Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise

Memphis is a city where music, history, and southern charm collide, making it a fascinating place to explore. This guided Memphis city tour, paired with a Mississippi River paddlewheeler cruise, offers a well-rounded way to experience the city’s highlights in a single day. For $85 per person, you’ll spend about 6.5 hours immersed in Memphis’s storied streets, iconic landmarks, and scenic river views. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making your day both convenient and hassle-free.

What we love about this experience is how it packs the essentials—visiting Beale Street, the Victorian homes of the Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Motel—alongside a relaxing cruise on the Mississippi aboard the historic Island Queen. The guides are praised for their knowledge and humor, which makes the entire day engaging and enjoyable. We also appreciate the inclusion of free time at Beale Street, giving you a chance to soak up the lively atmosphere on your own.

One consideration to keep in mind is the weather, as the river cruise depends on favorable conditions. Sometimes high winds can cancel the boat ride, which might disappoint those who were especially looking forward to the cruise. However, the tour company generally offers flexibility, such as rescheduling or refunds. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a blend of historical storytelling, live narration, and scenic views—perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time to see Memphis’s highlights.

If you’re seeking a rundown of Memphis that combines city sights and river scenery, this is a strong choice. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate guided commentary, want hotel convenience, and enjoy balancing sightseeing with relaxing boat rides.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines a city tour and Mississippi River cruise for a complete Memphis experience.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Sam and Darrell are known for their humor and expertise, making the day lively.
• Historical and Cultural Highlights:Visits to Beale Street, Lorraine Motel, Victorian Village, and the Peabody Ducks.
• Scenic Riverboat Cruise: Offers picturesque views of the Mississippi, with insightful commentary, though weather can impact the cruise.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with free time for exploring Beale Street.
• Value for Money: For $85, you get a lengthy, guided experience with multiple key sights, making it a good deal in Memphis.

A Deep Dive into the Memphis Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise

An Efficient Introduction to Memphis

This tour kicks off with hotel pickup in downtown Memphis, around 9:00 am. From the moment your guide greets you, you’re in for a day of storytelling, history, and music. The guides are praised for their knowledge and sense of humor, making the bus ride enjoyable and informative. With a maximum group size of 42 travelers, it’s small enough to feel personal but large enough to foster camaraderie.

Exploring Downtown Memphis

The tour’s heart is the downtown sightseeing route. You’ll pass by landmarks like the Pyramid Arena and the historic Victorian homes in Victorian Village, built in the 1800s. Here, your guide will point out architectural details and stories that bring the neighborhood to life. Several reviews highlight guides like Sam, whose humor and deep knowledge elevate the experience.

Beale Street and Its Musical Roots

No Memphis tour is complete without Beale Street, the birthplace of blues music. You’ll see the famous street with its vibrant clubs and hear about the legends like B.B. King and Elvis Presley, whose statues stand as tributes to Memphis’s musical legacy. Reviewers often mention how lively and engaging this part of the tour is, with one noting, “Beale Street was quite interesting.”

Honoring a Tragic Chapter at Lorraine Motel

A poignant stop is at the Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This stop offers a chance to reflect on the city’s complex history. Many appreciate the opportunity to learn about Memphis’s role in civil rights, as one reviewer put it, “Witnessed history at the Lorraine Hotel.”

The Peabody Ducks and Historic Sights

The tour also takes you to the Peabody Hotel to see the famous ducks march—an entertaining tradition that delights visitors of all ages. Free to watch, this quirky spectacle is a memorable highlight. The guide might also suggest visiting the A. Schwab General Store, a 120-year-old shop full of local character.

The Mississippi River Cruise on the Island Queen

After the city tour, your ticket includes boarding the Island Queen, a historic paddlewheeler with three decks offering panoramic views. The scenic cruise down the Mississippi River typically lasts about 90 minutes, with lively commentary from the captain on the river’s history, commerce, and landscape. Pass by Tom Lee Park, named for the hero who saved 32 passengers in 1925, and learn how the river shaped Memphis’s growth.

However, some reviews mention that weather can impact this part of the experience—winds and gusts sometimes lead to cruise cancellations for safety reasons. If that happens, the company usually offers an alternative or a full refund, which many travelers find reassuring.

Reflection on the Experience

Many guests praise the guides’ friendliness, humor, and depth of knowledge. For example, one reviewer called Darrell “a wonderful guide,” and others appreciated how guides shared stories beyond the script, giving the day a personal touch. The cruise itself earns mixed reviews—some find it relaxing and scenic, while others feel it’s less impressive if canceled due to weather.

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

The tour costs $85 per person, which covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the city tour, and the river cruise. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly for a quick meal between the sightseeing and the cruise. The tour lasts approximately 6.5 to 7 hours, making it suitable for those with a full day to dedicate to Memphis.

The group size is capped at 42, which helps maintain a friendly atmosphere. The tour is accessible most days, but weather can cause cancellations. Always check the weather forecast and confirm your reservation.

Final Impressions

This Memphis combo tour is a solid value for travelers who want a rundown without worrying about logistics. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors or those limited on time who want to see the city’s highlights with a knowledgeable, entertaining guide. The inclusion of the river cruise adds a scenic dimension that many find relaxing and insightful—weather permitting.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re curious about Memphis’s musical roots, civil rights history, and scenic river views, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s ideal for history buffs, music fans, and casual travelers alike. The guided narration ensures you learn context and stories behind the sights, making it more than just a sightseeing run. And if you’re traveling with friends or family, the small group setting fosters conversation and shared experiences.

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives?

Those with mobility issues or who dislike walking cobblestone streets should be aware that some stops involve walking or standing. Also, if a boat cruise cancellation due to weather would be disappointing, you might want to confirm the day’s forecast before booking.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you stay at select Memphis hotels.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 6.5 to 7 hours, covering city sightseeing and the river cruise.

What sites will I see?
You’ll see Beale Street, Victorian Village, Lorraine Motel, Peabody Ducks, Tom Lee Park, and more.

Is the river cruise always guaranteed?
Not always. High winds or weather conditions may cancel the cruise, but you’ll be offered an alternative or refund.

Can I buy drinks or snacks on the boat?
Yes, the paddlewheeler has options for drinks and snacks on the first level.

Is the tour suitable for kids or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but walking cobblestones or standing may be challenging for some.

Are there free times to explore Beale Street?
Yes, you’ll have free time after the city tour to explore Beale Street at your leisure.

Are guides friendly and knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides like Sam and Darrell for their expertise and humor.

What is the cost?
$85 per person, including all activities and transportation.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellation is free if made more than 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative is offered.

In all, this guided Memphis tour with a river cruise offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience the city’s most famous sights and scenic beauty in a manageable day. Whether you’re a history lover, a music enthusiast, or simply looking to see Memphis comfortably and efficiently, this experience is worth considering—and it often receives high praise for guides, value, and the memorable sights along the way.