Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise

If you’re visiting Memphis and want a rundown of the city’s highlights in one day, the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes a Riverboat Cruise offers a compelling package. Priced at $85 per person and lasting approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, this tour combines lively city exploration with a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River. It features hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, and is suitable for most travelers.

The tour is especially recommended for those eager to see Memphis’s iconic landmarks, learn about its cultural and musical roots, and enjoy a scenic river journey—all in a single, well-organized experience. While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and scenic cruise, potential visitors should keep in mind that weather can impact the riverboat component.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $85, the full experience lasts around 6.5 hours.
• Includes Hotel Pickup: Pickup and drop-off are included in select Memphis hotels, simplifying logistics.
• City Highlights: Tour passes famous sites such as Beale Street, Victorian Village, Lorraine Motel, and Graceland.
• River Cruise: A scenic paddlewheeler cruise on the Mississippi River offers relaxing views with commentary from the captain.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides are praised for being knowledgeable, humorous, and engaging.
• Weather Dependency: The riverboat cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions; high winds can lead to cancellations.
• Additional Stops: Notable stops include The Peabody Ducks, Tom Lee Park, and the Lorraine Motel.
• Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with options for alternative dates or refunds if canceled due to weather.

Downtown Memphis and Victorian Village Exploration

The tour begins with a guided sightseeing journey through downtown Memphis, providing insight into the city’s rich history. The guides help you explore famous landmarks and tell stories about Memphis’s musical legends, including statues of Elvis Presley and B.B. King.

Next, the tour takes you past the Victorian Village, where 19th-century homes showcase the area’s historic architecture. This neighborhood reflects Memphis’s past affluence and style, offering a glimpse into Victorian-era elegance. The guides are praised for their engaging narration and humor, making these stops both informative and enjoyable.

Beale Street and Memphis’s Musical Heritage

A highlight of the city tour is a drive down Beale Street, renowned worldwide for its blues clubs and vibrant nightlife. The guides point out famous venues and musical history, setting the scene for Memphis’s reputation as a music hub.

During the tour, visitors also see statues of Elvis Presley and B.B. King, honoring Memphis’s musical legends. These sites are perfect for photos and provide context for Memphis’s influential role in American music history. The energy and stories shared here make it clear why Beale Street remains a major attraction.

Tragic and Historic Sites: Lorraine Motel and the Peabody Ducks

A somber but important stop is at the Lorraine Motel, where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. took place. The site is preserved as a historic landmark and offers perspective on Memphis’s role in civil rights history.

Also included is a fun visit to the Peabody Hotel, famous for its marching ducks. Visitors get to witness the “Duck March”, an entertaining tradition that delights all ages. The friendly and humorous guides make this stop both educational and lively, adding a touch of local charm to the tour.

Memphis Riverboats and the Mississippi River

After exploring the city, the tour continues with a scenic cruise aboard the Island Queen, a three-deck paddlewheeler. As the boat glides along the Mississippi River, guests enjoy stunning views of the water and surrounding scenery.

The captain’s commentary enhances the experience, offering insights into the river’s significance for Memphis’s commerce and history. Passengers see Tom Lee Park, named after the hero who saved 32 passengers in 1925, and learn about Mississippi River’s influence on the region’s development.

The Impact of Weather on the Riverboat Experience

One key consideration is that the paddlewheel cruise depends on good weather. In cases of high or gusty winds, the boat may be canceled for safety reasons. When this occurs, the tour provider offers alternative options, such as visiting Sundry Studios or rescheduling.

While the cruise is highly praised when it proceeds, travelers should be aware of this potential. The comments highlight that on windy days, the boat ride can be canceled, but the city tour itself remains unaffected.

Stops and Landmarks Detailed

The itinerary includes several notable stops, each offering a unique glimpse into Memphis’s history and culture:

• Memphis Best Tours: The tour kicks off with a friendly guide leading the group through the city’s core, highlighting famous landmarks and historical sites.
• Beale Street: Known for its blues clubs, this street embodies Memphis’s musical soul. The tour points out key venues and provides background on its legendary status.
• The Peabody Ducks: Watching the march of the ducks at the historic Peabody Hotel is a memorable experience. The friendly guide explains the tradition’s origins and keeps the atmosphere fun.
• Lorraine Hotel: This site marks a pivotal moment in civil rights history and is a must-see for those interested in Memphis’s social impact.
• Memphis Riverboats: The Island Queen offers a relaxing Mississippi River cruise, with commentary on local sights, including Tom Lee Park—a tribute to the hero of the 1925 steamboat rescue.
• Tom Lee Park: Located along the river, this park commemorates Tom Lee’s heroism and offers scenic views of Memphis’s riverfront.

Guides and Narration Quality

Throughout the tour, guides are praised for their knowledgeability and humor, making the experience engaging and easy to follow. Sam, in particular, receives high praise for his entertaining narration and friendliness. Other guides are noted for providing detailed historical context and adding personality to the tour.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 42 travelers, fostering a comfortable environment for questions and interaction. The pickup is available at select downtown hotels, streamlining the start of the day. The tour departs at 9:00 am, offering a full day of sightseeing.

Value and Customer Feedback

At $85 per person, this tour offers good value given the extensive itinerary, including both city exploration and a river cruise. The reviews highlight the quality of guides and the overall experience as major strengths. Many recommend adding Sun Studio to the package, if available, for a more comprehensive Memphis experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking is recommended about 35 days in advance due to high demand. The tour offers free cancellation, provided it’s canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. If canceled due to poor weather, participants receive a full refund or an alternative date.

Memphis Guided City Tour with Riverboat Cruise: Final Thoughts

This tour provides a balanced mix of urban sightseeing and scenic river views, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a broad overview of Memphis. The combination of historic landmarks, musical sites, and a Mississippi River cruise creates a well-rounded experience.

Strong guides and the entertaining duck march at the Peabody Hotel are particular highlights. However, visitors should consider weather conditions for the river cruise and be prepared for approximately 6.5 hours of touring.

The Memphis city tour with riverboat cruise stands out as a good value for travelers seeking insightful narration and memorable sights in Memphis, especially if they appreciate a relaxing boat ride and engaging storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included at select Memphis hotels, making it convenient to start and end the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes, including city sightseeing and the river cruise.

What landmarks are visited during the city tour?
Stops include Beale Street, Victorian Village, Lorraine Motel, Graceland, A. Schwab general store, and the Peabody Ducks.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What if the weather is bad?
The riverboat cruise is weather-dependent and may be canceled if conditions are unsafe. Alternative arrangements or refunds are offered in such cases.

Is the river cruise wheelchair accessible?
The data indicates the cruise is not specifically described as handicap friendly, so travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further.

What guides lead this tour?
Guides like Sam and Daryl are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness, contributing significantly to the positive experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the family-friendly stops and entertaining guides suggest it can be enjoyable for children, especially with interest in music and history.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 35 days ahead is typical, as the tour is popular and in demand.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch is not provided; there is time for lunch between the city tour and the river cruise, allowing flexibility.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with pickup from downtown Memphis hotels at 9:00 am, with specific locations depending on the booking.