The Great River Hop 2026
Embark on an exclusive tour that culminates in the thrilling Great Steamboat Race – a cherished tradition of the Kentucky Derby Festival for over 50 years, filled with excitement, delicious food, fine bourbon, and classic riverboat racing leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Our adventure begins in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, aboard the beautiful Belle of Cincinnati, an authentic paddle wheeler boasting Victorian charm.
Included: Transportation, 6 nights lodging, 6 dinners (1 dinner show), 6 breakfast, tax and gratuity for all meals and boat staff, luggage handling, the Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, Derby Dinner Theatre, American Sign Museum, We are Marshall tour, Great River Race against the Belle of Louisville, snacks, water, games, and great Friendly tours service.
Day 1 Sat Apr 25:
Today we make our way west for an overnight stay in Eastern Ohio. Dinner tonight is included at Cracker Barrel.
DDay 2 Sun Apr 26:
Breakfast is included at our hotel this morning before we make our way to Kentucky. We will make a stop at the American Sign Museum prior to checking into the Fairfield Inn in Newport, KY. Dinner tonight is included at Hofbrauhaus German restaurant.
B, DDay 3 Mon Apr 27:
We start our day with breakfast on the Belle of Cincinnati before we depart down the Ohio River. The Belle features two enclosed decks and a wonderful open-air top deck. During our daytime sail, you will enjoy food, fun activities, crafts, and picturesque scenery. A highlight is our passage through the Markland Lock and Dam, offering up-close look at the workings of our inland waterways. After dinner, we will dock for the night and stay at the luxurious Belterra Resort and Spa, where you can relax or try your luck at the casino.
B, L , DDay 4 Tue Apr 28:
the next day promises more stunning scenery, delightful food, and entertainment as we cruise into Louisville, Kentucky beautiful Waterfront Park. We will check in to the Hampton Inn before heading out for dinner and fantastic performance of "Hairspray" at the renowned Derby Dinner Playhouse.
B, L , DDay 5 Wed Apr 29:
Day three starts with tours of Louisville's key attractions - Frazier Museum and Kentucky Derby Museum, with a delicious lunch along the way. The grand finale awaits as we return to the Belle of Cincinnati to race against the legendary Belle of Louisville! This exciting event includes a Heaven Hill Bourbon tasting, a delicious meal, and plenty of lively "Riverboat Shenanigans" as we cheer for our win. Remember, the only rules in a riverboat race are "There are no rules!"
B, L , DDay 6 Thu Apr 30:
We say goodbye to Louisville and make our way back towards home with a surprise lunch stop and a tour of Marshall University, home of we are Marshall, before checking into our hotel in West Virginia. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant.
B, DDay 7 Fri May 1:
We continue our journey home with great memories and new friends. We should arrive back home in the early evening.
BB=Breakfast, L =Lunch, D =Dinner
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