Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options

Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options offers an engaging way to explore the heart of this vibrant city. For $45 per person, you’ll enjoy a roughly 2-7 hour guided mini-coach ride that hits Memphis’ most iconic landmarks, from Beale Street to the Memphis Pyramid. You can upgrade your experience with a scenic Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise and a visit to Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.

Two things we love about this tour are the passionate guides who bring Memphis’s stories to life and the flexibility of the upgrades, which allow you to tailor the day to your interests. It’s a practical way to get an overview without feeling rushed, especially with included hotel pickup and drop-off.

A potential consideration is timing and pace—some reviews mention the tour can feel rushed, especially when fitting in Sun Studio and a river cruise in a single day. Be prepared for a busy schedule if you opt for all the add-ons.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a broad introduction to Memphis’s history, music, and culture, especially those who appreciate guided commentary and the option to extend their experience with a river cruise or historic studio visit. It’s also well-suited for first-timers or anyone looking for a convenient, cost-effective way to see Memphis’s highlights.

Key Points

• Inclusive experience with hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Memphis
• Flexible options for river cruise and Sun Studio admission
• Knowledgeable guides who keep the storytelling engaging and informative
• Varied sights including Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, and the Pyramid Arena
• Authentic stops such as the Peabody Ducks and Victorian Village
• Mixed reviews on timing—some travelers feel rushed, especially with all upgrades

Exploring Memphis with Confidence

If you’re planning a visit to Memphis, this city tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to get oriented. For $45, you’re not just riding around; you’re experiencing the city’s soul—its music, its civil rights history, and its legendary personalities. The tour is designed to give you a good taste of Memphis’s most famous sites, with enough flexibility to add a river cruise or Sun Studio visit if you’re keen on deeper insights into the city’s musical roots.

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in downtown Memphis, which is a real plus for those staying nearby. From there, your guide, who’s often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, takes you on a narrated drive through Memphis’s historic neighborhoods and bustling entertainment districts. Beale Street is the heart of Memphis’s blues scene, and you’ll cruise along this iconic stretch lined with clubs and restaurants. We appreciate how guides enhance the experience with stories about Elvis, B.B. King, and the civil rights movement—all vital threads woven into Memphis’s fabric.

The stops at the Lorraine Motel and the Civil Rights Museum are poignant moments, reminding visitors of Memphis’s crucial place in American history. The Peabody Hotel visit to see the ducks march** is a charming highlight treasured by many, with guides ensuring you don’t miss this quirky spectacle. Our favorite part? The stories about the Memphis Pyramid, which has transformed from a sports arena into a bustling Bass Pro Shops megastore—more than just a shopping trip, it’s a glimpse of Memphis’s innovative spirit.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

The tour’s structure allows you to see the city’s most famous sights comfortably, but it’s worth noting that timing can be tight, especially if you choose the upgrades. Travelers have quoted guides like Darrell and Sam as being “very informative and funny,” making the trip lively and memorable. One reviewer said, “The guide, Darrell, was terrific! He was very informative and funny. He made the experience fun!”

Stops of Note

• A. Schwab: A true Memphis institution, this store offers everything from regional arts and crafts to classic Memphis souvenirs. It’s a 120-year-old general store, giving you a tangible link to the city’s past.
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: While just passing by, it’s a reminder of Memphis’s contributions to healthcare.
• The Pyramid Arena: Now a Bass Pro Shops megastore, it’s a striking structure that’s more than a retail space; it offers panoramic city views from its observation deck.
• Beale Street: Expect about an hour here for photos, shopping, and maybe a quick snack—an ideal spot for soaking in Memphis’s lively music scene.
• The Peabody Ducks: A favorite for visitors, this quirky tradition is fun for all ages.
• Victoria Village & Civil Rights Memorial: These areas showcase Memphis’s historic architecture and its pivotal role in civil rights.

Upgrades: Riverboat and Sun Studio

The optional Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise provides a relaxing perspective on Memphis from the water. The captain’s anecdotes add stories to the scenic views, creating a different way to experience the city. However, some reviews note that the river cruise can be underwhelming due to diesel fumes, and if weather cancels it, you might miss out.

The Sun Studio visit is a highlight for music fans—it’s where Elvis Presley recorded his first song, and guides often describe it as “excellent.” If you’re an Elvis enthusiast, this add-on justifies the extra cost, and many say it’s well worth it for the intimate, historic atmosphere.

The Practical Aspects

At $45, this tour offers good value considering it covers major landmarks, provides transportation, and includes optional upgrades. The small group size (max 42 travelers) helps keep the experience personal and comfortable. The tour is mostly suitable for all ages, with most travelers finding it accessible and engaging.

Timing is flexible, but be prepared for a busy schedule if you add the river cruise and Sun Studio. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, and the pickups are from downtown Memphis hotels, making logistics simple.

Review Insights

Most travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and their ability to keep things fun and informative. One reviewer said, “Sam was the best! He went above and beyond, making sure everyone was taken care of,” emphasizing how personal attention can elevate the experience. However, a few mention timing issues, like bus delays or feeling rushed, especially if they opted for all the add-ons.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a rundown of Memphis’s highlights—from music to civil rights to architecture—this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors or those who want a guided experience with some flexibility. It also suits history buffs and music lovers eager to visit Sun Studio and learn about Memphis’s musical legends.

This tour isn’t ideal if you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration or want to spend more time at places like Beale Street or the Civil Rights Museum. The schedule can be brisk, so if leisure is your priority, consider how you might want to supplement this with more time on your own.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in downtown Memphis, making the experience hassle-free.

Can I cancel this tour?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Are the river cruise and Sun Studio included in the base price?
No, they are optional upgrades purchased at checkout. If you select them, you’ll enjoy additional sights and experiences.

What is the group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 42 travelers, keeping it small enough for personal attention but large enough to be lively.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on whether you include the upgrades and how much time you spend at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the stops are family-friendly, including the duck march and scenic views. However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule and some walking.

Final Thoughts

This Memphis City Tour with optional river cruise and Sun Studio visit offers a well-rounded, practical way to see key sights without the stress of planning individual visits. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make it particularly engaging, turning what could be a simple sightseeing ride into a lively storytelling experience. The ability to customize with the river cruise and studio visit ensures you can tailor your day to your interests—music, history, or simply seeing the city from a different perspective.

While some travelers note that the schedule can feel rushed, most find that the value, comfort, and depth of insight make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for first-timers or those looking for a convenient, affordable way to get a comprehensive taste of Memphis. If you want a friendly guide, a good overview, and the option to customize, this tour is a dependable choice.

In short, whether you’re here for the blues, the civil rights history, or just to see the city’s most famous landmarks, this tour provides a clear, friendly, and engaging introduction to Memphis. Just be prepared for a full day, and you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of this fascinating Southern city.