Memphis City Tour + Elvis Experience with entry to Graceland

Planning a visit to Memphis? This 7-hour tour offers an efficient way to see the city’s highlights and get a close-up look at Elvis Presley’s legendary home. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll experience Memphis’s vibrant streets, historic sites, and the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s world-famous estate—all in one day.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? We love the balanced mix of city exploration and the immerse experience at Graceland, the ease of hotel pickup and drop-off, and the insights shared by local guides who bring Memphis to life. That said, for those wanting a fully guided tour inside Graceland rather than a self-guided experience, this might feel a bit limited. Overall, it’s ideal for music fans, history enthusiasts, or travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day around Memphis.

Good To Know

• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make for a smooth experience.
• Balance: Combines city sightseeing with the Elvis experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Darryl and Michelle are praised for their knowledge and humor.
• Value for Money: For $195, you get a full day of memorable sights and insider stories.
• Flexibility: Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “reserve now, pay later” option.
• Authentic Insights: Reviews reveal stories and details only guides can share, enriching the visit.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect on This Memphis Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Memphis’s culture, history, and legendary music scene all within 7 hours. Starting with hotel pickup in downtown Memphis (or meeting at 119 N Riverside Drive if outside this area), you’ll hop onto a cozy mini-coach with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The tour is small enough to feel personal but large enough to cover everything you want to see.

Exploring Memphis’s Landmarks

Your guide will steer you through the city’s most distinctive sights, many of which are infused with musical and civil rights history. You’ll pass iconic statues honoring B.B. King and Elvis Presley—perfect photo ops—and learn some behind-the-scenes stories about these legends. The proximity of these statues gives a sense of Memphis’s deep roots in blues and rock ‘n roll.

A highlight is the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel. Here, your guide will share insights into the civil rights movement, and you might appreciate the emotional weight of standing where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically killed. Reviewers mention the museum as a profound stop, though some note it’s more of a drive-by experience rather than inside, depending on timing.

At A. Schwab, you’ll find souvenirs, crafts, and candies to take home—an excellent spot for a quick browse or a memorable gift. The drive past St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers a poignant reminder of Memphis’s contributions beyond music.

The tour also includes sights like the transformed Memphis Pyramid, now a bustling Bass Pro Shops complex with shopping, dining, and recreational activities. The Peabody Memphis, home to the famous marching ducks, provides a charming moment of levity with their elegant parade down the red carpet—something many reviewers found delightful and surprising.

The vibrant energy of Beale Street is unmistakable, filled with blues clubs, restaurants, and nightlife. The guide’s lively commentary makes this stroll even more enjoyable. A drive through Victorian Village showcases Memphis’s architectural history, with 19th-century homes reflecting its cotton trade past.

Graceland and Elvis Experience

The moment many travelers have been waiting for begins after the city tour — a dedicated visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s estate. You’ll have access to the Mansion Tour, where you can walk through the rooms where Elvis lived and created music, getting a sense of his personal life. Reviewers often mention how emotional and surreal it feels to step inside his home, especially when seeing the rooms and memorabilia up close.

Beyond the mansion, you’ll explore Elvis’s Car Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Cadillacs and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. You’ll also see his private planes and learn about his life in the Elvis Discovery Exhibits, which cover his rise to fame and enduring influence.

The Career Showcase traces Elvis’s musical journey, from Sun Studio recordings to spectacular Vegas performances, with exhibits that give life to his legendary status. The tour also includes the Entertainment Complex, filled with Elvis memorabilia, gift shops, and dining options, making it easy to extend your visit or pick up a special souvenir.

Reviews suggest that seven hours is just enough time—you get around 4.5 hours at Graceland, which many say is sufficient for exploring thoroughly. One reviewer noted that they could have spent longer, but the schedule keeps things moving comfortably.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $195 per person, this experience covers transportation, a city sightseeing tour, and exclusive access to Graceland, making it an all-in-one package. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off saves you the hassle of navigating Memphis yourself, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city.

The guides, like Darryl and Michelle, are singled out for their friendliness, wit, and knowledge—adding a personable touch to the experience. Their stories and explanations bring context to what you see, transforming a simple sightseeing trip into an educational journey.

The combination of seeing Memphis’s cultural landmarks and stepping into Elvis’s world is especially appealing to music fans, history buffs, and those wanting a rundown of Memphis’s identity. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay later, also add a layer of security, ideal for those with unpredictable travel plans.

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The Experience from the Reviews

Many travelers, such as Janet from Ireland, describe the guide as “funny, helpful, and considerate.” Others, like Mary B from the U.S., mention the “wonderful” experience and recommend it to friends. Several reviews highlight how emotional and special it feels to walk through Graceland, with some noting it’s a surreal experience walking through Elvis’s house and seeing his cars and planes.

Michelle’s lively commentary on the city tour, along with guides’ passion about Memphis’s musical and civil rights history, made a big impression. One reviewer pointed out that the stop at St. Jude’s Hospital was eye-opening, as most visitors aren’t aware of Memphis’s contributions beyond music.

Some travelers wished for more time inside the Civil Rights Museum but appreciated the overall flow of the day. The comfort of the coach and punctual pickups are consistently praised, making the day smooth and enjoyable.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: Pickup is usually in the morning, with an exact start time depending on availability. If you’re not staying downtown, meet at 119 N Riverside Drive by 9:15 AM.
• Weather: Since the tour involves outdoor drives and sightseeing, good weather is essential. Cancellations due to poor weather are rare, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if needed.
• Duration: Expect around 4.5 hours at Graceland plus city sightseeing time.
• Group Size: The coach is cozy but manageable, ensuring a more personal experience with your guide.
• Accessibility: The tour includes walking at Graceland, which may be a consideration for some travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits music lovers eager to see Elvis’s home and learn about his life, history buffs interested in Memphis’s civil rights landmarks, and travelers looking for a convenient, all-in-one day tour. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation and want a guide to bring stories to life.

Those with limited time in Memphis will appreciate the efficient itinerary that covers the essentials. However, if you’re a hardcore Elvis fan or prefer a tour with more inside access at Graceland, you might want to look for a more specialized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available in Memphis?
Yes, pickup is included only for downtown Memphis hotels. If you’re outside this area, you’ll need to meet at 119 N Riverside Drive by 9:15 AM.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How long do I spend at Graceland?
Expect around 4.5 hours to explore the mansion, car museum, Elvis exhibits, and enjoy the complex.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the family-friendly nature of the sites suggests it’s appropriate for older children and teenagers interested in Elvis and Memphis.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there are dining options available at Graceland.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially for walking through Graceland and city sightseeing.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I see inside the Civil Rights Museum?
The review suggests some tours drive past rather than inside, but the experience can vary depending on timing and preference.

This Memphis City Tour combined with the Elvis Experience is an excellent option for travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience Memphis. It offers a balanced mix of sights, stories, and memorabilia, all guided by passionate, knowledgeable hosts who make the experience lively and personal.

Whether you’re a dedicated Elvis fan, a history enthusiast, or someone wanting to get a feel for Memphis’s vibrant culture, this tour packs a lot into one day. The price point reflects good value given the included entries, guided insights, and transportation—making it a smart choice for those who want a memorable, stress-free overview.

For travelers who enjoy stories behind the scenes and an authentic taste of Memphis’s musical and civil rights legacy, this tour hits all the right notes. Just be prepared for a full day, and you’ll come away with plenty of stories to tell.

You can check if your dates are available here: