Lexington’s top tours center around three main draws: thoroughbred horses, bourbon, and Southern culture. Private horse farm visits stand out as the region’s must-do experience, letting you walk through legendary stables and meet championship horses up close. The city’s food walking tours efficiently connect visitors with authentic Kentucky flavors, while distillery tours offer intimate looks at bourbon-making (with plenty of tastings). Active travelers should consider the exciting combo tours featuring zip lines and clay shooting at local farms. For a cultural perspective, guided visits to the stately Ashland Henry Clay Estate reveal genuine Bluegrass heritage. These carefully selected tours blend local expertise with historical authenticity, making the most of limited sightseeing time. Let’s explore the best tour options Lexington has to offer.
Key Points
- Lexington offers diverse tour options, including insider access to private horse farms, immersive food and drink experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and insightful historical/cultural explorations.
- Horse farm tours provide the opportunity to interact with thoroughbreds and learn about the region’s equine heritage, with high traveler satisfaction rates.
- Food and drink tours showcase local specialties and distilleries, featuring engaging guides, abundant tastings, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Adventure and outdoor tours, such as zipline canopy experiences and farm tours with clay pigeon shooting, cater to thrill-seekers and groups.
- Historical and cultural tours explore significant landmarks, galleries, and estates, often with small group sizes and high-quality ratings.
Unique Horse Farm Tours With Insider Access to Private Farms
For those seeking an immersive equine experience in Lexington, the Unique Horse Farm Tours offer insider access to prestigious private facilities usually closed to the public.
These tours showcase the best facilities in the region, allowing visitors to interact with thoroughbreds and gain insights into horse care and breeding.
The 2.5-3 hour tours, available in the morning or afternoon, provide the opportunity to meet and feed the horses, enhancing the personal experience.
Led by professional guides, the tours transport guests in an air-conditioned bus to three carefully selected horse facilities.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tours are stroller-friendly and accommodate service animals.
With a 97% recommendation rate from over 1,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5, the Unique Horse Farm Tours have earned a reputation for knowledgeable guides, memorable interactions, and an overall enjoyable experience.
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Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour
Exploring Lexington’s vibrant culinary scene and rich history, the Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour offers an immersive three-hour experience for visitors. Priced at €95.10 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour showcases 4-5 curated food tastings from award-winning local restaurants.
Visitors can sample specialties like Bacon Macaroni Beignets, House Made Beer Cheese, and Pittsburg-Style Hangar Steak as they stroll through the city’s architecturally significant buildings and vibrant murals.
Knowledgeable guides share well-researched, inclusive histories of landmarks such as Skuller’s Clock, The Square, and Phoenix Park. The tour also provides opportunities to engage with Kentucky’s food culture, focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
Alcoholic beverages are available at each stop, with suggested cocktails. With a 5/5 overall rating based on 5 reviews, the tour earns praise for its informative and entertaining guides, delicious food, and engaging experiences.
Visitors are encouraged to book early in their trip to make the most of the local dining and attraction advice provided.
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Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington
The tour’s highlights include Benedictine spread, macaroni beignet, and hangar steak with garlic mash, allowing participants to discover the diverse food scene of downtown Lexington.
Reviewers praise the tour’s mix of food tasting and historical storytelling, though some suggest a desire for more locally-focused culinary experiences.
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Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour
Boasting a rich history and vibrant culinary scene, the Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors to Lexington.
Priced at $110 per person, this 4-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s past and present, highlighting its renowned distilleries and farm-to-table cuisine.
Participants can expect to savor three plates of Kentucky fare, enjoy two bourbon tastings, and learn about Lexington’s captivating history from a local foodie guide.
The tour features 5-6 stops, including 4 drinks paired with heavy appetizers, allowing guests to indulge in the district’s diverse offerings.
Wheelchair-accessible and open to those 21 and older, the tour has garnered a perfect 5/5 rating from previous participants who praise the abundance of food, excellent guides, and overall enjoyment.
Whether you’re a couple, group, solo traveler, or family, this tour promises an unforgettable taste of Lexington’s distillery district.
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Half-Day Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour in Kentucky
For those seeking an immersive glimpse into Kentucky’s renowned thoroughbred industry, the Half-Day Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour in Lexington offers a captivating experience.
This 3-hour small-group tour takes visitors to Keeneland Race Course and local thoroughbred farms, providing a personalized and insider’s perspective. With 98% of travelers recommending the tour and a 4.9/5 rating from 1,678 reviews, it’s clear this is a must-do activity.
Guests praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who share engaging stories and offer unique opportunities to interact with the majestic horses. The tour’s highlights include the beauty of the horse farms and Keeneland, as well as the informative nature of the experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most visitors with comfortable walking shoes. With a minimum of 4 guests required during the off-season, this tour offers an exclusive and immersive look into Kentucky’s thoroughbred legacy.
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Lexington: Fully Guided Zipline Canopy Tour
Thrilling adventure awaits visitors at the Lexington: Fully Guided Zipline Canopy Tour in Boone Creek Gorge, Kentucky. Priced from $99 per person, this 2.5-hour tour takes participants on a journey through the lush forest, featuring 6 ziplines, 3 suspended bridges, and a rappel.
The tour is suitable for families, with a maximum group size of 10 people. Participants will start at the welcome center, where they’ll meet the guides, gear up, and learn about the equipment. Ground school ensures everyone is comfortable with braking and active participation before the course progresses, gradually increasing in difficulty.
Highlights include a thrilling 1400-foot zipline across the gorge and the opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s history while ziplining.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 21 reviews, the Lexington: Fully Guided Zipline Canopy Tour is a must-try experience for visitors to Lexington. Guests praise the excellent guides, safety, humor, and the tour’s beautiful natural setting.
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Fully Guided Zipline Canopy Tour Through Kentucky River Palisades
This 2.5-hour Fully Guided Zipline Canopy Tour takes adventurers on an exhilarating journey through the stunning Kentucky River Palisades. With its 100% recommended rating and Badge of Excellence, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Soaring over the picturesque landscape, guests can enjoy unique aerial views while learning about the area’s early settler history. The tour features six ziplines, three suspension bridges, a floating staircase, and a rappel, all led by certified guides who prioritize safety and create a fun atmosphere.
Conveniently located just 500 yards from the I-75 exit, the tour is ideal for team building and group outings. Priced at $101.54 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour can accommodate up to 10 travelers per group.
Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides, the stunning scenery, and the educational aspects of the experience. While not suitable for those with certain medical conditions, this zipline adventure offers an exhilarating and memorable way to explore the Kentucky River Palisades.
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From Lexington: Kentucky Horse Farms Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive experience into Kentucky’s renowned horse culture can embark on the 3-hour Kentucky Horse Farms Tour from Lexington. Priced at $49 per person, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of horse racing, breeding, and care.
Guests will visit three renowned horse attractions, including options like KatieRich Farms and The Thoroughbred Center, and enjoy opportunities to interact with the animals, from feeding them treats to observing their swimming sessions. Knowledgeable local guides provide insightful commentary, sharing their deep understanding of the region’s rich horse history and traditions.
With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 67 reviews, the tour earns high praise for its scenic views, close encounters with horses, and exceptional value for money. Accessible via an air-conditioned bus from the Embassy Suites, the tour provides a flexible and hassle-free experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Distillery District Food & History Tour in Lexington
For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience in Lexington beyond the renowned horse farms, the Distillery District Food & History Tour offers an enticing alternative. This 3-hour walking tour showcases the city’s vibrant distillery district, where participants can sample a variety of local favorites, including cocktails, burgoo stew, and award-winning ice cream.
Led by a knowledgeable foodie guide, the tour provides insights into Lexington’s rich history and culinary heritage. With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Highlights include 5 food plates and 3 alcoholic beverages, making it a well-rounded gastronomic adventure.
The tour is wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation, ensuring accessibility for all. Glowing reviews from past participants, who praise the tour guides’ professionalism and passion, further attest to the tour’s quality and popularity.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a unique way to experience Lexington, this Distillery District tour is a must-consider.
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Lexington: Horse Farm Tour and Keeneland Race Track Visit
Lexington, the self-proclaimed “Horse Capital of the World,” offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the equine culture that permeates the region.
The Lexington Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour and Scenic Bluegrass is a 3.5-hour experience that takes guests on a journey through the heart of this equine haven.
For $42 per person, travelers can discover the training and breeding practices that make Lexington a hub for Thoroughbred racing. They’ll visit historic Keeneland Race Course, where some of the sport’s most iconic films were shot, and explore the beautiful Bluegrass countryside.
With knowledgeable local guides providing insights, guests can expect a comprehensive and captivating tour.
Catering to adults and seniors, the tour operates rain or shine and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 274 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Lexington’s rich equine heritage.
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Full-Day Lexington Farm Tour With Clay Pigeon Shooting
Although Lexington is renowned for its vibrant equine culture, this full-day tour offers visitors a unique blend of activities that extend beyond the city’s celebrated horse farms.
The tour begins with a morning of clay target shooting at a members-only venue, providing an adrenaline-fueled start to the day. Guests will then have the opportunity to visit three renowned horse farms in the Lexington area, allowing them to interact with these magnificent animals and capture social media-worthy photos.
A included lunch at a local restaurant provides a chance to refuel before continuing the adventure. The tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring a personalized experience, and is easily accessible with pickup from the Embassy Suites.
With an overall 5-star rating, this tour promises an engaging and memorable day exploring the diverse offerings of Lexington.
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Lexington: Ashland Henry Clay Estate Ticket With Guided Tour
Visitors exploring Lexington can discover the captivating legacy of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman, by touring his estate, Ashland. The 50-minute to 1-hour guided tour offers an insightful experience, with English-language narration, for £20.30 per person.
Guests can choose from various tour options, including the Signature Tour, Women’s Voices Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, and Art & Grounds Tour.
Highlights of the tour include learning about Clay’s historical significance, viewing his collection of artifacts, and exploring the estate’s beautiful gardens and walking paths.
Visitors can also opt for a Combo Tour, which combines the Signature Tour with either the Women’s Voices or Traces tour.
With a 4.9/5 overall rating and a 4.8/5 guide rating, the tour provides excellent value for money. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Lexingtons Art Walk Tour
For those eager to dive deeper into Lexington’s vibrant art scene, the Lexington’s Art Walk Tour offers an exceptional opportunity. Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 24 reviews, this 2-hour walking tour is highly recommended by 96% of travelers.
Led by knowledgeable guides with local insights, the tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s hidden galleries and murals. Priced at $40 per person, the tour includes bottled water, refreshments, and time for photographs.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most visitors. Travelers can expect to discover unexpected art gems and gain unique perspectives on Lexington’s artistic community.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Guests have praised the guides, particularly Zach and Kate, for their expertise and ability to forge personal connections with the artists.
The Lexington’s Art Walk Tour is a must-do for art enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the city’s cultural offerings.
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Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour
Offering an exclusive glimpse into the world of thoroughbred racing, the Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour provides visitors with an immersive experience at the renowned Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, takes participants behind the scenes of the 230-acre property to witness the training and care of these magnificent racehorses.
Guests are transported via air-conditioned minibus from the meeting point to the barns, where they’ll observe training sessions and learn about the intricacies of thoroughbred care.
The knowledgeable driver/guide shares insights throughout the tour, which is praised for its engaging and informative nature. Visitors can even interact with the horses, petting and feeding them, creating lasting memories.
With an overall rating of 4.7 from 13 reviews, the Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour is a must-do for anyone interested in horses, racing, or farm operations, starting at just $16.35 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Sum Up
Lexington, Kentucky offers a variety of tours that showcase the city’s rich history, vibrant food scene, and world-renowned equine industry. From walking food tours to behind-the-scenes thoroughbred experiences, there’s something for every visitor. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s architectural heritage or sampling its local distilleries, Lexington’s tours provide an immersive and authentic way to explore the heart of the Bluegrass State.