Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River

Exploring Memphis through this comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded look at one of America’s most musical and historically significant cities. Designed for those who want a mixture of sights, sounds, and flavors, this experience combines city landmarks, cultural insights, and scenic river views—all in one day. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone eager to get a true taste of Memphis’s soul.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its balance: the way it blends lively street scenes with meaningful museums, and the inclusion of a relaxing river cruise to wind down the day. Plus, the guided commentary is often praised for being knowledgeable and engaging. A potential hiccup might be the weather-dependent riverboat ride, which some reviews note was canceled due to rain. Still, even without the cruise, there’s plenty to enjoy. This tour best suits travelers who appreciate history, music, good food, and a bit of Southern charm—all packed into a manageable six-hour window.

Key Points

• The tour offers a rich mix of Memphis highlights, from Beale Street to Victorian mansions.
• Guided insights add context, making sights more meaningful.
• The riverboat cruise provides a scenic and relaxing perspective on the city’s most famous river.
• Participants get to enjoy a BBQ tasting, a Memphis staple.
• Museum options cater to diverse interests: civil rights, music, or automotive history.
• The tour’s pace is manageable, with enough time to explore and enjoy each stop.

An In-Depth Look at the Memphis Discovery Tour

Starting at Beale Street: The Heart of Memphis Music

The tour kicks off at the iconic Beale Street, a place that practically breathes blues and jazz. We love how this short stop gives you a quick but vibrant introduction to one of America’s most famous streets. You’ll learn about its history and what made it the birthplace of scores of legendary musicians. The stop is brief—just five minutes—but packed with stories that set the tone for the day.

Many reviews highlight how the guides make the street come alive, sharing tales of the street’s heyday and current scene. Connie_T notes, “It was great a little cool, but the guide did a great job. Can’t wait to tell everyone back home about the trip.” That enthusiasm is typical for visitors who appreciate an energetic, well-informed guide.

Handy Park and Memphis’s Musical Roots

Next, the tour stops at Handy Park, which pays homage to W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” Here, you’ll hear about Memphis’s pivotal role in the birth of blues music. It’s a quick five-minute visit but offers a meaningful connection to the city’s musical DNA.

Exploring Local Sports and Elvis’s Early Days

The tour continues with a drive past the home of Memphis’s beloved Redbirds baseball team and the soccer club, giving a glimpse into the city’s sports culture. Then, you’ll see the modest apartment where Elvis Presley lived as a teen—an unassuming spot that marks the beginning of his legendary career. For fans of music or history, these stops provide a tangible link to Memphis’s cultural fabric.

Victorian Village and Historic Memphis

The Victorian Village Historic District, often called “Millionaire’s Row,” showcases beautifully preserved mansions from Memphis’s golden era. We loved how the guide points out distinctive architectural details and shares stories of the city’s affluent past. The stops here include the oldest home in Memphis, the historic city center, the city’s oldest church, and a hub of the cotton industry.

The half-hour allotted for this part of the tour offers a chance to see how Memphis’s past wealth and prosperity shaped its present. Many reviews mention how enjoyable and picturesque these neighborhoods are. Jackie_V says, “Our guide Larry was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He had many stories regarding the history of Memphis.”

Moving to Civil Rights and Social Justice

A poignant part of the tour is the visit to the I AM A MAN Plaza, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1968 Sanitation Strike. This site offers a powerful reminder of Memphis’s role in the civil rights movement and is appreciated by those interested in social history.

A highlight is the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated. Visitors can choose to include this site in their tour or just view the outside if preferred. Those opting in get around 1.5 hours inside, and reviews suggest this is a meaningful, moving experience. Many guests, like Paul_D, leave praising the museum’s impact, noting the guide’s passion added to the significance.

Memphis Food and Music

No Memphis tour would be complete without tasting its legendary barbeque. Central BBQ offers a quick, 15-minute sampling opportunity, and many reviewers rave about how much they enjoyed the crispy, smoky flavors—more substantial than expected. It’s a perfect way to indulge in local cuisine without taking up too much time.

Afterward, you get some free time on Beale Street to explore shops, listen to street musicians, or grab a drink. We find the hour-long break ideal for soaking in the lively atmosphere at your own pace. A. Schwab is a charming store where you can browse old-time memorabilia and souvenirs.

Scenic Mississippi River Cruise

The finale of the tour is a two-hour cruise aboard Memphis Riverboats. The views of the Mississippi are stunning, and the boat’s gentle sway and bluesy tunes create a relaxing atmosphere. Many guests describe it as a highlight, with comments like “Well organized, friendly staff, and clean boat.” The cruise offers a different perspective—seeing Memphis from the river that shaped its history.

However, weather can impact this part of the experience. Some reviews mention the cruise was canceled due to rain, which was disappointing but understandable. It’s worth noting the dock is on cobblestones and a steep incline, so be prepared for a short walk and uneven ground.

Practicalities and Logistics

Transportation throughout the day is by air-conditioned vehicle, making the long day comfortable even in hot weather. The group size maxes out at 36, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. The tour costs $87.80 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the mix of sights, museum entries, food tasting, and the river cruise.

Parking can be a challenge near the meeting point, but there are several garages a couple of blocks away, including one at 149 Peabody Place. The tour starts at 197 Beale Street—an iconic spot—and includes a convenient mobile ticket for smooth entry.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and storytelling skills. Debbie comments, “Shannon, our tour guide was amazing. We were dropped off at the Rock & Roll museum. Way too much time there.” This reflects how the itinerary offers flexibility based on individual interests.

Others mention that the tour is well-organized, with comments like “Really informative and just the right amount of time at each stop” (Laura_B). The food and music experiences earn high marks, with many saying the BBQ was delicious and the live street music added to the fun.

A few reviews note weather-related disappointments, such as the riverboat cancelation, but even then, the overall experience remains positive thanks to the guides and the variety of sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a structured overview of Memphis’s cultural and historical highlights in a single day. It’s perfect for those with limited time but eager to see key sites, learn their stories, and enjoy good food. It caters well to first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of history, music, and local flavor.

If you’re a history buff, the civil rights museum and the stories from the guides will resonate strongly. Music lovers will appreciate the stops related to Memphis’s musical legacy, along with the lively street scenes. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the BBQ tasting as a tasty highlight.

The tour is also suitable for moderate physical activity, with some walking and a short transfer to the river dock, which involves cobblestones and a hill. If weather is poor, be prepared for potential cancellations of the river cruise, but the rest of the tour still offers plenty to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Memphis Discovery Tour offers a taste of the city’s soul in just a few hours. With knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, delicious local BBQ, and scenic river views, it balances fun, education, and relaxation. The inclusion of museum options means you can tailor the experience to your interests, whether civil rights, music, or cars.

While weather can occasionally impact the river cruise, the overall value remains high—especially considering the variety of sights and activities packed into a manageable six-hour window. The tour strikes a good balance between guided commentary and free exploration, making it accessible and enjoyable for most travelers.

If you’re after an authentic introduction to Memphis, this tour provides an excellent starting point. It’s perfect for first-timers, history buffs, and music fans who want a comprehensive yet relaxed way to explore the city and its legendary Mississippi River.

FAQs

Is transportation provided between the stops?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you from site to site, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the day.

How long is the riverboat cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately two hours, offering a scenic and relaxing perspective of the Mississippi River.

Does the tour include museum admissions?
Admission to the National Civil Rights Museum, Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, or Edge Motor Museum is optional and can be selected at booking. The price reflects this choice.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather cancels the river cruise, you might find the rest of the tour still enjoyable, but the cruise is a highlight that may be missed. The tour provider offers a full refund if canceled due to weather.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at each stop, including a short walk to the river dock over cobblestones and a hill. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Can I customize the tour?
While the itinerary is fairly set, you can choose which museum to visit, and the free time on Beale Street allows for personal exploration.

Are there any parking tips?
Parking can be found in several garages nearby, with the closest at 149 Peabody Place. On-street metered parking is also an option if you arrive early.

Is this tour good for families or kids?
The tour’s mix of sights and stories appeals to a broad audience, but consider the walking involved and the interest level of younger children. It’s often enjoyed by families with teenagers.

This tour is a solid choice for those eager to experience Memphis’s musical roots, civil rights history, and scenic river views—all in one accessible, engaging package. Whether you’re a history lover, a music enthusiast, or a foodie, this adventure promises a memorable glimpse of the city’s true character.