Missouri’s Gateway City serves up excellent river experiences along its historic waterfront. Several standout tours combine river cruises with city sightseeing, letting travelers maximize their time and money.
Our favorite combination tour pairs the Gateway Arch visit with a relaxing hour-long riverboat cruise ($139) – perfect for first-time visitors. For those wanting more, the 4-hour Guided City Tour with River Cruise ($174) provides deeper historical context and riverside views. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the 3-hour Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour (€167.43), which efficiently covers major landmarks.
For a splurge, consider the comprehensive tour package featuring a boat cruise plus helicopter ride ($449) – offering unmatched views of the mighty Mississippi and cityscape.
Let’s explore the top river tours worth your time and money in St. Louis…
Key Points
- The St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Tour offers a 3-hour small group experience that includes ascending the Arch and a 1-hour riverboat cruise.
- The Guided City Tour with River Cruise provides a 4-hour comprehensive tour with panoramic views from the Arch and a relaxing riverboat cruise.
- The Comprehensive Tour Experience combines a guided tour, Gateway Boat Cruise, and a helicopter ride for a 4-hour aerial exploration of St. Louis.
- Tours consistently receive high ratings from customers for knowledgeable guides and engaging, personalized experiences.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies, as well as wheelchair accessibility, are valued by customers across the various tour options.
Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour W/St Louis Arch & River Cruise
The Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour W/St Louis Arch & River Cruise offers an immersive experience for travelers looking to explore the city’s top attractions. Priced at €167.43 per person, this 3-hour tour provides a lowest price guarantee and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include visits to the iconic Gateway Arch and other key St. Louis landmarks. With a maximum group size of 7 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience. The tour is stroller accessible and allows service animals, making it suitable for a range of travelers.
Upon booking, customers receive confirmation and a detailed itinerary. The tour is near public transportation, and most travelers can participate. The cancellation policy offers full refunds for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, emphasizing customer satisfaction.
Reviews for this tour are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 67 reviews. Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the engaging and personalized nature of the experience.
Read our full review: Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour W/St Louis Arch & River Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
A 3-hour St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors. Priced from $139 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 7 participants) explores the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Gateway Arch National Park and Citygarden Sculpture Park.
Guests will ascend the Arch for 360-degree city views and enjoy a 1-hour riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
The tour starts at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and includes optional stops at notable locations like Busch Stadium and the National Blues Museum. A local guide provides insights and commentary throughout the experience.
Admissions to all attractions are included, and the tour operates in English. Flexible booking options allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Recent customer reviews praise the quality of the guide and the overall experience, despite minor delays due to traffic.
This tour is well-suited for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families seeking a comprehensive introduction to St. Louis.
Read our full review: St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour Review
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St. Louis: Guided Small Group City Tour With River Cruise
Spanning 4 hours, the St. Louis Guided Small Group City Tour with River Cruise offers an immersive experience for visitors. Priced at $174 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 7 participants) provides a rundown of the city’s top attractions.
Highlights include ascending to the top of the iconic St. Louis Arch for panoramic views, exploring the Gateway Arch National Park, and embarking on a relaxing riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The tour also includes visits to the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and a scenic drive past notable landmarks like Busch Stadium, the Botanical Gardens, and the St. Louis Zoo.
With a live English-speaking guide, complimentary pickup and drop-off, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers. Reviewers praise the tour guide’s knowledge and personal insights, which elevate the overall experience.
Customers also appreciate the tour’s value for money and convenient transportation.
Read our full review: St. Louis: Guided Small Group City Tour With River Cruise Review
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St. Louis: Guided Tour With Boat Cruise and Helicopter Ride
For those seeking a more comprehensive St. Louis experience, the “St. Louis: Guided Tour with Boat Cruise and Helicopter Ride” offers an unforgettable adventure. Priced at $449 per person, this 4-hour small-group tour (limited to 7 participants) provides a well-rounded exploration of the city’s top attractions.
The tour begins with a pick-up from your downtown hotel and takes you to the iconic St. Louis Arch, where you’ll ascend to the top for panoramic views.
Next, you’ll explore the Gateway Arch National Park‘s historical exhibits before embarking on a relaxing Gateway Boat Cruise along the Mississippi River.
The highlight of the tour is the helicopter ride, offering aerial perspectives of St. Louis.
Plus, you’ll drive by the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, known for its stunning stained glass and mosaics.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from past guests, this tour promises a personalized and memorable experience, suitable for both families and solo travelers.
Read our full review: St. Louis: Guided Tour With Boat Cruise and Helicopter Ride Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
St. Louis offers a variety of cruise and tour options to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether you prefer a small group walking tour, a river cruise, or a combination with a helicopter ride, there’s something for all to experience the best of what this Midwestern city has to offer. With a range of activities and tour packages, visitors can tailor their sightseeing experience to their interests and preferences.