6 minute read
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis’ first settlers were Native Americans who were drawn to the area’s bluffs overlooking the river. By building their settlements on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, it protected them from flooding, and the mighty river allowed them easy transportation access. When the explorer Hernando DeSoto and his army arrived in Memphis in 1541, they set up camp and the city of Memphis exchanged hands with the Spanish, French and English, eventually being sold to the U.S. Government. Today, Memphis is nationally recognized for its contributions to our country’s music influences. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” this iconic city offers a vibrant culture and history is intertwined through every street.
MEMPHIS PREMIUM EXPERIENCE SOUNDTRACK OF MEMPHIS: A MUSICAL CITY TOUR
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PREMIUM EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS MUSICAL DRIVE THROUGH THE STREETS OF MEMPHIS
With singing and live music interjected between narration, this tour brings the history of Memphis to life. Activities begin as you embark our deluxe motorcoach on a musical journey through the streets of Memphis with our knowledgeable guide, who is also a Beale Street musician, leading the way. Drive past city highlights, including the Peabody Hotel, Sun Studio, Lauderdale Courts and the former church where Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two put on their first performance.
OVERTON PARK SHELL
As you make your way through Blues City, stop at the iconic Levitt Shell amphitheater located in Overton Park. Here, your guide will perform on the very stage where Elvis Presley put on his first paid concert in 1954.
WALK DOWN BEALE STREET
CITY TOUR CONTINUES
As a brief intermission from our driving tour, step out onto the most-famous street in Memphis, the bustling Beale Street. Embrace the sights and sounds of this iconic musical roadway and feel free to search for the perfect soundtrack souvenir!
You’ll then continue past sites that include the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the infamous Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968.
BOAT EMBARKATION OR DIRECT TRANSFER
If your voyage begins in Memphis, Tennessee, your journey through the city will conclude at the dock of the vessel. If you will be disembarking in Memphis, your excursion will conclude at the post-cruise hotel, or airport. Please see your Reservation Form for details.
HALF-DAY $
PREMIUM EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS LIVE LIKE “THE KING” FOR A DAY AT GRACELAND MANSION
Enter through “The King’s” front door, where the presence of Elvis can still be felt within the walls as you walk through the same rooms as he did after a long day’s performance. Custom crafted and state-of-the-art iPads will help guide your way through each room, providing thoughtful narration. Discover how Elvis lived at this musical mecca while exploring the personal rooms within his home, visitor entertainment complex and museums depicting his legacy.
GRACELAND ELVIS EXPERIENCE TOUR & FREE TIME FOR LUNCH (PRE-CRUISE ONLY)
Enjoy the rest of your time exploring the recently opened Entertainment Complex. The multitude of exhibits feature everything from Elvis’ wardrobe to his automobiles and airplanes. Then stop for a bite to eat at one of the many Elvis themed eateries, like Vernon’s Steakhouse and Gladys’ Diner. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches anyone?
CITY TOUR OF MEMPHIS
WALK DOWN BEALE STREET & ELVIS STATUE
Sit back and relax on a brief city tour where you’ll see important musical and historical locations as you make your way through the bustling Blues City and home of “The King”.
A giant bronze statue of Elvis welcomes us to the most famous street in Memphis. From here, take a stroll down the iconic street and feel the spirit of rock n’ roll that has put Beale Street on the musical map.
BOAT EMBARKATION OR DIRECT TRANSFER
If your voyage begins in Memphis, Tennessee, your journey through the city will conclude at the dock of the vessel. If you will be disembarking in Memphis, your excursion will conclude at the post-cruise hotel, or airport. Please see your Reservation Form for details.
FULL-DAY $
Uniquely American River Cruises™
For information or to book your shore excursions, please call 1-888-966-0938 or visit www.ReserveMyExcursions.com (For an instant confirmation)
Reservation Agents are available Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Disclaimer
American Queen® included shore excursions are available to all American Queen guests and are capacity controlled and subject to availability. All included and premium shore excursions are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking. All tours are subject to maximum and minimum capacities and tours may be canceled in the event that minimum capacities are not met. Total passenger counts for each tour are required for logistical reasons. Cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure are not refundable. Tour departure times, inclusions, prices and activity level are subject to change; please reference your ticket, the departure kiosk and the daily TV presentation for more information on your specific tour. In most cases, tours will operate in all weather conditions and refunds will not be offered for inclement weather. During local and national holidays or weekends some attractions and facilities may be operating under modified hours of operations or may not be open to the public. In such instances, American Queen shore excursions will make every effort to minimize negative impact on guests and will offer an alternative when applicable or if available. Early pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Tours are generally available 6 months prior to cruise departure and not all premium excursions are available for pre-booking online. Check with your Shore Excursion Specialist when onboard for any additional tours or changes to pre-booked tours. American Queen shore excursions has made every effort to notify guests with mobility issues of handicapped accessibility at the stops and attractions along the Hop-on Hop-off route as well as premium excursions. Because of the historic and general nature of some of the attractions, handicapped accessibility may be limited to the first floor or outside grounds only. In some instances there is no handicapped accessibility to the attractions. Complete or partial refunds will not be issued for portions of tours or attractions with accessibility limitations. Post-Cruise tours may include more than one final destination. In some instances guests will experience up to three stops to allow guests to exit the motorcoaches at a second hotel or airport. By participating in shore excursions of any kind (Included or Premium), you grant SEA Operating Company, LLC (SEA) and American Queen Steamboat Operating Company, LLC (AQSC), and their parent entities and affiliates (Released Parties) the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce photographs and/or video images taken of you, or members of your family, for the purpose of publication, promotion, illustration, or trade, in any manner or in any medium. You therefore release the Released Parties and their legal representatives for all claims and liability relating to said images or video. Furthermore, you grant permission to use your statements that were given during an interview or guest lecture, with or without your name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction. You waive your right to any compensation. Please review AQSC’s Passenger Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions which apply.
