Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments.
Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the your choice of one of three museums only found in Memphis: The National Civil Rights Museum, the Smithsonian's Rock 'n' Soul Museum, or the Edge Motor Museum.
After visiting your museum of choice, you'll be driven safely to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travel time and is already included in total tour duration.
The Memphis Riverboat is located at the bottom of a 35% incline covered with historic cobblestones. Due to the historic nature of the cobblestones, buses or vehicles are not allowed to drop passengers off directly at the boat dock; guests will be dropped off and picked up from Riverside Dr.
Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
What To Expect
Beale Street
History of one of the most famous streets in America
Handy Park
Story of WC Handy and the birth of the Blues
Options
Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat
Civil Rights Museum admissions: Tour includes admission to the National Civil Rights Museum and Riverboat Cruise
Tour + Edge Motor + Riverboat
Edge Motor Museum admissions: Tour includes admission to Edge Motor Museum and Riverboat Cruise
Tour + Rock'n'Soul + Riverboat
Rock'n'Soul admissions: Tour includes admission to Rock'n'Soul Museum and Riverboat Cruise
What‘s Included
Sightseeing cruise on Mississippi River
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission to Rock 'n' Soul Museum (if option selected)
BBQ tasting (BBQ is pork, we do not offer substitutions)
Admission to National Civil Rights Museum (if option selected)
Admission to Edge Motor Museum (if option selected)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and dropoff
Drinks (alcohol)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
393 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great full-day experience
Colette L,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started the tour on a bus with John as the tour guide and Princess as our driver. We toured the mansions on Adams st, the Clayborne Temple, and the Lorraine Motel. John was fantastic - so much detail and information and emotion! We also enjoyed a lovely pulled pork BBQ sandwich for lunch. Then we got dropped off at the Rock 'N Soul Museum, which we toured for about 1.5 hrs. Very interesting and well done. Finally we got on the Riverboat and toured up and down the Mississippi. Also an informative and interesting tour.
Memphis history
Traveler38134287437,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed my trip. Booking this tour I was able to see all Memphis had to over offer a traveler in two days. The tour guide did an excellent job talking about the history in Memphis. I enjoy fishing so the riverboat tour was a relaxing end to the tour. Food was excellent but, nothing like Texas barbecue.
A Great and Fun Way to Learn about Memphis!
Debbie H,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mary was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and had excitement in telling the history of Memphis. Mark was a very nice driver and was very friendly as well. The tour was excellent! It ended with a river cruise which was very relaxing. The gentleman on the cruise gave a lot of information of the surrounding events and areas along the Mississippi River.
Very worth doing
David B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Kate was very informative and knowledgeable. She was awesome. The tour was worth the money.
Awesome
Lisa M,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing. I loved it. Needed more time at the Rock and Soul. But i think i was the only one. Lol take your time and read everything. Listen to the music.
Informative tour but skip the cruise.
Michael A,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Mary was a great guide for the town portion of the tour. She was very upbeat and informative. We liked the civil rights museum. I don't think I would chose to take the river cruise. It was relaxing but not that informative.
Best Tour Ever
BENNY B,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides from both the Tour of Memphis and the River Boat tour were great. Very knowledgeable about their respective areas. They made the time seem valuable and provided what seemed to be a personal experience.
Wonderful
marthawR3633DA,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was our guide and he was wonderful! Give him a raise to keep him!
Memphis, Music, and MLK- a tour through history.
Tenderfoot003,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful tour highlighting the history of Memphis, music and civil rights. Taylor taught us about Handy and the Blues, cotton, yeloow fever, and Martin Luther King. The Central BBQ Slide asting was delicious. The self-guided tour of the Civil Rights Museum added to the discussion from Taylor. The riverboat cruise was relaxing. The commentary by Leon highlighted the rise and decline of the Memphis riverfront. It was a wonder Day in Memphis.
Great tour in Memphis!
Luanne F,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good tour guide. Knowledgeable and interactive. Would recommend this tour.
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