The 10 Best Guided Tours in Kentucky! By
Penny Fox
Ever wish you could take a trip and not have to plan all the details? Guided tours may be your answer. Walk, sit, ride, or fly your way to fun by trying any of the great guided tours in Kentucky. Nothing makes an experience more immersive than an expert guide to narrate your tour. There are tours for foodies, animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who want to add a little adventure in their lives. Whatever tour you pick, have fun! Here are the 10 best guided tours in Kentucky.
1. City Taste Tours, Louisville, KY
Whether this is your first time visiting the area, or you just want to increase your knowledge, City Taste Tours in Louisville is a great way to see the sights, learn more about local history and landmarks, visit fun shops for souvenirs, and pick the best restaurants. From the comfort of an air-conditioned bus tour you’ll be able to experience a side of the city that you’ve never seen before. Most tours are 3-4 hours long, and you can book your tour based on your schedule and availability any day except Sunday. Private tours can also be arranged for any occasion.
2. Unique Horse Farm Tour, Lexington, KY
Kentucky is famous for its horses and there’s no better way to see the real Kentucky than by taking a tour that doesn’t horse around. With over 30 years of experience, Unique Horse Farm Tours based in Lexington offers 2.5 to three-hour tours that celebrate and showcase the time-honored methods of raising and training thoroughbreds in the Bluegrass State. As part of the tour, you’ll visit one of the horse farms in the area, a swimming pool for horses, or see a special hospital that offers treatments for horses. There’s so much to do. Pricing is very reasonable, and you can call for booking any day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Haunted History Walking Tour, Bowling Green, KY
Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary way to see Kentucky? The Haunted History Walking Tour may be just the ticket. Located in Bowling Green, this tour is not your typical haunted house experience. You and your guide will take a downtown tour of several houses that have played a part in the town’s history. You’ll hear about events that occurred during the Civil War that helped shape the town. Family friendly, parents should know that there will be stories told about death and other events that may be inappropriate for some children. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for kids, and $10 for WKU students. Check website to book a tour.
4. Jim Beam American Stillhouse Tour, Clermont, KY
Kentucky is the Bourbon Capital of the World, and Clermont, Kentucky, is the location where the world’s premier bourbon is made. Take this intimate guided tour through the process of mashing, distilling, barreling, aging, and bottling led by a Master Distiller. The tour includes lunch, private tour, stories about bourbon’s unique history in Kentucky, a tasting, and a commemorative bottle to take home. Tours can be booked any day of the week, and there’s a gift shop on premise.
5. Mammoth Cave Adventure Tour, Cave City, KY
If you love the outdoors and have been looking for a great way to spend more time there and do something new and exciting, Mammoth Cave Adventure Tour is your answer. These unique and one-of-a kind tours will take you to places you’ve never been to see a side of Kentucky you’ve never seen. Located in Cave City, there are two canopy tours that involve ziplines and walking in the treetops (literally). There’s a super swing, a 70-foot drop tower and a one-hour trail for horseback riding for all ages. You’re in the hands of experienced guides who will make sure everything is done safely and with minimum risk. Very family friendly, reservations are not required.
6. Heaven Hill Bourbon Tour, Bardstown, KY
Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, was established in 1935, and has been family owned and operated ever since. Recipients of multiple awards including Whisky of the Year, Distiller of the Year, Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Double Gold Medal Winner, the main goal here is to preserve and share the rich heritage of American whiskey. There are two tour options available, and both are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the impact of whiskey distilling in the state. After the tour, you can try several of the popular brands of Bourbon and visit the gift shop.
7. Red River Gorge Zipline Tour, Campton, KY
The beautiful Red River Gorge is the setting for this popular zipline tour attraction that’s rated the area’s top adventure. Expert guides will take you on an adrenaline-rushing ride 300 feet above the ground at speeds up to 55 mph. Everyone has a great time, and you’ll see Kentucky as you’ve never seen it before. Tours are typically two to three hours, and for any age as long as weight is between 70 and 250 pounds. Reservations are not required, and you can visit the website for answers to frequently asked questions.
8. Trolley de’Ville Fun Tour, Louisville, KY
Take a step back in history to the time when streetcars and trolleys were the mode of public transportation around Louisville. There are few towns as exciting as Louisville with its unique history, outstanding restaurants, incredible neighborhoods, and interesting people. Trolley de’Ville Fun Tours offer a chance to see the city with well-prepared guides who can share stories about historic events and not-so-well-known tales on a number of 75-minute tours at places like Churchill Downs, various Bourbon distilleries, Whiskey Row, the Old Louisville Victorian Neighborhood, and much more. Public or private tours can be arranged any day except Sundays by visiting the website.
9. Belle of Louisville Riverboats, Louisville, KY
Come explore Louisville on the water with the Belle of Louisville. Based at the waterfront in downtown Louisville, this steamboat is owned by the city, and gives you the change to see the area like it was seen by Native Americas and settlers hundreds of years ago when the Ohio River was the main mode of transportation. Join others who enjoy living history tours on one of the climate controlled steamboats with concession stands, dance floor, stage, indoor and outdoor seating, and great sound system so you don’t miss a single story. These two-hour tours can be scheduled any day of the week except Saturday and Sunday, and some tours include dinner or other special events.
10. Historic Tour of Louisville, KY
There are so many things to do and see in downtown Louisville, it’s hard to do everything. Louisville Historic Tours give you an experience of learning about the majestic and grand Victorian neighborhoods that were built during one of the city’s highest periods of growth. There are more than 1,000 homes built between 1880 and 1905 covering roughly 45-square blocks that show a wide variety of architecture designs like Italianate, Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne, and many more. This 90-minute walking tour is only $20 per person and offered daily.
