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Kentucky Bourbon Country Bike Tour

Bluegrass, Bourbon, and Horse Country in Versailles, Shakertown, and Lexington

Tour Duration

6D / 5N

Trip Style

Signature, Classic Guided

Activity Level

2, 3

Hotel Level

Combined

Bikes

Trek Domane SL 7
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

View details

Starting from

$3,799.00 per person

See dates

Experience the beauty of the Bluegrass State as you explore verdant landscapes, world-class horse farms, and the vibrant heart of Lexington.

The rolling hills of Kentucky bluegrass draw your eyes to the horizon, meandering stone fences and old-time music take your mind back in time and endless miles of shaded country roads draw your heart around the next bend. Ride past world-class horse farms, taste fine bourbon straight from the source, and trace the paths of the Kentucky and Salt Rivers through lush green landscapes as you discover the many faces of this beautiful region. You will flow from your own room in a castle near Versailles to starlit lights at a well-preserved historic Shaker village and on to lively downtown Lexington. Soak in the history, the stories, and the craftsmanship around every corner that make the Bluegrass State such a special place to visit.

Trip Wows
  • Cycle through the horse capital of the world, past the Kentucky Horse Park and countless farms

  • Indulge in premier spirits during private tours and tastings at the boutique Limestone Branch and Castle & Key Distilleries

  • Lose yourself in a bygone era as you learn about the history of the Pleasant Hill Shakers on a guided hayride tour

  • Taste the fresh goodness of on-site gardens with farm to table meals at Castle Farms and The Trustees' Table

  • Learn about equine culture and get up close to the award-winning horses of MeadowCreek Farm on a private tour

Two horses sniff noses

MeadowCreek Farm

Private horse farm tour

Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the beautiful MeadowCreek Farm.


What Guests are Saying
Woman in cycling gear with a horse

Kentucky is an amazing place to ride. The road surfaces were some of the best we have experienced. The beauty of the surrounding farms was a joy to see each day. We also loved the visit to Jimmie’s horse farm and the different distilleries. This was one of our favorite trips due to the itinerary and beautiful countryside.

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Joan, Trek Travel Guest

A group of cyclists pose in front of a wall mural

My wife and I just finished a week of riding through Bourbon Country. If you like scenic country roads with smooth pavement, short but challenging hills, and patient drivers, this is the trip for you! It was a fantastic trip and I don't even like bourbon.

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Bob, Vero Beach, FL

Couple standing with their bikes in a forested area

We would repeat this trip next week! Beautiful surroundings, fun sights, nice hotels, terrific guides, and great riding.

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Teresa, Lexington, KY

Group at a gourmet picnic

There was very little traffic and the routes were outstanding. There was no shortage of food and drink before, during and after the rides. The guides were exceptional. There was a good balance of riding and non-riding activities. It was the best biking week of my life!

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Steve, Green Bay, WI


Three cyclists ride across iron bridge

Great Ride

Wilmore to Versailles

Ride alongside the Kentucky River and several of its tributary drainages as you cross unique bridges and pass through forests and small farms.


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
Aerial view of the Kentucky Castle from the front with clouds and landscape in the background
Photo of the lobby of the Kentucky Castle, looking up the main staircase
Interior view of the Kentucky Castle, looking up the main staircase in the lobby
Aerial view of exterior of the back of the Kentucky Castle at sunset
Upstairs view of the Kentucky Castle lobby with yellow flowers in foreground
Versailles, Kentucky
The Kentucky Castle
Luxury

Is that a castle in the middle of horse country? You bet it is. The main entrance to this enchanting hotel opens to a lobby with a grand staircase where you will be welcomed and shown to your room in the castle. A farm to table restaurant called Castle Farms, pool and spa, organic garden, koi pond, and fire pit complete this experience fit for a king and queen. There’s literally no other property in Kentucky like it.

...

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White fence and white stonewashed building at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
View through a doorway into bedroom at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Dining room scene at the Trustee's Table, server addressing a 2-top of seated diners
Aerial view of buildings and roads at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Explorer

Join us as we step back in time to a simpler era at Shaker Village. Sitting on 3,000 acres of untouched farmland, prairie, and forest, this property is exceptional at delivering the simpler, finer things. Stroll the gardens and enjoy miles of trails before dinner at the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, and then relax in your simple but spacious room, located in the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings. Trek Travel guests will also enjoy a private hayride tour and some relaxed, unstructured free time to unwind from the rigors of everyday life. Please note that the accommodations at Shaker Village are quite basic and can feel rustic, as they reflect the simple lifestyle of the original Shakers.

...

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Interior view of hotel room with bed and pink couch
21C Museum Hotel Lexington bathroom
21C Museum Hotel Lexington bar
21C Museum Hotel Lexington bathroom
Lexington, Kentucky
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
Explorer

At first, you may think this unique hotel conspires to confuse you. Is it an art gallery? Is it a boutique property? The answer is “yes.” The name is a testament to its commitment to the art of today, showcasing living, working 21st century artists. The entranceway, lobby, restaurant, upstairs gallery spaces, and even elevator landings feature this art, and much of the building is a work of art itself. 21c’s design seamlessly blends the architecture of its history with modern touches, while an extremely walkable location will assure that you’re in the center of the action during your stay.

...

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Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
New in 2023 Domane SL 7 Road
Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the latest Trek Domane is the best way to enjoy the ride. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels come standard on every bike. The road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology lets you ride as long as you want with less fatigue. The bike you ride on a biking vacation matters. That is why we provide the newest and best bikes in the business.

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Verve+ electric assist lowstep bike E-Bike
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+

Fun from the first pedal stroke, our e-bikes give you the boost you want to venture further on your bike tour. With its low-step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ is super easy. The front suspension will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through amazing terrain, with energy to spare.

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Trek Domane+ SLR bike Electric road
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

Take the tailwind with you and leave your limits behind on the Domane+ SLR 7. With a groundbreaking ratio of ultra-lightweight design and electric assist, the Domane+ has everything you love in a road bike, with the extra boost to take you farther than ever before. This performance e-road bike will assist you on the climbs and enable you to venture further on your cycling vacation. So go ahead—take the long way. With Domane+ SLR 7, there’s always room for more distance, more speed, and more fun!
Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR 7 on this trip for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See trip dates for details.

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Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Classic Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • The second hotel on this trip, where you will stay for two nights, is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – a landmark destination. This property features guest rooms in restored Shaker buildings. These rooms are simple, with Shaker reproduction furniture, original hardwood floors and limited amenities compared to the other properties featured on our Bourbon Country Bike Tour.
  • The roads in central Kentucky, while generally quiet and in good condition, are often narrow and lacking a proper shoulder. On some occasions our routes utilize busier roads for short sections in order to connect the quiet roads. Of course, the Trek Travel van is always available for shuttling for those who wish to skip the busier sections.
  • The Domane+ is available starting in 2025. See 2025 dates for details and bike availability.

Before and After Your Trip

Weather

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (°F) 42.0° 45.0° 55.0° 67.0° 75.0° 83.0° 86.0° 86.0° 79.0° 67.0° 55.0° 45.0°
High (°C) 5.6° 7.2° 12.8° 19.4° 23.9° 28.3° 30.0° 30.0° 26.1° 19.4° 12.8° 7.2°
Low (°F) 25.0° 28.0° 35.0° 45.0° 55.0° 63.0° 67.0° 65.0° 58.0° 46.0° 37.0° 29.0°
Low (°C) -3.9° -2.2° 1.7° 7.2° 12.8° 17.2° 19.4° 18.3° 14.4° 7.8° 2.8° -1.7°
Rain (in) 1.82° 1.89° 2.4° 2.41° 2.71° 2.58° 2.77° 1.68° 1.29° 1.53° 1.81° 2.4°
FAQs

During the month of May, expect daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and nighttime lows in the mid-50s. In early June, the average high is in the low 80s and the average low is around 60 degrees. Please check the forecast in the days prior to your departure, always be prepared to dress in layers, and bring your rain gear, as rain is always a possibility in this region. Remember to bring along comfortable closed-toe shoes for the MeadowCreek Farm tour, long pants for the Day 2 hayride and a swimsuit if you wish to enjoy the pool at the Kentucky Castle. View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.
*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you’ll find our timeline.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735.
Read our Cancellation Policy

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Signature trip, we recommend between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself