What accessibility or mobility challenges should I expect at the riverboat dock?

To board the Memphis Riverboat, you’ll go down a steep cobblestone incline. The bus drops off and picks up at the top of the hill on Riverside Drive. A golf cart is occasionally available for guests with limited mobility, but it depends on availability and can’t be arranged in advance.

What happens if I’m late getting back to the bus after the museum stop?

Your guide and driver will tell you the pickup time at your chosen museum. Reboard on time so the group can reach the riverboat; seating is limited.

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Memphis City Tour with Museum & Mississippi Riverboat Cruise

Name: Memphis City Tour with Museum & Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
Brand: Backbeat Tours
Price: 103.02 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (223 reviews)

Paddlewheel skyline views and Memphis history in one day

4.6 stars• 223 reviews

Duration

6 hrs

Includes

City tour, museum, river cruise

Highlights

Take in downtown skyline views from the Island Queen paddlewheel boat as you hear historical commentary and local lore. Relax in indoor or outdoor seating while spending time on the Mississippi River.

Listen to historical commentary and lore aboard the Island Queen
Take in views of the downtown skyline, Pyramid, bluffs, and Arkansas dueling grounds
Relax in indoor or outdoor seating on the paddlewheel boat
Enjoy air-conditioned transportation between stops
Capture the day with a souvenir photo available for purchase

Itinerary

Board at Alfred's on Beale (Beale & BB King Blvd.) and depart after check-in.
Drive past and view Victorian Village, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Visit the I Am A Man Plaza at Clayborn Temple downtown, site of the Sanitation Strike Marches
Enjoy a BBQ tasting at Central BBQ, award winning local BBQ restaurant (beer and additional food not included; BBQ is pork and we do not offer substitutions).
Drive through the South Main Historic Arts District.
Visit the museum of your choice; guide and driver will inform you of the pick-up time for the Riverboat. PLEASE do not be late returning to the bus!
Memphis Sightseeing Riverboat Cruise (arrive between 1:30-2:00pm for boarding)
Enjoy a 90-minute Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi River
Return to meeting location on Beale St.

Important details

Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure for check-in
Food is not allowed on the bus or inside the museums
Leave ice chests and coolers behind
No restrooms are available on the bus
Riverboat boarding requires navigating a 45° cobblestone incline; limited-mobility golf cart service may be unavailable

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation with at least 24 hours' notice. No-shows are charged the full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Product ID: CGGN49

FAQs

Plan to pay extra for gratuity. Soft drinks or beer at Central BBQ are not included, and snacks or drinks on the riverboat are not included.

You can bring food and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on the bus, but do not bring ice chests or coolers.

No. Use the restroom at the ticket window before you board.

Review summary

4.6

Excellent

223 reviewsGoogle Maps

Memphis music history comes alive on these tours, largely thanks to guides who clearly love what they do. Names like Charlie, Emily, Shannon, and Sheena pop up repeatedly in reviews, each praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about the city. The Memphis Mojo bus tour draws the most attention, blending storytelling, live music, and stops at iconic spots like Sun Studio into a crowd-pleasing package. Ghost and true crime walking tours are also popular, with guide Sheena earning particular praise for making them both entertaining and informative. A couple of reviewers noted that bus air conditioning ran weak, and one flagged punctuality as a strict policy, so arriving early is a smart move. These are worth keeping in mind, though the overwhelming majority of visitors leave happy and many say it was a trip highlight. The tour is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Memphis looking for a solid, fun introduction to the city before deciding where to spend the rest of their time.

What people are saying

I was there July 6 for my birthday trip! It was a blast! The staff was absolutely wonderful! Made me feel right at home as soon as I checked in! It was very informative and you got see historic places. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish at the stops they would give you more than a second to get photo especially if your on the opposite side of the bus. Outside of that I found the tour quite interesting and fun! I definitely recommend them if you’re in town! I know I’ll return if I get back to the area!

Adam Zeigler

July 21, 2026

Adam Zeigler

July 21, 2026

Meeting details

Backbeat Tours ticket podium at Alfred's on Beale, 197 Beale St

Experience provided by Backbeat Tours

Related locations

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Admission included

Step inside the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the story of American popular music unfolds around you in sound and image. Located in the heart of downtown Memphis near Beale Street, this Smithsonian-affiliated institution draws you into the cotton fields, juke joints, and recording studios where blues, gospel, country, and R&B collided to create something entirely new. The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum holds more than 300 artifacts and a self-guided audio tour that lets the music speak for itself.

Book with confidence

No hidden fees
The price you see is the price you pay. Nothing is added at checkout.
A real concierge team
Questions, changes or special requests? Our concierge team sorts it out with the operator for you.
Flexible cancellation
Most experiences refund in full when you cancel within the cancellation window.