The Kentucky Derby
Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd May 2026
We create bespoke travel packages, with personalised itineraries, exclusive events and official tickets / hospitality to ensure we offer you the ultimate Kentucky Derby experience.
Get in touch and start creating your perfect trip today.
The Kentucky Derby is a vibrant blend of Southern charm, high-stakes racing, and timeless tradition - where the thrill of the “most exciting two minutes in sports” is matched only by the unforgettable spectacle of fashion, festivities, and sheer pageantry, making it a bucket-list experience for all avid racing fans.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Recommended Kentucky Derby Packages
From a short break with two days of hospitality to a fully escorted trip with additional excursions, we can offer it all. Please find our recommended packages below. Looking for something a little more bespoke? Let our expert team design your perfect itinerary!
Due to the popularity of the Kentucky Derby hotels do sell out quickly so early booking is essential - secure your trip now with just a 10% deposit!
Three Night Kentucky Derby Experience
from £5,595 per person
Thursday 30th April - Sunday 3rd May 2026
The Galt House Hotel, Louisville
Situated in the heart of Louisville, the Galt House Hotel is the ideal location for your Kentucky Derby experience. Within walking distance of Whiskey Row & the Museum district you are perfectly placed to make the most of your time in the city and it is also just a 15 minute transfer to Churchill Downs.
Early Booking Offer - SAVE £200 per person (ends 11th July)
What's included:
- Three nights accommodation at the 4* Galt House Hotel
- Return racecourse transfers (Friday & Saturday)
- Undercover 3rd Floor Grandstand Seats (Friday & Saturday)
- Hospitality with all inclusive food/drinks (Friday & Saturday)
- Meet & Greet with renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse
- VIP Fast Access Pass
- On-site Staff
Optional:
- Return flights (including upgrades)
- Return airport transfers
- Additional night(s)
- Seat / Hospitality upgrades
Escorted Kentucky Derby Experience
from £6,695 per person
Tuesday 28th April - Monday 4th May 2026
Hampton Inn Downtown Louisville
The Kentucky Derby is a week-long event in Louisville filled with food, fun, drinks, hats and so much more. Our fully escorted package includes the Kentucky Derby and Oaks tickets, Stud Farm tour, functions & events, Louisville hotel accommodation, transportation to the track and more!
Early Booking Offer - SAVE £200 per person (ends 11th July)
What's included:
- Airport to hotel shuttle transfers
- 6 Nights Accommodation at the Hampton Inn Downtown Louisville
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome Dinner & Drinks at a local restaurant
- Bourbon Distillery tour
- Stud Farm & Keeneland Racecourse Tour in Lexington
- Admission to the Taste of the Derby party
- Return racecourse transfers (Friday & Saturday)
- Undercover Grandstand Seats (Friday & Saturday)
- Hospitality with all inclusive food/drinks (Friday & Saturday)
- Farewell Luncheon
- Services of Experienced Tour Host
Optional:
- Return flights (including upgrades)
Ticket / Hospitality Options
Churchill Downs offer a wide range of ticket & hospitality options for the Kentucky Derby and our team of experts have first-hand experience meaning we only suggest the best options and locations.
Our recommended options can be found below - due to the Kentucky Derby's popularity these packages do sell out fast so booking early is essential.
If you have any alternative package in mind, get in touch and our team will be happy to build you a personalised quote.
Grandstand Seats | Affirmed Lounge
Included in experiences as standard
Our recommended option, offering undercover designated grandstand seats, and all inclusive hospitality in the Affirmed Lounge to both Friday's Kentucky Oaks and Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Also included is a meet & greet with renowned horse racing trainer Gai Waterhouse who will share insights and provide a unique look behind-the-scenes of the Derby!
Grandstand Seats:
- Experience the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby from an incredible vantage point with seating that offers elevated views of the starting line & homestretch.
- Seats are undercover and located on the 3rd floor of the grandstand in sections 323-325.
Affirmed Lounge Hospitality
- The Affirmed Lounge is conveniently located in the Kentucky Derby Museum, a climate-controlled facility that is the perfect base.
- Includes Gourmet Chef's Table Food Buffets with appetizers, main courses & desserts served throughout the day.
- Premium Open Bar including Mint Juleps, top-shelf spirits, beer, wine & soft drinks.
- Keep entertained between races with live entertainment.
Millionaires Row Hospitality
Upgrade from £4,400
The ultimate way to experience the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Millionaires Row is one of the most prestigious facilities at the racetrack and offers some of the best views available! With a private table to enjoy hospitality throughout the day and a private balcony on the finish line to catch all the action, you are in the perfect location to make the most of both days at Churchill Downs.
Grandstand Seats:
- Experience the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby from the comfort of your indoor table seating with stunning panoramic views of the track & finish line from a private dedicated balcony.
- Your table is located in a dedicated facility on the 4th floor of the grandstand.
Millionaires Row Hospitality
- One of the most prestigious venues available at Churchill Downs that boasts unparalleled views of the track.
- Take in the racing from a private balcony before returning to your dedicated table in between races to enjoy hospitality.
- Includes Gourmet Chef's Table Food Buffets with appetizers, main courses & desserts served throughout the day.
- Premium Open Bar including Mint Juleps, top-shelf spirits, beer, wine & soft drinks.
- Private wagering stations and TV coverage located inside.
Escorted Tour Itinerary
If you opt for our escorted tour experience you'll be looked after throughout your trip and will get to experience some unique excursions alongside two days of racing at Churchill Downs. Find an example itinerary of our trip below.
Tuesday 28th April 2026 | Arrival & Welcome
Upon arrival into Louisville you'll check into the hotel and get comfortable before heading out for some welcome drinks to get to know your fellow guests and then enjoy dinner with "Mr Derby".
Wednesday 29th April 2026 | Keeneland Racecourse & Stud Farm Tour
After breakfast you'll head off on a tour to explore the home of racehorses in America, Lexington! You'll visit Keeneland and its sales complex before heading to a world-class stud farm to see some stallions. You'll then enjoy lunch before heading back to Louisville and you'll have the rest of the day at leisure.
Thursday 30th April 2026 | Distillery Tour & Taste of the Derby Function
After a relaxed morning you'll head out to the local Angels Envy Distillery for a Bourbon tasting experience to find out just what makes it such a popular drink in Kentucky! You'll then head to the "Taste of the Derby" party where you can mingle with horse racing celebrities whilst enjoying food & drink.
Friday 1st May 2026 | Kentucky Oaks Day
After breakfast you'll board your transportation to Churchill Downs ready for the first day of racing, including the Kentucky Oaks! With undercover designated seats on the 3rd floor of the grandstand you'll be well placed to take in all the action. You'll also have access to hospitality at dedicated food & beverage outlets.
Saturday 2nd May 2026 | Kentucky Derby Day
After breakfast you'll return to Churchill Downs for day two and the main event, the Kentucky Derby! You'll have access to the same seats and hospitality as on Friday, so you'll be familiar with your location and can make the most of the full day of racing action!
Sunday 3rd May 2026 | Farewell Luncheon
After a busy couple of days racing today is a more relaxing one! You'll head out for lunch to enjoy your final full day in Louisville. You'll then have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore or relax!
Monday 4th May 2026 | Trip Concludes
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then depending on the time of your flight home, head out to explore more of Louisville, or make your way back to the airport to head home after an action packed few days!
About the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the most iconic horse races in the world.
Known as "The Run for the Roses," it features the top three-year-old Thoroughbreds racing over a mile and a quarter in a dazzling display of speed, stamina, and spirit.
More than just a race, the Derby is a cultural phenomenon - steeped in tradition, from mint juleps and extravagant hats to the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home."
Attending the Derby is to witness a uniquely American blend of pageantry, excitement, and history, all in one unforgettable weekend.
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"Attended the Kentucky Derby with Racing Breaks in 2024 - what a weekend! From booking through to travel everything was so easy and their team assisted in booking myself and my wife an incredible experience! We loved the hotel, great location and not too far from the track. The racedays were incredible, what an atmosphere! We've already said we'll be returning in future"