Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River
Memphis, United States

Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River

Outty Ranking 84 4.8 · 441 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $90
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Outty Ranking

84/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 441 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River worth booking?

Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River is a 6-hour experience in Memphis, United States, from $90 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 441 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
84 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (441)
Duration
6 hours
From
$90 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Sightseeing cruise on Mississippi River
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Admission to Rock 'n' Soul Museum (if option selected)
    • Snacks
    • Admission to National Civil Rights Museum (if option selected)
    • Admission to Edge Motor Museum (if option selected)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and dropoff
    • Drinks (alcohol)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Beale Street

      History of one of the most famous streets in America

      5 minutes here

    2. Handy Park

      Story of WC Handy and the birth of the Blues

      5 minutes here

    3. AutoZone Park

      Home of the Memphis Redbirds and 901 FC professional soccer

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Home of teenaged Elvis Presley

      Pass by without stopping

    5. World-class medical research hospital

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Victorian Village Historic District

      Beautiful Victorian-era mansions of "Millionaire's Row"

      10 minutes here

    7. Magevney House

      Oldest home in Memphis

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Court Square

      Historic center of the city

      Pass by without stopping

    9. oldest church in the city

      Pass by without stopping

    10. The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange

      center of the Memphis cotton industry

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Moving tribute and memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1968 Sanitation Strike

      10 minutes here

    12. National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

      Site of the assassination of Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King, Jr. Admission included *IF OPTION SELECTED*; guests will be given 1.5 hours to tour the museum. If the option is not selected, guests will only be allowed in the public area outside.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    13. Barbeque tasting

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    14. Scenic sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Memphis

    Please check in at our ticket podium, located on the patio at Alfred's downstairs.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please check in at our ticket podium, located on the patio at Alfred's downstairs.

    Options you can book

    • Tour + Edge Motor + Riverboat

      Edge Motor Museum admissions: Tour includes admission to Edge Motor Museum and Riverboat Cruise

    • Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat

      Civil Rights Museum admissions: Tour includes admission to the National Civil Rights Museum and Riverboat Cruise

    • Tour + Rock'n'Soul + Riverboat

      Rock'n'Soul admissions: Tour includes admission to Rock'n'Soul Museum and Riverboat Cruise

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Backbeat Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • 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% decline 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.
    • Not recommended for guests with mobility issues.

    Photos

    Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River, photo 2BBQ tasting, Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi RiverHistoric Beale Street, Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi RiverVictorian Village, Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 431 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    431 verified traveler reviews for Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    358
    4 star
    52
    3 star
    15
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Paul_P · October 2026

    Memphis and River

    Great tour with fantastic tour guide. Good history and information. Shannon was exceptional and very knowledgeable.

    via Viator

    Andrew_P · October 2026

    Memphis City and Boat Tour

    A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting tour from start to finish, Shannon and Mr Fisher were superb.

    via Viator

    Marie_C · October 2026

    Awesome

    well planned, on time, and very informative. Our guide was very knowledgeable. She new what she was talking about. Showed us some interesting places. Visited the rock and roll museum. Then the riverboat tour. The guy on the riverboat who was announcer/guide did an awesome job explaining everything to us. He knew his stuff. Overall was a great experience. Would do again

    via Viator

    lerondrab · September 2026

    Tour of Memphis

    The tour guide was knowledgeable, the driver was safe and it went smooth from beginning to end.

    via Tripadvisor

    Curious792765 · September 2026

    A Great Way To Spend a Day in Memphis

    The tour guide for the first part of the tour was so knowledgeable about the town, it's history and the gossip and stories from the early years. The transportation was immaclate. The Blues & soul museum was one of those places that you could spend the whole day. Very informative and thorough. The music selections were.perfect for the subject. The tour was self guided with very nice and easy equipment. The riverboat was a nice ride, but it was hard to hear the guide. But the trip was worth it.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $90 to $98
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    154
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Backbeat Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.6.

    See everything Backbeat Tours runs

    Why this scores 84

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)82
    Booking momentum (14% weight)79
    Value for money (12% weight)85
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)80
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Memphis.

    How much does Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River cost?

    +

    Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Memphis usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Memphis is not rushed.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 441 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Memphis, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Around 154 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Memphis can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Memphis and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Memphis within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Memphis?

    +

    Memphis is music and food: Graceland with VIP access tiers, Sun Studio and Stax, Beale Street blues crawls, National Civil Rights Museum visits and barbecue tours through the pits. Graceland ticket tiers are confusing, so we weight clear inclusions. On Outty we rank every Memphis experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Memphis Mojo Bus Tour, Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour, Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Memphis?

    +

    March to May and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Memphis?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Included: Sightseeing cruise on Mississippi River; In-vehicle air conditioning; Admission to Rock 'n' Soul Museum (if option selected); Snacks; and Admission to National Civil Rights Museum (if option selected). Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pickup and dropoff; and Drinks (alcohol). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Please check in at our ticket podium, located on the patio at Alfred's downstairs. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not recommended for guests with mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    Across 441 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Tour + Edge Motor + Riverboat, Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat, Tour + Rock'n'Soul + Riverboat. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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