Heritage Tours - Memphis, Tennessee

Sister Nineteen

As a photographer, I recently visited Memphis and was honored to be on the Heritage Tour. The tour guide brilliantly depicted the knowledge and strength of rich history and the led us down a journey into our ancestors past. We were teary eyed and moved with deep emotion, learning what many in the South went through so that we could have the privileges we benefit from today.

This tour is a must for all those who visit Memphis. I absolutely loved it.

-Master Focus Media

Robert Poulton

Elaine is the best. Eloquent, graceful and insightful. The only tour you need to do.

Mo Pete

Oh my goodness Mr. Oscar was amazing! We went on a tour on for our family reunion in the area and we were all enchanted by the way he explained historic Memphis to our family! I can’t believe how interesting he was the entire time! He answered questions and took the time to explain everything in such an interesting way! If you are going to Memphis, take this tour! It was truly awesome! Our family really enjoyed it!

J. Byrd

Our group booked Heritage Tours as a part of our retreat weekend in Memphis. This review is based on a group experience. Overall based on our experience, I DO NOT RECOMMEND at all. The two star review is based on our tour guide’s engagement.

Pros :
Flexible - We originally booked for 15 however 3 were unable to attend. I notified the company and our invoice was adjusted without an issue.
Oscar (tour guide) - He was engaging, funny, and a gifted storyteller! FIVE STARS.
I asked about a new display of Suffragists in Memphis. Heritage Tours agreed to add that as a stop to our itinerary. Unfortunately this was not communicated to our tour guide so there was no stop or drive by. He was not sure where it was even located!

Cons -
Lackluster communication - I first contacted Heritage Tours via email June 15, 2022 to learn more about the tour. There was no response. I finally reached someone by phone on 7/22, and was given a short description of the tour that would have approximately 30 sites, some drive by, some stops, and two tours. I followed up with an email on 7/22 requesting a full list so I could plan photo opportunities for the group. Once again no response. A follow up email was sent on June 30th, there was no response to that email. Called again and got a few more details but my original questions were not answered. I finally got a response a few days before the trip.
The tour guide and bus operator did not seem to know each other which caused confusion on where to go and when. I also don’t think Oscar was provided with a full list of where we were supposed to go. Additionally while the bus had air conditioning it was NOT sufficient for 100+ degree heat. We were hot.
Failure to fulfill agreed upon stops - Per the email exchange these were the expected stops and tours :
Tour inside - No photos inside
Slave Haven Museum -
This tour stop was abysmal and the staff were rude and dismissive. Guests are expected to look at pictures on the wall and not move through the area while listening to a pre-recorded spiel describing the pictures with minimal interaction from the staff to keep us engaged. When asked if we could skip the remaining portion of the recording and look at the other rooms because the group was tuning out, the manager(I am assuming) was dismissive and told us we would do the tour the way it was set up. There was little information about the Burkle family, the machines and buildings outside of the museum were not explained or addressed.
The cellar for the Underground railroad was the highlight of the tour and that was all of 8 minutes.
The kitchen setup had great items but was not included in the tour.
There are no pictures and I can only imagine if there were actual pictures online people would skip the tour all together.
Bathrooms were FILTHY.
W. C. Handy Museum
A quick and fun way to kick off the tour. Learned a good bit about WC Handy and his story.
National Civil Rights Museum - Final stop on the tour for us.
I AM A MAN PLAZA - Great spot and sculpture.
Ida B. Wells Plaza - Did not stop and get out, just drove by with a side view. Tour guide decided not to stop because of the intense heat. This was not discussed beforehand. We were okay with it however we would have liked a heads up.
Dr. Martin Luther King Reflection Park - did not stop and get out but the park did look closed.
Clayborn Temple - closed to the public so this was a drive by more than a stop.
Memphis Pyramid - Did not stop, drove by
Beale Street Historic District - Did not stop or walk down Beale street. Did drive by as the Handy museum was very close by.
So our expectations were not met with stops. We were not able to capture the images or see things like we thought.

Tyrone Hentley

Beautiful organization that explores the Black History of Memphis.

Dr. Sabrina M. Brown