Salt Lake City: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Guided City Tour

Planning a visit to Salt Lake City? We’ve got a tour that combines the spiritual and the scenic in a way that feels both authentic and thoughtfully curated. For $89 per person, in just around 3.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a live performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square—either a concert on Sunday or a rehearsal on Thursday—followed by a comprehensive guided tour of the city’s most iconic sights.

What really sets this experience apart are the personal stories shared by guides who know the city inside out and the chance to sit back and admire the scenery from a bus with large panoramic windows. We also appreciate how the tour seamlessly blends music and history, giving a well-rounded taste of Salt Lake City.

A small consideration: if you’re traveling with very young children or require mobility accommodations, note that wheelchair accessibility is limited, and certain items like luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour bus. That said, this tour is best suited for visitors who want a substantive overview, enjoy good storytelling, and appreciate the chance to see both the city’s landmarks and hear the choir perform.

Overall, we think this tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager for a structured yet charming introduction to Salt Lake City, especially those captivated by music or interested in local legends.

Key Points

Authentic musical experience: Enjoy a live concert or rehearsal by the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Expert storytelling: Local guides bring Salt Lake City’s history alive with personal insights and stories.
Comfortable travel: Sit back in a climate-controlled bus with large panoramic windows for easy sightseeing.
Prime landmarks: Stops include Utah’s Capitol, Temple Square, Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Value for money: Combining music and sightseeing at $89 provides a memorable and convenient way to start your visit.

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A Detailed Look at the Experience

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The Musical Highlight: Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The tour kicks off with the highlight that most visitors anticipate—the live performance at Temple Square. Whether it’s the Saturday concert or the Thursday rehearsal, you’ll find yourself in the presence of one of the world’s most famous choirs. Many reviews mention how special it is to hear the choir’s angelic voices live, with one guest noting, “The performance of the Choir, orchestra, bells, and organist was amazing.”

On Sundays, children under 8 and their guardians are seated in a separate soundproof room during the concert, which helps keep the experience enjoyable for all. When a choir member or a former member like Bob hops on the bus, giving insights into choir life, it adds a personal touch that most travelers can’t get elsewhere. Several reviews mention how this behind-the-scenes connection made the experience more meaningful.

A Well-Curated City Tour

After the musical portion, the focus shifts to Salt Lake City’s sights. The 20-mile loop hits the highlights—the Utah State Capitol, with its impressive views, and Temple Square, where the iconic Salt Lake Temple and other LDS buildings tell stories of the city’s Mormon roots.

Guided by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll hear stories and legends that aren’t found on your own. One reviewer praised their guide, Matthew, for tying together the city’s layout, history, and landmarks effortlessly: “He was very knowledgeable and friendly, providing extra insights about the city and even bringing a guest speaker for added context.”

Stops at the Mormon Pioneer Trail Monument and the Cathedral of the Madeleine give a broader perspective on the area’s religious and cultural history. The bus’s large windows make it easy to take in views without the hassle of traffic or crowds, making the experience relaxing and informative.

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling in a fully-narrated, air-conditioned bus is a major plus, especially in summer months. The spacious windows allow for unencumbered sightseeing, and the guided narration makes the drive feel engaging rather than passive.

The meeting point at the Radisson Downtown Hotel is convenient, with parking available across the street—though arriving 10 minutes early helps avoid last-minute stress. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity.

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The Value of Insight and Personal Stories

Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and personable manner. As one review states, “Our guide, Grant, had a wealth of knowledge about the city and its history. The time listening to the choir and orchestra was wonderful.” This personal storytelling aspect elevates the tour beyond a simple sightseeing bus ride, giving it a warm, local feel.

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Price and Overall Value

$89 for a combination of live music and city sightseeing is quite reasonable. While some might feel the price is high if they could visit the sights on their own, many reviews note that the guided storytelling and the choir experience add significant value, especially for first-timers or those short on time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting an authentic taste of Salt Lake City’s culture and history. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in music, religious history, or simply prefer a relaxed, guided overview rather than trying to navigate on your own.

People who enjoy storytelling, scenic bus rides, and the opportunity to hear world-class choir music will find this tour both enjoyable and enriching. However, if you require wheelchair access or have very young children, you might want to consider other options, as some accommodations are limited.

Final Thoughts

This Salt Lake City tour offers a compelling mix of art, history, and local storytelling. The live Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance is undoubtedly the star, creating a memorable musical highlight, while the guided city sightseeing provides context that makes the sights more meaningful.

The tour’s comfortable bus ride and expert guides turn what could be a hectic day of sightseeing into a relaxed, enjoyable experience. For $89, you’re getting both a cultural feast and a scenic overview—well worth the investment, especially if you’re eager to understand the city’s roots and spirit.

If your goal is to see Salt Lake City with an authentic local guide, enjoy live music, and get a solid foundation for your visit, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under age 8 are seated in a separate soundproof room during the Sunday concert. The rest of the tour is generally suitable for families, but keep in mind the group size and setting.

What days does the choir perform?
On Sundays, you attend a live concert; on Thursdays, a rehearsal. The tour schedule reflects these options.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3.5 hours, which makes it a manageable morning or early afternoon activity.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing flexibility.

Is there parking available at the meeting point?
Yes, paid parking is available across the street at 40 John Stockton Drive. Arriving 10 minutes early is advised.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are best, especially since you’ll be sitting for about 20 miles of sightseeing.

Can I bring large bags or luggage?
No, large bags or luggage are not allowed on the bus, so plan accordingly.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it a low-risk booking option.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, as accommodations are limited.

In the end, this tour offers a well-balanced look at Salt Lake City’s cultural and historic highlights, punctuated by the unforgettable sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It’s a great way to start your visit—informative, relaxing, and genuinely enjoyable for a wide range of travelers.