Spirit of Kentucky — Bourbon & Bluegrass Southern Road Trip

Fly from the UK to Covington, USA.

Your journey begins in Covington, on the Kentucky bank of the Ohio River, where handsome historic streets and a lively riverfront set the tone for the road ahead. Hotel Covington places you right in the heart of it, steps from independent bars, local restaurants and the buzz of neighbouring Cincinnati just across the water. This is where Kentucky's bourbon story starts: explore Northern Kentucky's celebrated B-Line, home to standout craft distilleries like New Riff, and ease into the rhythm of the trip. It's the perfect soft landing before the road unwinds south into bourbon country proper.

Point the car south into the Bluegrass and Lexington rolls out horse country and heritage bourbon in equal measure. From your base at the Origin Hotel you're perfectly placed among some of the biggest names in the business, with Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey and Four Roses all within an easy drive. A Bluegrass Cocktails & Bites Walking Tour pairs local flavours with the city's lively Distillery District, while the surrounding countryside serves up white-fenced thoroughbred farms and the famous racing at Keeneland. Slow down, sip well, and see why this is the spiritual home of bourbon.

Save the best for last. Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, delivers small-town charm with serious pedigree, and the characterful Distill-Inn puts you in the thick of it. Heaven Hill, Barton 1792 and Willett are all close at hand, while an unmissable day trip to Maker's Mark at nearby Loretto rewards you with one of the most beautiful distilleries in the state. Step inside the family-run Limestone Branch for an intimate look at bourbon made the traditional way. Between tastings, wander the historic town centre and toast a road trip well travelled.

Drive from Bardstown to Nashville, then fly to the UK.