Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, United States
Louisville, United States

Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down

Outty Ranking 42 3.8 · 63 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $180
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

42/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down worth booking?

Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down is a 5-hour experience in Louisville, United States, from $180 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 63 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
42 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (63)
Duration
5 hours
From
$180 per person

Experience a unique sightseeing tour traditional bourbon distilleries (In Kentucky there are more than 20 distilleries to choose from) and Churchill Down and Take the stress out of going on your own by booking a special tour. Enjoy the tour and don’t worry about anything. Your guide leads you to iconic distilleries where you can learn about the bourbon production process and taste some special Bourbon (+21 years) and you can visit Churchill down. Finally, you have the option to add a third tourist place - cost additional Note: If you wish to add a third tourist place send an email to the tourist operator after making the reservation. Additional Information: - Minimum of two people required per tour. - You can customize your tour considering the initial scope - We depend on the availability of the distilleries, Churchill down - The tour start time may vary depending on the distilleries.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience a unique sightseeing tour traditional bourbon distilleries (In Kentucky there are more than 20 distilleries to choose from) and Churchill Down and Take the stress out of going on your own by booking a special tour. Enjoy the tour and don’t worry about anything. Your guide leads you to iconic distilleries where you can learn about the bourbon production process and taste some special Bourbon (+21 years) and you can visit Churchill down. Finally, you have the option to add a third tourist place - cost additional Note: If you wish to add a third tourist place send an email to the tourist operator after making the reservation. Additional Information: - Minimum of two people required per tour. - You can customize your tour considering the initial scope - We depend on the availability of the distilleries, Churchill down - The tour start time may vary depending on the distilleries.

    What's included

    Included

    • Admissión Tickets - 01 distilleries and Churchill down OR 02 distilleries
    • Bottled water
    • you will receive an itinerary via email with the start time (depends on distillery availability)
    • We pick up all travelers in their respective hotels ( Downtown Louisville )

    Not included

    • Infant seats aren´t available
    • Lunch
    • ($ 29.99) Additional distillery

    What you'll see and do

    1. Churchill Downs

      Historic walking tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack • “The Greatest Race,” and a 360 ° media experience that will make your heart race and emotions soar. You also have two floors of family-friendly interactive exhibits, meet the Thoroughbred horses and the fantastic pony. At the end you have Access to the Gift Shop. (90 minutes) Note: We are subject to the schedule and availability of the tours depending on the demand and management of Churchill downs.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Woodford Reserve Distillery

      OPTIONAL: WoodFord distillery where we will know and see about the Bourbon production process and history. Finally you will taste the best products of the distillery

      75 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Maker's Mark

      Optional: Excellent Distillery so we visit Makers Mark and will do the Tour or tasting

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Buffalo Trace Distillery

      Bourbon tour - Frankort

      75 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Louisville

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Bourbon Experience

    Know before you go

    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 2Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 3Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 4Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 5Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 6Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down in Louisville, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 63 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    63 verified traveler reviews for Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    29
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    10
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    8
    Sort
    Diana_B · September 2026

    The Occasional Drinker

    A lot of walking if you are an older person with slow legs. Be mindful of the liquor tasting when mixing clear with browns

    via Viator

    Ricardo_C · September 2026

    Don’t do it!!!

    The driver was amazing, the owner was horrible. Sent itinerary at 2 am the day of( I was asleep) only took us to one distillery and we did sent a message beforehand that we wanted 2 distilleries. Don’t take this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re very happy to hear that you had a great experience with your driver. We’re sorry we could not meet your expectations. You expected additional distilleries based on reviews from other guests; however, those guests selected different options or had different itineraries. You received your itinerary and only requested additional distilleries at the last moment. We offered you the option to add another distillery for an additional fee, but you chose not to add it. When time and availability allow, we sometimes include an extra stop as a courtesy, but we cannot guarantee services beyond the scope of the tour purchased. We appreciate your feedback and wish you the best.

    via Viator

    Frank_H · July 2026

    Disappointed for the money

    The tours themselves were very nice, once we actually got to them because our driver was 20 minutes late to start the day picking us up. The Buffalo Trace tour is pretty cool and if we were on time for the downs tour, we have gotten to hear and see more. Beware side trips. Folks on our tour bus had a stop at Boulett which caused us to be late to the downs tour…we weren’t told that would happen. Final note, be sure to ask if your tour driver speaks without an accent that you might not be able to understand 50% of what they say. Best advice….drive yourself (if you have a rental). The scenery is wonderful, you’ll be at your own pace and you’ll save probably over $100.

    via Viator

    Robert_S · July 2026

    Lack of communication

    The day was a complete mess. Was told to meet at my hotel in a confirmation email. Then I was messaged saying the pick up was somewhere else and I needed to get there immediately or we would be left. Started heading that way and the driver came to the original location and had to come back to get on bus. Additionally we booked a trip with bourbon tasting and Church Hill downs. Once we get on the bus we found out everyone else on the bus was doing a completely different tour. It was very disorganized. Will not use this vendor again.

    via Viator

    larryharper188 · July 2026

    Good tour.

    Would like to see more of the Churchill Downs and maybe a little more time there. The Buffalo Trace tour was good.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    22
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Bourbon Experience, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.6.

    See everything Bourbon Experience runs

    Why this scores 42

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)30
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Louisville.

    How much does Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down cost?

    +

    Prices start at $180 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Louisville usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Louisville is not rushed.

    Is Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 63 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Louisville, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down?

    +

    Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Louisville can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Louisville and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Louisville within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Louisville?

    +

    Louisville runs bourbon distillery tours and tastings along the Urban Bourbon Trail, Churchill Downs and Derby Museum visits, Louisville Slugger factory tours and river cruises. On Outty we rank every Louisville experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Historic Old Louisville Walking Tour, ORIGINAL Old Louisville Walking Tour seen in The New York Times!, Secrets of Louisville: 3hr NuLu Food & History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Louisville?

    +

    April to June and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Louisville?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down?

    +

    Included: Admissión Tickets - 01 distilleries and Churchill down OR 02 distilleries; Bottled water; you will receive an itinerary via email with the start time (depends on distillery availab; and We pick up all travelers in their respective hotels ( Downtown Louisville ). Not included: Infant seats aren´t available; Lunch; and ($ 29.99) Additional distillery. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Louisville. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down?

    +

    Across 63 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark OR Buffalo trace + Churchill Down.

    Pick your date