May 29-June 2, 2025
Join Fr. Declan on a unique trip as we explore what was once the heart of the Catholic Church in the Midwest. We’ll start in Louisville visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption for Mass and a tour. Our first distillery experience will be here in Louisville. Then it’s off to Bardstown, the original seat of the Diocese west of the Appalachian Mountains to visit the Basilica of St. Joseph, Gethsemani Abbey (where the famed writer Thomas Merton lived) and several other interesting historical sites. Throughout the entire trip we will visit distilleries on the famous Bourbon trail such as Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, Makers Mark, Heaven’s Hill and more. We will learn how this part of the country became the Bourbon Trail and of course do lots of tasting. We will also enjoy a fabulous Ohio River Steamboat Cruise. Father is taking a very limited number of people on this trip. Spots will fill quickly. Register soon to not miss this fun-filled trip!
Cost per person (double occupancy): $1699 Single occupancy rate is: $2099
This price includes: 5 days/4 nights hotel, daily transportation on a coach bus from SJE, breakfast daily, riverboat cruise, all tours, Bourbon tastings, tips & daily Mass.
A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration. Final payment is due on or before March 15, 2025. No refunds can be given after this date. Deadline to register is March 15, 2025 or when all spots are filled.
Itinerary
Thursday 5/29
Today we will start out from SJE and head to Louisville! We will make a stop at a great lunch destination: The Village Market Food Hall in Louisville which houses a diverse collection of casual international eateries & bars in a contemporary, industrial space. Next, we will visit the Cathedral of the Assumption for Mass and a tour. Our first distillery visit will be after Mass. Tonight we will head out on a Riverboat Cruise for live music as we experience the joy of cruising on the Ohio River. Overnight in Louisville.
Friday 5/30
After breakfast we will head to St. Raphael Catholic Church for Mass and to meet up with one of Fr. Declan’s priest friends! From there it is off to a couple of different distilleries (Buffalo Trace & Bulleit) to experience tours, tastings and a unique perspective on crafting exceptional bourbons. Dinner on your own and Overnight in Bardstown, KY.
Saturday 5/31
Today is all about visiting the original heart of the Catholic Church in this region. After breakfast at our hotel we will visit Bishop Flaget’s log house. He was the first Bishop of Bardstown. He arrived at the house in 1811 and lived here for seven years. Now an interpretive museum, the house reflects the 1812 era remarkably well. Our next stop is the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral complex including Spalding Hall and Flaget Hall, and what was originally St. Joseph College. It is on the National Historic Register landmark because it’s noteworthy careful preservation. St. Joseph is the first cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains and thus the Proto-cathedral. You’ll have time for lunch before we head to the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. We’ll wrap up our day at 2 distilleries including the Heaven Hill Distillery for a tasting and tour and some beautiful views! Dinner and overnight in Bardstown.
Sunday 6/1
After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head to St. Rose Priory for Mass. St. Rose is a convent of the Dominican Order and is the first foundation of that Order in the United States. It is also the first Catholic educational institution west of the Allegheny Mountains. From here we’ll have a relaxing afternoon visiting two amazing bourbon distilleries (Woodford Reserve & Maker’s Mark) in the countryside of this beautiful region. Dinner and overnight in Bardstown, KY
Monday 6/2
After breakfast today we’ll stop by Gethsemani Abbey where the famous author Thomas Merton is buried. The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani is a Catholic monastery which is part of the Order of Cistercians (better known as the Trappists). We will celebrate Mass and have a tour. We will also get the chance to visit with one of the Brothers. Here you will find an amazing gift shop where you can purchase all sorts of things made by the monks (such as their famous fudge) and many religious items. From there we will head home with a stop at the Garage Hall Food Court in Indianapolis for a bite to eat. Arrival back at SJE this evening.
