window cater to you in legendary Tauck Style. As our VIP guest, you can watch the action from reserved seating along the First Turn, for premier viewing of this world-famous race. Enjoy a light dinner back at your hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Lexington, Kentucky

Day 5 – Journey Home
Tauck's premier Kentucky Derby event ends today, but your memories are sure to linger long after you return home. Check out of the hotel by 12 noon; a transfer is included from your hotel to Lexington's Blue Grass Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check in.
Meals: Breakfast

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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