Memphis City Tour & Mississippi River Cruise
Paddlewheel skyline views and Memphis history in one day
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.
Meeting details
Backbeat Tours ticket podium at Alfred's on Beale, 197 Beale St
Related locations
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
Admission includedStep 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.
