Experience the Best of Louisville

April 24-28, 2025
5 days / 4 nights

Don’t just tour Louisville, Experience Louisville

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

Overall Trip Highlights

• The Brown Hotel: Experience the elegance of the historic Brown Hotel, a shining example of old-world charm and modern luxury.
• Old Louisville: Walk the streets of Old Louisville, home to the largest collection of Victorian homes in the U.S., narrating stories of the city’s prosperous past.
• Louisville Bat Factory: The museum showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history.
• Belle of Louisville: One of the oldest operational steamboats in the country, and relish the nostalgic melodies of its calliope.
• Dawn at the Downs Tradition with Southern Brunch and Mimosas: Experience the iconic Kentucky Derby week tradition with Dawn at the Downs, where you can witness a sunrise over the historic twin spires while thoroughbred horses warm up on the track.
• Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby Museum: Touring the Kentucky Derby Museum and having a guided track tour.
• Pegasus Parade VIP Experience: Enjoy reserved VIP seating at the Pegasus Parade, a beloved Louisville tradition featuring colorful floats and giant helium balloons.
• Hermitage Horse Farm Tour: Experience the renowned thoroughbred operations, sustainable, organic farm-to-table dining and contemporary artwork displayed in a 19th-century estate.

Day One: Thursday, April 24, 2025 – Welcome to the Historic Charm of Louisville

Arrive in Louisville and check into the historic Brown Hotel, an iconic symbol of Southern hospitality since 1923 and you’ll instantly feel a sense of camaraderie with fellow travelers. The day is yours to relax and soak in the timeless elegance of the hotel, and share some laughter over a delightful dinner at the English Grill, where the hotel’s legendary Hot Brown dish was created.

The Brown Hotel: Louisville’s Landmark Hotel
An iconic destination inextricably woven into the fabric of the city, The Brown Hotel is opulent yet approachable – like a fine Kentucky bourbon that never overwhelms you with its history but instead entertains you with a lifetime of colorful stories.

Highlights

• Check-in at the iconic Brown Hotel, an iconic symbol of Southern hospitality since 1923
• Welcome Dinner together
• Spend a leisurely evening building relationships with like-minded new friends

Day Two: Friday, April 25, 2025 – A Step Back in Time

Today the group embarks on a journey back to Louisville’s gilded age, exploring the city’s finest Victorian homes nestled in Old Louisville. During the walking tour of Old Louisville,  you will witness twice as much history and architectural splendor.  This includes St. James Court, Ormsby Avenue, and Millionaires Row – the homes of bourbon barons and titans of tobacco from the 1800s and you’ll get an in-depth look at this iconic area. If you adore vintage homes and diverse neighborhoods, this tour is a must-visit! Following this, you will step aboard the Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark, and an enduring symbol of the importance of river commerce in American history. As you cruise the Ohio River on this century-old steamboat, you’ll marvel at its timeless charm and listen to tales of the Belle’s rich past. As day turns into evening, this collective journey through time sets the perfect backdrop for a delectable dinner at the River House Restaurant. Overlooking the same river you sailed earlier, you’ll share stories, laughter, and a delightful meal that helps strengthen your newfound bonds.

Highlights

• Unearth the city’s rich past through the Victorian architectural treasures with Louisville Historic Tours
• Experience the Belle of Louisville, one of the oldest operating steamboats, and learn about its significant history
• Enjoy a serene steamboat journey on the Ohio River, creating unforgettable memories with fellow travelers
• Conclude the day with an exquisite dinner at River House Restaurant & Raw Bar, complete with panoramic river views and Southern-inspired cuisine

Day Three: Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Baseball bats, blue skies, paneled fencing and friendly horses – a classic Kentucky scene

We will start the day with a tour of the Louisville Bat Museum to find out all that goes into making baseball bats for all the baseball teams!  It’s a very interesting and interactive tour.  Then, we willo escape the city and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscape of Kentucky’s horse country. We’ll hear tales of champion thoroughbreds and discover the meticulous process of breeding and training these incredible creatures. There’s something uniquely bonding about standing on the same grounds where racing legends were born and nurtured, creating an atmosphere of shared wonder and respect. The countryside exploration ends on a high note with a gourmet picnic amidst the rolling pastures – a perfect time to reflect on the day’s journey and share laughter over the fun facts you’ve learned.  Then, back to Louisville for a fun dinner together!

Highlights

• Taking a tour of the Louisville Bat Museum
• Experience the majestic beauty of Kentucky’s horse country, visiting famous farms and embracing shared moments of awe and wonder
• Discover the historical significance of the horse breeding and racing industry, deepening the group’s understanding and appreciation of this unique tradition
• Savor a picturesque picnic lunch in the countryside, bonding over shared stories and laughter
• Conclude the day with a delicious dinner where the day’s shared adventures are further enhanced by fine cuisine and camaraderie

Day Four: Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Dawn at The Downs Event – See The Kentucky Derby Horses Run! Plus VIP tickets to The Pegasus Parade – Kicking off The Kentucky Derby Festival

There are many traditions that take place during the week of the Kentucky Derby. One of those traditions is Dawn at the Downs. On the Sunday before the Kentucky Derby, you will watch the sun rise over the historic twin spires and watch the beautiful thoroughbred horses warm up on the track. Of course it wouldn’t be right if you weren’t doing so over a proper southern brunch whilst sipping on mimosas… so of course there is an enormous buffet of Southern goodness and bubbly for all.  If you would like to dress up slightly and wear a Fascinator or Hat, you are welcome to!  But, wear comfortable shoes!

Then, we will have a tour of the Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby Museum and will have a tour of the track so you can learn more about what happens at Churchill Downs!

The Pegasus parade starts at 3:00 PM and we have Reserved VIP seating. The Pegasus Parade has become a beloved local tradition in Louisville and an essential part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The parade features a wide variety of colorful and creatively designed floats. It also includes giant helium balloons, much like those seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Highlights

• Dawn at the Downs Tradition with Southern Brunch and Mimosas: Experience the iconic Kentucky Derby week tradition with Dawn at the Downs, where you can witness a sunrise over the historic twin spires while thoroughbred horses warm up on the track.
• Touring the Kentucky Derby Museum and having a Track Tour
• Pegasus Parade VIP Experience: Enjoy reserved VIP seating at the Pegasus Parade, a beloved Louisville tradition featuring colorful floats and giant helium balloons.
• We will have our Goodbye Dinner together at a wonderful Italian Restaurant!

Day Five: Monday, April 28, 2025 – Until Next Time, Louisville!

As the final day of your Kentucky adventure dawns, the group gathers for one last hearty breakfast at The Brown Hotel. There’s a shared sense of fulfillment and friendship and reminisce over the week’s shared experiences. Depart for the Muhammad Ali International Airport, where you bid farewell to your travel companions, promising to keep in touch. As you board your flight, you carry with you not just souvenirs, but also cherished memories, lasting friendships, and a newfound love for the historic city of Louisville.

Highlights

• Enjoy a final breakfast together at the historic Brown Hotel reflecting on the memories forged over the past few days
• Experience a smooth departure process with provided transportation from the hotel to the airport.
• Bid heartfelt goodbyes to your travel companions at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
• Depart from Louisville with cherished memories, treasured friendships, and a deep appreciation for this iconic city

Pricing

Flexible pay-as-you-go payment plan

How it Works:

Activity Level – moderate

There will be walking and standing during the tour.  You will need to be able to get in and out of a van.

It is your responsibly to fully read and understand the physical abilities that correlate to this Beatrice Bradley Experience. Difficulty level of activity is subject to individual interpretation so it is extremely important that you read the itinerary and reach out if you have concerns or questions.

If you have questions about the specifics of the physical activity during this trip, please give us a call at 763-784-8291

Role of a Beatrice bradley hostess

Beatrice Bradley is an Experience Company not a Tour Company.  The role of a Beatrice Bradley Host is to be warm and welcoming. To relate and connect. To have attention to details. And to manage the behind-the-scenes magic so your experience is one-of-a-kind. They are not local experts nor are they tour guides. We hire local experts, guides, and historians as each location warrants. They are expert hosts and manage the camaraderie and logistics of the experience. Our goal is that your hostess will make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and that you will walk away with new & lasting friendships made during an unforgettable experience.

Flight Details

Airport Pick Up is included when arriving at the designated airport within the specified pick up window.

Departure Airport: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Departure Date:  April 28, 2025
Drop off Times: Drop off times will vary

Important information

As a solo-traveler, we need you to provide self-awareness and an understanding that you are fully responsible for yourself. This includes: your possessions, your physical abilities or fitness, your attitude, and all other aspects that relate to traveling solo in a group. 

• Connect with our Members on our Private Facebook Group – Beatrice Bradley Member’s Only
• You must be able to manage your own luggage and all of your personal belongings on this trip
• This is not a handicap accessible able trip – you must be able to get in and out of a Large Passenger Transit Vehicle
• All Ground transportation is included on this trip
• Group Airport transfers are included in this trip
• This trip will have have a maximum of 12 women
• This trip will have 2 Beatrice Bradley Hostesses
• If you need a roommate, we will happily pair you with another Beatrice Bradley traveler
• Travel insurance is not included. Beatrice Bradley is not a licensed travel insurance operator nor is our staff trained to in travel insurance. You can choose to purchase travel insurance through any licensed provider you choose. We will ask you upon booking if you would like us to send you some suggested licensed insurance companies.