Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat

Explore the heart of Memphis with this comprehensive city tour priced at $45 per person. Spanning 2 to 7 hours, it offers a balanced mix of iconic sites, local stories, and optional extras like Sun Studios and a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise. The tour departs from downtown Memphis with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

This tour shines with its knowledgeable guides, who bring Memphis to life through storytelling and insights. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a well-rounded overview of the city’s most famous landmarks, from the Peabody Hotel to Beale Street. While the tour is highly praised for its value and engaging guides, it does involve some time on the bus, which might feel a bit tight for those eager to explore on foot.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $45 for a flexible 2-7 hour tour starting from downtown Memphis.
• Main Highlights: Includes Peabody Hotel, Lorraine Motel, Memphis Pyramid, and Beale Street.
• Optional Extras: Add a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise or visit Sun Studios.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Memphis streamlines the experience.
• Guide Quality: Guides like Michelle, Darryl, and Sam receive consistent praise for their knowledge, humor, and passion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Iconic Memphis Landmarks and Stories

Starting Point: Downtown Memphis Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with hotel pickup in downtown Memphis, offering a stress-free start. If staying outside downtown, travelers can meet at 119 N Riverside by 9:15 AM with free parking. The tour uses a mini coach-bus, providing a comfortable way to see the city while listening to engaging commentary.

Visiting the Lorraine Motel and Civil Rights Landmarks

The guide leads you past the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel, the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This stop offers a poignant look at Memphis’s significant role in civil rights history. The statues of B.B. King and Elvis Presley also feature prominently along the route, emphasizing Memphis’s musical legacy.

The Memphis Pyramid: From Egyptian Vision to Bass Pro Shops

The Memphis Pyramid stands out as a unique structure resembling an Egyptian pyramid. It’s now home to a Bass Pro Shops megastore that includes shopping, a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment options like bowling and archery. Visitors appreciate seeing how the city repurposed this iconic building into a vibrant hub.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Peabody Hotel and the Duck March

A highlight of the tour is the Peabody Hotel, famous worldwide for its marching ducks. Every day, ducks parade along a red carpet in the hotel lobby, a spectacle that delights many visitors. The 13-story downtown hotel exudes Memphis elegance and history, making it a photo-worthy stop.

Exploring Beale Street

Beale Street appears as a lively stretch of nearly 2 miles filled with blues clubs, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Recognized by USA Today as the most iconic street in America, it offers a lively taste of Memphis’s musical soul. The tour allows some time to explore on your own, soaking in its historic atmosphere.

Victorian Village and Cotton Row

Driving through Victorian Village, the tour showcases homes from the 1800s and cotton row, highlighting Memphis’s historic economic roots. This neighborhood underlines the importance of cotton in shaping the city’s development and character.

Optional Riverboat & Sun Studios Add-Ons

For those eager for more Memphis history, the tour offers optional add-ons. The Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise provides a relaxing boat ride with captain anecdotes about the city’s river life and history. Meanwhile, the Sun Studios visit takes you to the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, where Elvis Presley recorded his first song. Both options are highly praised for their informative and entertaining nature.

Riverboat Cruise: Relaxing River Views and Local Tales

The paddlewheel cruise adds a scenic element to the tour, taking place on a classic riverboat along the Mississippi. It offers a different perspective of Memphis, with commentary emphasizing the river’s importance to the city’s growth and culture.

Sun Studios Experience: Music Heritage in Action

The Sun Studios visit is a must for music fans, offering a guided tour by a studio staff member. Viewers get to see the original recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other legends made history. Visitors note that the guided aspect makes it a more engaging experience compared to self-guided tours.

The Tour Guides: Knowledge and Personalities

Repeated praise comes for guides like Michelle, Darryl, and Sam, who combine expertise with humor and enthusiasm. Their stories, local insights, and lively commentary elevate the experience, making even regular landmarks feel special. Many reviews highlight the guides’ passion for Memphis, and their ability to keep the group entertained while providing factual, interesting details.

Practical Tips from Guides

Guides often share helpful tips, such as timing for the duck march, or the best spotting for local shops like A. Schwab. Their personal stories and local knowledge enrich the tour, helping visitors appreciate Memphis beyond just the landmarks.

Logistics and Pacing

The pickup in downtown Memphis is straightforward, with free parking available at the meet point. The tour’s pace balances driving time with stops at key sites, though some reviews mention a slightly longer bus ride with limited walk-around time. The tour duration can extend to 7 hours with additional activities, making it adaptable for different schedules.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is designed for comfort, with transportation in a mini coach-bus and easy access to major sights. It’s suitable for most visitors, though those wanting more on-foot exploration at each stop might find the schedule tight.

Who Will Enjoy This Memphis Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Memphis’s top attractions. The inclusion of guided storytelling makes it accessible for all ages and interests, especially those curious about music, history, and local culture. The optional extras appeal to music lovers and river fans, while the hotel pickup adds convenience.

Limitations to Consider

While the tour offers great value, it does involve bus travel, and time at some stops is limited. The Sun Studios visit is not suitable for children under 5, and weather can impact the experience, especially for outdoor or boat activities.

Memphis City Tour with a Personal Touch

This $45 tour offers a fulfilling glimpse of Memphis in a comfortable and engaging format. The combination of landmarks, storytelling, and optional extras makes it a flexible choice for many visitors. Highly praised guides and well-chosen stops deliver a rich experience that balances history, music, and local flavor.

While it’s not a full-day deep dive, the tour covers the essentials and leaves room for customization with additional activities. The hotel pickup and affordable price make it a practical and enjoyable way to explore Memphis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the basic tour fee?
The $45 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Memphis, the city bus tour, visits to the Peabody Hotel, Lorraine Motel, Beale Street, and the Memphis Pyramid.

Can I add the Riverboat cruise?
Yes, the Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise is an optional upgrade that can be booked during the tour.

Is the Sun Studios tour part of the main package?
No, visiting Sun Studios is an additional option. It offers an in-depth tour of the studio where Elvis and others recorded.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is between 2 and 7 hours, depending on which options are chosen and the pacing on the day.

Where do I meet if not staying downtown?
The meeting point outside 119 N Riverside is available for those not in downtown hotels, with a start time of 9:15 AM.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under age 5 are not allowed on the Sun Studios tour, but the city tour itself is generally suitable for most age groups.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate gear are recommended. Since some stops involve walking, wear suitable shoes.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, travelers are offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs?
All included activities are covered in the initial price; extra purchases are at your own discretion.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
The tour is designed for easy access with coach transportation, but specific accommodations are not detailed.

This Memphis City Tour with optional Sun Studios and Riverboat cruise offers an excellent way to see Memphis’s highlights efficiently. It combines history, music, and local charm with the convenience of guided commentary and hotel pickup, making it a practical choice for visitors wanting a thorough introduction to the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby