Private Tour

2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

On this 2.5 hour African American History tour, we will be your "conductor" and take you on a journey through Memphis that will be sure to open your eyes to some of the most historical sites connected to slavery through to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. There is so much more to Memphis than Downtown to experience, so we will also explore some of our interesting neighborhoods.

This tour is for residents, families, and visitors who are looking for the activities to do that are safe, fun and insightful.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

This tour does not stop for guests to visit museums. Visits can be made at your leisure on your own. We will drive by sites with narration.

A minimum of 3 travelers are required to operate this tour. (This can be achieved with more than one party making a reservation)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

From our vehicle you will see the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, room 306 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is also the location of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Admission Not Applicable

Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum

This was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who chose to participate in the Underground Railroad. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Guided Tour

Reviews

4.96

182 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

178

Outstanding knowledge,...
Susan H,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Outstanding knowledge, highly interesting and important places, historical context and details were fantastic, personalized service, warm and attentive
Hidden Teeasure
Jeff R,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Devon was very informative and passionate about this adventure. Found many hidden gems that I was unaware of.
Entertaining and Soul Enriching
Cruiser701836,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour is an OUTSTANDING experience! I've been on many tours in different cities and can attest that this one competes for top spot easily. The 'Queen' was our guide and she totally made this Memphis trip a memorable one. Even though I've been to Memphis a few times, I've never had someone provide depth to the city's history and culture that is out in the open but not really seen. Queen doesn't just spit knowledge-- she keeps everyone engaged throughout the tour. She also is a master at linking the past with the present, with an added emphasis on prompting action to shape future history. You have my word--take this tour at first opportunity and you won't be disappointed. It'll also be valuable for learning good food and tourist spots for after the tour. Hint: smoked turkey ribs...
Great tour you must take!
dartmouthmom2017,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Guide was very knowledgeable. We learned alot and overall enjoyed the tour very much. Just be aware that you are sitting n a Van the majority of the time.
Must do tour in Memphis
Dijah 14,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Must do while in Memphis! My tour was with Ms. Jackie and she was amazing! From telling our history and stories, to the music played on the journey, to her personality/voice work from start to finish this was amazing. Highly recommend when visiting Memphis/even if you are a local this tour is one you can enjoy. You don’t just visit/see the touristy things but you get a true sense of the city from our perspective.
AMAZING RIDE!
Fair S,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a 5 out of 5 experience!!! I enjoyed Ms. Jackie and she was a character! She shared so many gems and I learned some stuff, being a Memphian. It is nice to go on a tour and hear OUR stories being told with pleasure and passion. I would do this tour again! I am so glad my friend chose this as her Memphis tour while visiting town!
Incredible experience!
X8420TFsheilab,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an incredible experience! My partner and I did this tour with Queen and she could NOT have been better! We got to hear about and see some of the hidden spots in Memphis! We had done the civil rights museum before this tour, which I do think was helpful for some of the context, but Queen made this informative, fun and special. This is a DO NOT MISS in Memphis!
City of Memphis tour
Keith W,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour guide Devin was awesome! He has a lot of knowledge about the city of Memphis. I recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Its worth the money.
Emotional journey with the tour of Memphis.
Constance V,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was an emotional journey learning about black history in Memphis. Visiting the Motel where Dr.Martin Luther was killed was heartbreaking.
Queen Reigns
Donna N,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very knowledgeable, thorough, and engaging. I loved the tour. It was safe, comfortable, and fun. I would do it again. I wish Queen did tours for other cities around the country.