Memphis , United States

Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour

Active

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What sets the Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour apart is that it’s not just a history lesson — it’s A Show On Wheels!

Led by Jackie Murray, an award-winning tour guide, actress, singer, and teaching artist, this immersive experience brings Memphis’ African American music history to life through performance and storytelling.

Before launching her own company, Jackie helped shape one of Memphis’ top heritage tours, earning recognition for connecting history to heart through song and drama. Honored by the City of Memphis Tourism Department’s Memphis Pick Awards (Runner-Up, Best Tour Guide 2022 & 2023), she now steps aboard your group’s bus — turning it into a moving stage where the rhythm, resilience, and legacy of Memphis come alive.

Book your group today.

Note: Viator limits online bookings to 15 guests. For larger groups (up to 50).

Available options

Full-Day Step-On Tour

Duration: 8 hours: Soul of Memphis Full-Day Step-On Tour

Soul of Memphis Half Day Step-On Tour

Duration: 4 hours

What's included

Guide Services Only

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll.” It is the discovery location of musical legends like B.B. King and Ike Turner. See the priceless memorabilia from the musical legends that blended blues and country music to explode in the "big bang" of Rock'n'roll.

Stop 2

Located on the original site of the Stax Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, the Stax Museum pays special tribute to the artists who recorded there, as well as other American soul legends, with interactive exhibits, films, stage costumes, musical instruments, vintage recording equipment used at Stax, records, photographs, permanent and changing galleries, and a rare and amazing collection of more than 2,000 items of memorabilia and artifacts. It is an entity of the Soulsville Foundation.

Stop 3 Pass by

Beale Street is a historic and iconic entertainment district in downtown Memphis. It is celebrated as the "Home of the Blues" and known for its live music, restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife. Established in 1841, it served as a significant center for Black commerce and culture and launched the careers of blues legends like B.B. King.

The Blues Hall of Fame honors those who have made the Blues timeless through performance, documentation, and recording. Since its inception in 1980, The Blues Foundation has inducted new members annually into the Blues Hall of Fame for their historical contribution, impact, and overall influence on the Blues.

What's not included

Meals

Charter Bus is not included in the fee.

Admission into STAX/Sun Studio is not included

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The TN Welcome Center is just off the corner of Bass Pro Drive and Riverside Drive. Plenty of parking for buses.

About Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is a vibrant city rich in musical heritage and Southern charm. Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the home of the blues, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. The city's iconic landmarks, live music venues, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the American South.

Top Attractions

Graceland

The former home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a must-visit for music fans. The mansion and museum offer a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate ($38 for adults, $25 for children)

Beale Street

A historic street in downtown Memphis, Beale Street is famous for its live music venues, bars, and restaurants. It's the heart of the city's nightlife and a major tourist attraction.

Entertainment 2-3 hours or more Free to explore, variable for food and drinks

National Civil Rights Museum

Located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum chronicles the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate ($17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $14 for children)

Memphis Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the United States, the Memphis Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 500 species. It features a variety of exhibits and conservation programs.

Nature 3-4 hours Moderate ($22 for adults, $16 for children)

Sun Studio

Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studio is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their early hits. The studio offers tours and recording sessions.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate ($15 for adults, $12 for children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Memphis Barbecue

Slow-smoked pork ribs and pulled pork, often served with a tangy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made gluten-free

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with sides like coleslaw and macaroni and cheese.

Main Course Contains gluten and dairy, can be made gluten-free

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

A classic Elvis Presley favorite, made with peanut butter, banana, and sometimes bacon.

Breakfast Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Sweet Tea

A refreshing, sweetened iced tea, a staple in Southern cuisine.

Drink Contains sugar, can be made with alternative sweeteners

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Fishing Boating Picnicking Birdwatching Shopping Dining

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals and events during these periods.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, French, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 (Standard Time), UTC-5 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Memphis is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and it's important to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

Memphis International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown

By bus

Memphis Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

MATA operates a network of buses that serve the city and its surrounding areas. Fares are affordable, and buses are a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Memphis Midtown Memphis East Memphis Cooper-Young Historic District

Day trips

Arkansas River Museum

15 miles (24 km) • Half day

Located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs focused on the history and culture of the Arkansas River and its surrounding regions.

Hernando de Soto Park

20 miles (32 km) • Half day

A beautiful park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have crossed the Mississippi River in this area.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

25 miles (40 km) • Full day

A beautiful state park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Festivals

Memphis in May International Festival • May Beale Street Music Festival • Early May Memphis Grizzlies Playoffs • April-May (varies by season)

Pro tips

Visit Graceland early in the morning to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore Beale Street in the evening for live music and a lively atmosphere
Try the famous Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ or Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Take a stroll through the Memphis Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and local goods
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about the history and legacy of the civil rights movement