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 + 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
Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat
Civil Rights Museum admissions: Tour includes admission to the National Civil Rights 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
390 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Shannon was terrific. ...
Laurie N,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shannon was terrific. Did the option with the Civil Rights Museum. Nice variety of history, sightseeing, and a relaxing river boat cruise. Perfect way to spend the day in Memphis.
Fascinating Memphis History
Resort65659078118,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to get a history lesson and see a full view of Memphis from the mighty Mississippi
Great day!
Perry N,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shannon was an excellent tour guide! She gave us all the information we needed and you could tell she loves Memphis!
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Operated by Backbeat Tours