2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Trip
Exploring the Bourbon Trail is a great activity for a weekend in Kentucky. With dozens of world-famous distilleries, charming small towns, and plenty of Southern hospitality, it’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway. A well-planned 2 day Bourbon Trail itinerary gives you a taste of Kentucky’s finest, mixing big-name distilleries, hidden gems, and plenty of great food along the way.
As a Kentucky local, I am excited to share this guide with you to help make the most of your 48 hours on the trail. This itinerary covers everything you need to know – from where to go, what to sip, and how to plan ahead for the smoothest (and tastiest!) trip possible.
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2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary: Quick Guide
Can’t Miss Distilleries:
Where to Stay
Guided Tours
What To Know Before You Go
Overview of the Bourbon Trail
The official Bourbon Trail has 60 destinations located in 27 Kentucky counties. However, there are even more distilleries, such as Buffalo Trace, that are definitely worth a visit if you’re in town.
The Bourbon Trail is a unique experience where you will learn about the history and indulge in the future of bourbon production. Even if you aren’t a bourbon drinker, I still recommend giving the Bourbon Trail a try. Many distilleries are located in beautiful horse country and have great restaurants!
How Many Distilleries Can You Visit in 2 Days?
My general recommendation is to visit no more than two distilleries per day when exploring the Bourbon Trail. However, if you have a 2 day trip planned, you should expect to comfortably visit 4-5 distilleries.
Best Towns To Stay In
For a 2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary, I recommend beginning your journey in Louisville. The airport in Louisville will have more options for airlines and flight times if you are traveling from out of state.
There are also multiple distilleries in the city within close proximity to each other making it the perfect starting point.
Bardstown will be the next city on your list. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” this is a must-visit town to explore their history and southern charm.
Looking for recommendations for where to stay? Check out my guide to the best places to stay on the Bourbon Trail
Should You Book Tours In Advance?
Yes! Many of the distilleries have limited spots on their tours and reservations can sell out weeks in advance.
Traveling in the Fall or Spring? Be mindful that these seasons bring a lot of visitors to the Kentucky area (especially if Keeneland is running) so you’ll want to plan out your stops in advance.
Day 1: Louisville and Bardstown
Morning
Begin your 2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary in Louisville. Get started bright and early with your first distillery stop of the day. I recommend visiting either Evan Williams Bourbon Experience or Angel’s Envy.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – Step back in time during this tour to meet Kentucky’s first licensed distiller, Evan Williams. You will learn about the history of Louisville’s whiskey row and end the tour with 4 tastings. Try to grab the first tour slot at 10AM.
Angel’s Envy – Take the fully guided distillery tour and learn about the entire bourbon making process. At the end you will have 3 tastings paired with chocolates (yum!). These tours are also offered in the morning – try to book the 10AM.
After you have completed your first tour of the day, hop in the car for about an hour drive towards our next city, Bardstown, KY.
Afternoon
When you arrive in Bardstown, stop in to Talbott Tavern for lunch.
This is one of my favorite Kentucky restaurants. The food was delicious and the history of the building and restaurant is so interesting. On our recent trip to Bardstown, we learned that the Talbott Tavern is the oldest tavern in Kentucky, dating back to 1779!
For distillery stop number two, I recommend checking out Bardstown Bourbon Company or Lux Rowe Distillers.
Bardstown Bourbon Company – With its glass-fronted still house and state-of-the-art facilities, it feels more like a modern craft brewery than a historic bourbon site. The distillery also has an excellent on-site restaurant, serving bourbon-inspired cuisine
Lux Rowe Distillers – With five distinct brands under one roof, Lux Row Distillers is definitely worth the trip. The tours are intimate, with friendly guides who walk you through the production process in detail.
Looking to check out other distilleries? Check out my list for the 12 Best Distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.
Evening
Downtown Bardstown is the perfect place to grab a great dinner and stroll the charming small town streets.
I recommend eating at the Rickhouse. This is an upscale dining option with delicious steaks, seafood and an extensive Bourbon list.
If you’re looking for something different than Bourbon, check out Scout and Scholar Brewing – a craft brewery with a great restaurant.
Unique Places to Stay in Bardstown
Jailer’s Inn – This B&B is in a prime location, just a ½ block from the court square in downtown Bardstown. There are 9 individual rooms and a full breakfast is provided. This stay is very unique as the building was actually used as a jail from 1797 – 1987. Check it out and become one of their “Inn-Mates”.
Talbott Tavern – This historic tavern and Inn is a must-visit in Bardstown. It is the oldest tavern in Kentucky, dating back to 1779.
The Trail Hotel – This luxury hotel is at the top of my list for our next trip to Bardstown. With 95 boutique guest rooms this new hotel provides an upscale retreat in the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World. If you visit, you have to check out their Bourbon and Bunkers Golf Simulator!
Day 2: Iconic Distilleries
Morning
Begin your second day on this Bourbon Trail Itinerary with some great breakfast in Downtown Bardstown.
On our recent visit, we grabbed pastries at Flour and Oak. The treats here were so yummy! They are pretty sweet, so be prepared for sugar rush!
The distilleries for the second day are focused on some of the most iconic Bourbon names.
Begin your day by visiting Maker’s Mark. This distillery is located in Loretto, Kentucky which is about 30-40 minutes outside of Bardstown. You will travel some windy country roads so give yourself plenty of time to arrive before your tour.
My husband and I recently enjoyed the Classic Maker’s Mark tour. We learned so much about the history of the company and the farm. The distillery grounds are stunning and we were blessed with beautiful weather to enjoy them.
My favorite part of the tour came at the end. In the gift shop, you can purchase a bottle of Maker’s Mark and dip it yourself in the famous red wax. This was a fun experience and a great souvenir!
Afternoon
After you finish your tour at Maker’s Mark, head back towards Bardstown. This is a great opportunity to grab one more lunch in this cute town. I recommend Bardstown Burger for a burger and one of their famous milkshakes.
After lunch, you can make your way back towards Louisville with a stop at one more distillery – Jim Beam.
While Jim Beam does have a location in Louisville, be sure to stop by their distillery in Clermont, Kentucky for the full experience. A tour here is a unique opportunity to journey through the Beam Bourbon Process.
Guests on the tour also have the opportunity to purchase and customize their own Knob Creek Single Barrel Bottle – another great souvenir!
Evening
After your tour at Jim Beam, head back to Louisville.
If you are staying another night in Louisville, you can always try to fit in one more distillery such as Old Forester or Whiskey Thief Distilling Company.
Places to Stay In Louisville
The Brown Hotel – Located in close proximity to Louisville’s popular destinations, the Brown Hotel has been a local favorite for over a century. This classic and elegant hotel truly stands out and is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious stay.
The Grady Hotel – The Grady hotel is where Bourbon history meets southern hospitality. Located inside a historic building built in 1883, it was originally commissioned by a pharmacist as a medicinal bourbon apothecary.
Looking for more recommendations on where to stay? Check out my full guide for Best Places to Stay on the Bourbon Trail (From a local!)
Tips for Making the Most of Your 2 Days
A successful Bourbon Trail trip comes down to preparation, and a little planning can make your two days run smoothly. First and foremost, book your tours in advance. Many of the most popular distilleries—like Maker’s Mark, and Jim Beam—sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
Reserving your spots ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on your must-visit tastings.
It’s also smart to start your days early.
Morning tours tend to be less crowded, and you’ll get to enjoy the distilleries before the midday rush.
Beginning early also allows you to pace yourself throughout the day, giving you time to enjoy lunch, explore, and fit in multiple distillery stops without feeling rushed.
Speaking of pacing, remember that bourbon tastings add up quickly.
A typical flight can include several pours, so take your time, and enjoy the storytelling and history that come with each experience.
Transportation is another big factor to consider.
For a worry-free option, many visitors choose to hire a bourbon trail tour company or shuttle service, which not only keeps everyone safe but also allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride between distilleries.
Check Out These Options for Fully Guided Tours
Kentucky Bourbon Tours – enjoy this personally curated experience, visiting Buffalo Trace + 2 distilleries of your choice.
B&C Bourbon Experience – with convenient pick-up and drop-off in Louisville, visit four bourbon trail distilleries
James Beam, Heaven Hill and Lux Row – Join Mint Julep Experiences for this bourbon tour, which includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch
Exploring the Bourbon Trail in just two days may sound ambitious, but with the right planning, it’s the perfect way to experience Kentucky’s signature spirit, rich history, and southern hospitality. From iconic distilleries to lesser known experiences, every stop offers a unique taste of what makes bourbon so special.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon fan or visiting for the first time, this 2-day Bourbon Trail itinerary provides the perfect balance of tastings, culture, and local flavor.
Raise a glass to good company, unforgettable memories, and the chance to discover why Kentucky truly is the birthplace of bourbon. Cheers to your Bourbon Trail adventure!
