Memphis: City Tour, Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Combo

Summary

Elvis statues, Peabody ducks, river sounds and Sun Studio stories

You’ll ride through Memphis with a local guide who knows every story behind Beale Street, pause at historic spots like the Lorraine Motel, cheer for ducks at the Peabody Hotel, cruise down the Mississippi River if you choose that option, and maybe even stand in Sun Studio where rock ‘n’ roll began. It’s not always what you expect — sometimes it’s better.

What’s the experience like?

We piled into the mini-coach just after breakfast — I still had coffee on my breath — and our guide, Marcus, was already cracking jokes about Elvis sightings before we’d even left downtown Memphis. The city felt awake in that way only Memphis does: a little humid, music leaking out from somewhere (always), and the river just kind of hanging in the background. We rolled past the Lorraine Motel. Marcus went quiet for a second, which I didn’t expect. He just nodded at the National Civil Rights Museum and said, “This is where Dr. King spent his last night.” That stuck with me more than I thought it would.

The bus windows fogged up as we cruised through Victorian Village — you could see old brick homes hiding behind tangled trees. We stopped at A. Schwab on Beale Street (120 years old, apparently), and I swear you could smell licorice and dust inside. There was this older man behind the counter who called me “hon” without looking up from his crossword. After that, we watched the Peabody Ducks do their little march at the hotel lobby. People were actually cheering for ducks in tiny red carpet lines; it’s hard to explain if you haven’t seen it.

I added on the Memphis Riverboats cruise when I booked, mostly because I wanted to hear what the Mississippi sounded like up close (spoiler: it’s louder than you think). The captain told stories about Tom Lee Park and pointed out where barges used to dock — his accent was thick but easy to follow if you listened close enough. There was a smell of river mud and barbecue drifting over from somewhere upriver. If you’re into music history like me, you can also tack on Sun Studio at checkout — standing where Elvis recorded his first song felt weirdly normal but also kind of electric? The walls are yellowed with time; our guide there played us a scratchy track from 1954 and grinned like he’d heard it for the first time.

I still think about that moment outside Sun Studio — just leaning against warm bricks, trying to imagine how many people have stood right there feeling something similar or totally different. Memphis gets under your skin in small ways, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Memphis city sightseeing tour

• Start at downtown Memphis hotel
• See Elvis Presley and BB King statues
• Pass National Civil Rights Museum
• Stop at Schwab general store
• Pass St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Pass Pyramid Arena
• Stop at Peabody Hotel for duck march
• Cruise down Beale Street and Cotton Row
• Travel along Mississippi River and Victorian Village
• Optional Memphis Riverboats cruise
• Optional visit to Sun Studio
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Does this Memphis city tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included from select downtown Memphis hotels.

Can I add a Mississippi Riverboat cruise to my tour?

Yes, you can upgrade your booking to include a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River.

Is admission to Sun Studio included?

Only if you select that option during checkout; otherwise it's not included by default.

How long does the Peabody Hotel duck march last?

The duck march itself is brief but draws a crowd; exact timing may vary daily.

Are children allowed on this Memphis sightseeing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, buses are not wheelchair accessible unless guests can step onto the bus independently.

What sights will I see on this city tour?

You’ll see Beale Street, Victorian homes, National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel, A. Schwab store, Pyramid Arena, Peabody Hotel ducks, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from select downtown Memphis hotels, narrated sightseeing by mini-coach with a local guide who actually knows their stuff (and isn’t shy about sharing), stops at places like Beale Street and A. Schwab general store plus time to watch those famous Peabody ducks do their thing in the hotel lobby. If you choose upgrades during booking, your ticket covers either a paddlewheel cruise down the Mississippi River or entry into Sun Studio — or both — before drop-off back at your hotel.