Tours in Memphis
Celebrated for its rich musical heritage and mouth-watering barbecue cuisine, Memphis is commonly regarded as the birthplace of the blues. Follow in the footsteps of music icons as you tour world-famous recording studios, take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, and celebrate the efforts of Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks as you immerse yourself in American history at one of Memphis’ fascinating museums.
As part of our 13-day Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rockets and Elvis tour, you’ll stroll down bustling Beale Street, illuminated by neon and alive with the sound of soulful guitars. Take a bite of pulled pork and smoky barbecued ribs, and sip delicious cocktails while catching a performance at a blues bar. Discover more about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, with a trip to his former residence Graceland. Wander through legendary Sun Studio, where the likes of B.B. King and Johnny Cash once recorded, before looking out across the Mississippi River from the picturesque Mud Island River Park.
Cycle across the historic Harahan Bridge – a mile-long bridge across the Mississippi River – and reflect on the challenges black Americans faced with an inspiring visit to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Alternatively, combine the city’s musical heritage with an enchanting journey on our American Queen River Cruise tour, as you step aboard the luxurious American Queen paddle steamer and journey through New Orleans and Mississippi to the heart of the American South.
American Queen River Cruise - New Orleans to Memphis
Guide Price £4,499 pp
The mighty Mississippi River is famous around the world. Rich in history it is just waiting to be explored, so climb aboard the iconic and the world's largest riverboat the American Queen. This is more than just your average paddle...
Iconic journeys
American South Escorted Tour
Guide Price £2,699 pp
Vibrant and full of southern charm, America’s Deep South is something that has to be experienced. Journey through 6 states, each as intriguing as the last, with cities besides the sea, incredible beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, endless history and places that...
Escorted tours
Rhythms of the South Self Drive
Guide Price £2,599 pp
The southern United States is the birthplace of many different genres of music from country, jazz, blues to rock 'n' roll. On this 14 day self drive adventure you will hit the open road and drive across these southern states...
Events & festivals
Bluegrass and Bourbon Trail
Guide Price £1,999 pp
Take in all the sounds and flavours of the south on this musical tour through Tennessee and Kentucky. Starting with a couple of days in Memphis, the birthplace of the blues, where you can visit Elvis Presley’s former home Graceland,...
Self drive holidays
American Rhythms
Guide Price £1,999 pp
From the jazz filled streets of New Orleans to the Country music sounds of Nashville and the Memphis blues, American Rhythms certainly lives up to its name. Discover some of the Deep South's most vibrant cities on this 11 day...
USA road trips
Romantic Trails Of The South Tour
Guide Price £1,899 pp
This escorted tour is the ultimate way to see the best of the Deep South in just one week. From New Orleans to Atlanta, this tour will take you through some of the most atmospheric locations across four States including...
Multi centre holidays
American Queen River Cruise - Memphis to New Orleans
Guide Price £4,399 pp
Enjoy a quintessentially American experience as you journey down the Mississippi aboard the opulent American Queen. This luxurious paddle steamer offers exquisite staterooms, modern amenities and Broadway quality entertainment, not to mention award-winning dining and signature shore excursions. Start your...
Cultural holidays
Rock 'n' Roll, Rockets and Elvis
Guide Price £2,599 pp
This trip travelling through Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia will be a big hit among music fans. Stroll through Birmingham's historic downtown, and stop in to hear the gospel choir at the 16th Street Baptist Church. Head to the legendary Sun...
Self drive holidays
A Southern Story - Sounds And Specialities
Guide Price £3,399 pp
Discover the vibrant cities of the USA’s Deep South on this unique eight day small group adventure. This fantastic tour focuses on offering you a wonderful mix of culinary, historic and musical activities and best of all you will have...
Couples Holidays
The Heartland's Beat
Guide Price £2,499 pp
There are not many countries in this world where you are able to spend 12 nights driving through five states learning about the history of the country while enjoying the vast difference in music between the states. The Heartland’s Beat...
USA road trips
Expert Tips
Clive
Content Editor
“Families should take the time to visit Mud Island’s Greenbelt Park. Far and away from the bustle of Beale Street, it’s a beautiful place to walk or cycle along.”
Nick
Senior Destination Manager
“Variety is the spice of life – make sure you try a few of the traditional barbecue restaurants. There are hundreds to choose from and each has their own unique blend of spices and secret recipes. No two are the same.”
Martyn
Destination Manager
“The Fire Museum of Memphis is a unique and interesting alternative to the many music museums. You’ll learn about how America’s fire services used to operate, see how far they’ve progressed, and hear inspirational first-hand accounts of heroism during the September 11 terrorist attacks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
While an easy city to navigate by walking, Memphis also runs a comprehensive public bus and trolley network called MATA that runs across the whole of the city. Journeys cost $1, or you can purchase an all-day pass for $3. There are several places to rent bicycles across the city, with Explore Bike Share offering GPS-equipped bikes for either an hour, or the full day. When finished, you can simply park up at the nearest station.
The best times to visit Memphis are April to May, or October to November. The summer months bring temperatures averaging 32°C. In winter temperatures can drop to -1°C.
Memphis is known for its love of barbecue. A haven for meat-lovers, visitors can bite into Memphis-style barbecue ribs, prepared either dry and seasoned with salt and herbs, or wet, glazed with a thick hot sauce. Smoky pulled pork is a local favourite, and can be served alongside nachos or in a sandwich. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is held here every May, and is officially recognised as the world’s largest pork barbecue contest by the Guinness Book of World Records.
As the Mississippi River runs through Memphis, so does rock ‘n’ roll and the blues. A city embedded with a deep passion for music and barbecue cuisine, the bright lights of Beale Street and its many blues bars call out to music-lovers the world over.
Why you'll love Memphis...
• Listening to rousing blues solos as you wander down historic Beale Street
• Sampling succulent barbecued ribs from one of over 100 barbecue speciality restaurants
• Appreciating the trials and tribulations of black Americans at the National Civil Rights Museum
• Touring Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley
• Enjoying the scenery at the Mud Island Greenbelt Park
• Gliding down the Mississippi River on a elegant paddle steamer
• Sipping cocktails as you catch a thrilling live performance at a blues bar
• Discovering the pioneers of soul music at the Stax Museum
• Catching a baseball game at the AutoZone Park
• Touring world-renowned studios, including Sun Studio and Ardent
Did you know?
• Martin Luther King was shot in Memphis. To commemorate his life and work there’s a museum which has preserved the hotel as it was when he was killed.
• The city is named after the Egyptian town of Memphis, located along the River Nile.
• Memphis is named in over 400 songs, which is more than any other city in the world.
