Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River

Discover Memphis in a Single Day with a Guided Tour and Riverboat Cruise

The Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s music, history, and culture for $87.80 per person. Spanning approximately 6 hours, this tour combines city sightseeing, museum visits, and a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River. It is designed for those interested in learning about Memphis’s iconic landmarks and heritage in a well-organized, engaging format.

The tour departs from 197 Beale Street, a lively hub of Memphis music and history, at 10:00 am. While the package includes museum entries (depending on options selected), be prepared for a full day of exploring with plenty of walking, driving, and some free time on Beale Street. The group size is limited to 36 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The tour industry rates this experience highly at 4.5 out of 5, with 93% recommending the tour based on 239 reviews. Its notable strengths include knowledgeable guides, delicious BBQ tasting, and a relaxing Mississippi River cruise, making it a popular choice for visitors eager to see the best of Memphis in one day.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 6-hour tour featuring city highlights, museums, BBQ tasting, and river cruise
• Starts at 10:00 am at 197 Beale Street in downtown Memphis
• Price of $87.80 per person covers museum admissions (if selected), snacks, and scenic Mississippi River cruise
• Tour group limited to 36 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Highlights include Beale Street, Victorian mansions, the I AM A MAN Plaza, and the National Civil Rights Museum
• Excellent reviews focus on the guides’ knowledge, fun atmosphere, and the riverboat experience

Exploring Memphis’s Famous Beale Street and Historic Districts

The tour begins on Memphis’s legendary Beale Street, where the guide shares the street’s famous musical history. You’ll learn about WC Handy, the father of the Blues, at nearby Handy Park, both offering free 5-minute stops. The tour then takes you past landmarks such as the home of Elvis Presley’s teenage years and the home of the Memphis Redbirds and professional soccer teams, providing a broad view of Memphis’s sports and entertainment scene.

Next, the guide leads visitors through the Victorian Village Historic District, also known as “Millionaire’s Row”, with beautiful Victorian mansions that reflect the city’s wealth during the late 19th century. Stops include the oldest home in Memphis, the historic city center, and the city’s oldest church. These 10-minute walkabouts showcase architecture and historic significance, perfect for those interested in urban history.

Reflecting on Memphis’s Civil Rights Legacy at I AM A MAN Plaza and the National Civil Rights Museum

A significant part of the tour is a visit to I AM A MAN Plaza, a moving tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1968 Sanitation Strike. This 10-minute stop highlights Memphis’s civil rights history and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Guests can choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel, where admission is included if the museum option is selected. Here, visitors spend about 1.5 hours in the museum, which is highly praised for its impactful exhibits. The site is not only a memorial but also a profound reminder of America’s civil rights movement.

Memphis’s Heartbeat: Music and Cultural Heritage

The tour highlights Memphis’s musical roots with stops at Beale Street and the Smithsonian’s Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. The museum visit provides insights into Memphis’s musical influence, especially the birth of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. This part of the tour is optional, but highly recommended based on reviews praising the informative exhibits and friendly staff.

Following the museum, guests enjoy a famous BBQ tasting at Central BBQ, where no substitutions are available, but the flavors are described as delicious. This 15-minute stop allows visitors to sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue before returning to explore Beale Street at leisure with an hour of free time. This period is ideal for browsing shops like A. Schwab, a historic store with old-time charm, or grabbing a drink in one of the vibrant local venues.

Scenic Mississippi River Cruise: Relaxing and Photosque

A highlight of this tour is the 2-hour boat cruise on the Mississippi River. The Memphis Riverboats dock is located at the bottom of a historic cobblestone incline, requiring visitors to disembark from the bus at Riverside Drive. The cruise offers beautiful views of the river’s landscape and features music and commentary that evoke a sense of stepping back in time.

Guests appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and scenic views, with many reviews mentioning the great staff on the boat and the well-organized nature of the cruise. The music played onboard enhances the authentic river experience, making it a perfect way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

Practicalities: Logistics, Parking, and Accessibility

The tour begins at 197 Beale Street, with parking options nearby, including a garage at 149 Peabody Place and on-street metered parking along Second Street and Beale Street. The Memphis Riverboat dock is accessible via a 35% incline on cobblestones; vehicles cannot be dropped directly at the dock, but guests are shuttled to Riverside Drive.

The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during the city drives and stops. The tour is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness; guests should be prepared for walking and standing at some stops. Service animals are allowed, and the tour operates rain or shine, with the possibility of cancellation in poor weather.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This 6-hour experience appeals to history buffs, music fans, and foodies alike. The combination of urban exploration, museum visits, BBQ tasting, and a Mississippi River cruise offers a balanced day of learning and leisure. The guided format and small group size make it suitable for those who prefer personalized attention and organized itineraries.

The tour’s reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, especially Kate and Shannon, who bring personality and insight to every stop. Visitors looking for an immersive, enjoyable overview of Memphis should find this tour well worth the price.

Memphis Discovery Tour and Riverboat Cruise: Final Thoughts

The Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise provides a well-rounded look at the city’s musical, cultural, and historical highlights. The price point includes museum admissions (if chosen), BBQ tasting, and a scenic boat ride, making it a good value for a full day’s entertainment.

While weather can affect the boat cruise, and the museum visit duration may feel brief for some, the proactive organization, friendly staff, and variety of attractions compensate. This tour suits families, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience Memphis’s unique character in one convenient package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Memphis Discovery Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:00 am.

What is included in the ticket price?
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, snacks, BBQ tasting at Central BBQ, the Mississippi River scenic cruise, and museum entries if the museum option is selected.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 197 Beale Street, downtown Memphis.

Is the Mississippi River cruise accessible?
Guests are dropped off at Riverside Drive due to the cobblestone incline; the cruise itself is accessible once onboard.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s paced for moderate physical activity and family-friendly.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I customize my museum visit?
The museum entry is optional, with three museum choices: the Civil Rights Museum, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, or the Edge Motor Museum.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for outdoor stops.

Is parking easy nearby?
Yes, several parking garages and open-air lots are within a few blocks of the meeting point.