The Melbourne Cup
31st October - 7th November 2026
Experience the Melbourne Cup: The Race That Stops a Nation - Elegance, Excitement and Unforgettable Moments.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
The Melbourne Cup is far more than Australia’s most iconic horse race - it is a breathtaking celebration of world-class racing, timeless tradition, and electrifying atmosphere that captivates all who attend. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Melbourne and the historic Flemington Racecourse, this legendary event unites racing enthusiasts from around the globe to witness the “race that stops a nation".
We design entirely bespoke travel experiences that place you at the heart of every thrilling moment - from exclusive hospitality and official tickets to personalised itineraries and extraordinary extras. This is more than a trip - it’s your front-row seat to one of racing’s greatest spectacles, with every detail crafted around you.
Our Melbourne Cup 2026 Experiences
Our Melbourne Cup packages are carefully curated to deliver an unforgettable experience with exclusive added extras to make your trip more than just a day at the races.
Every trip with Racing Breaks is fully customisable to suit your preferences, so should you wish to extend your time in Melbourne, or head to another destination before or after your trip, we can help.
Melbourne Cup & Derby Day Experience
from £4,995.00
Trip Dates: Friday 30th October - Thursday 5th November 2026
This exceptional package offers privileged access to both Derby Day and Melbourne Cup Day, with premium hospitality for both. There is also a host of extras such as arriving at Flemington on Derby Day via an elegant river cruise and invitations to exclusive events including the Derby Day Eve Luncheon and the prestigious Call of the Card Luncheon.
Experience Includes
- Six nights bed & breakfast accommodation at the 5* Next Hotel Melbourne
- Welcome dinner & drinks
- Exclusive invite to Derby Day Eve Luncheon & After Party
- Exclusive invite to Call of the Card Luncheon
- Return river cruise on Derby Day including drinks & nibbles
- Premium Hospitality on Derby Day
- Return racecourse transfers on Melbourne Cup Day
- Premium Hospitality on Melbourne Cup Day
- On-site staff throughout
This trip has limited places - book early to avoid disappointment!
Book with just a 10% deposit
Melbourne Cup Carnival Experience
from £6,695.00
Trip Dates: Friday 30th October - Monday 9th November 2026
This incredible package offers all of the inclusions of our six night experience, but with four additional nights accommodation and tickets to both Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day, allowing you to extend your time in Melbourne and soak up the atmosphere of all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Experience Includes
- Ten nights bed & breakfast accommodation at the 5* Next Hotel Melbourne
- Welcome dinner & drinks
- Exclusive invite to Derby Day Eve Luncheon & After Party
- Exclusive invite to Call of the Card Luncheon
- Return river cruise on Derby Day including drinks & nibbles
- Premium Hospitality on Derby Day
- Premium Hospitality on Melbourne Cup Day
- Premium Tickets to both Oaks Day & Champion Stakes Day
- On-site staff throughout
This trip has limited places - book early to avoid disappointment!
Book with just a 10% deposit
Our Itinerary
Our Melbourne Cup itinerary is carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable racing experience, but every trip with Racing Breaks is fully customisable to suit your preferences.
Whether you wish to extend your stay in Melbourne to explore the city in more depth, or combine your Melbourne Cup adventure with another destination, we can tailor every detail - from flights and accommodation to exclusive experiences - to create a trip that’s truly your own.
Thursday 29th October 2026 | Arrival, Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Upon arrival into Melbourne make your way to the hotel.
That evening, you will be personally welcomed by your dedicated tour host before enjoying an elegant evening of welcome drinks and dinner at one of Melbourne’s standout dining venues. This relaxed yet refined introduction provides the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow guests and begin your Melbourne Cup Carnival journey in style.
Friday 30th October 2026 | Derby Day Eve Luncheon
After a quiet morning, you will head out to the big First Light Racing Derby Day Eve Luncheon.
With high-quality racing guests and entertainment (previous guests have included Michelle Payne, Daryl Braithwaite, Taxiride & Living Legend Apache Cat - to name a few), this is a great way to start the week. There is also a great after-party for those keen to kick on with some racing luminaries.
Saturday 31st October 2026 | Derby Day at Flemington
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers, complete with drinks and gourmet nibbles, as you make your elegant approach to Flemington Racecourse. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the prestigious Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, enjoying premium hospitality and all the thrills of world-class racing. Following a spectacular day at the track, unwind on your return cruise with more exquisite drinks and light refreshments, reflecting on an unforgettable Derby Day experience.
Sunday 1st November 2026 | Free Day in Melbourne
Today is a leisurely day to recharge and enjoy Melbourne at your own pace. Choose to explore the world-class wineries of the Yarra Valley, visit the iconic Living Legends retirement home for champion racehorses, or indulge in Melbourne’s premier shopping and cultural offerings.
Whether you seek relaxation or discovery, this day is yours to savour, setting the perfect balance before the excitement of the Carnival continues.
Monday 2nd November 2026 | Call of the Card
This afternoon, attend the exclusive Call of the Card Luncheon, where Australia’s most passionate punters engage with top bookies in anticipation of the Melbourne Cup.
Enjoy a sumptuous all-inclusive three-course lunch accompanied by premium drinks, while hearing insightful interviews with leading jockeys, trainers, and racing experts - the perfect way to gain an insider’s perspective on picking the day’s champion.
Tuesday 3rd November 2026 | Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington
Today is the pinnacle of the Carnival - the Melbourne Cup. Experience the excitement in style with premium hospitality, complete with a reserved seat offering breathtaking views of the finish line.
Savour a selection of exquisite fresh cuisine, paired with fine wines and premium beers, while soaking in the unrivalled atmosphere of “the race that stops a nation.” This is your front-row experience to one of the world’s most iconic sporting moments.
Wednesday 4th November 2026 | Free Day in Melbourne
Today is another leisurely day to explore Melbourne at your own pace. Perhaps visit the acclaimed wineries of the Yarra Valley, meet retired champion racehorses at the Living Legends farm, or indulge in the city’s premier shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions.
This is your chance to relax, discover, and experience the very best of Melbourne beyond the racecourse.
Thursday 5th November 2026 | Oaks Day at Flemington
Today, return to Flemington for the excitement of Crown Oaks Day.
With premium access, you’ll have the freedom to explore the racecourse and fully immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere that defines Cup Week.
After a day of world-class racing, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to unwind and enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Friday 6th November 2026 | Free Day in Melbourne
Today is another day at leisure to explore Melbourne and its surroundings at your own pace. You may choose to visit the renowned wineries of the Yarra Valley, meet retired champion racehorses at the Living Legends farm, or indulge in Melbourne’s premier shopping, fine dining, and cultural experiences.
This is your opportunity to relax, discover, and enjoy the city’s finest offerings before the final day of the Carnival.
Saturday 7th November 2026 | Champion Stakes Day at Flemington
Today, return to Flemington for the grand finale of the Carnival - Champion Stakes Day.
With premium access, you’ll have the freedom to explore the racecourse and fully immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere that defines Melbourne Cup Week. After a thrilling day of world-class racing, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to relax and enjoy a final evening at leisure, reflecting on an unforgettable 10-night experience.
Sunday 8th November 2026 | Trip Concludes
After an exhilarating, action-packed week - and perhaps with some winnings to celebrate - make your way back to the airport for your journey home.
Alternatively, for those not quite ready to conclude their Melbourne Cup experience, bespoke trip extensions are available, whether it’s to further explore Melbourne, discover another Australian city, or enjoy a carefully curated stopover en route home.
Exclusive Melbourne Cup Experiences
Derby Day Eve Luncheon & After Party
On Derby Day eve, we'll head down to The River's Edge for the famous First Light Racing Luncheon.
You'll enjoy a drinks reception and 3 course meal alongside a complimentary bar throughout the afternoon. With high-quality racing celebrities and entertainment (in 2024 we were joined by Group 1 winning jockeys Harry Coffey & Ethan Brown), this is a great way to whet the appetite for a cracking week ahead!
There is also a great after-party for those looking to kick on into the evening.
Derby Day River Cruise
On Derby Day we will arrive in style...
You're in for a real treat as we've hired a boat to transfer us to the racecourse.
You'll enjoy spectacular views with a complimentary bar and canapes throughout the journey whilst you cruise along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers direct to Flemington Racecourse.
Call of the Card Luncheon
On Monday, the day before the Melbourne Cup, we'll attend the famous Call of the Card luncheon held at the Crown Casino.
Enjoy an all-inclusive three course meal with interviews from leading jockeys and trainers.
This all precedes a spectacle like no other whereby the country's biggest punters take on the bookies for the following day's Melbourne Cup, staking up to a million dollars per bet!
Trip Extensions
With most flights connecting enroute to Melbourne, why not use this as an excuse to stop off and see more of another destination? Fly via Singapore or Dubai and spend a few days on your way, or way back. Or alternatively why not see more of Australia by travelling onto another city?
Our recommended trip extensions are outlined below, for more information please enquire.
Flights
If required, we can include flights to Melbourne within any of our experiences.
There are connecting flights from most major UK airports with a range of airlines and also one direct flight option with Qantas from London Heathrow.
Extended stopovers are possible for those looking to spend a few nights whilst connecting in locations such as Dubai or Singapore.
Flight upgrades are available to Premium Economy, Business & First Class.
Reviews
"Just returned from our trip to the Melbourne cup 2024. Stunning experience. Superb service from our initial welcome break to check out. Couldn’t have wished for better."
Happy Welshman, 2024