Tennessee, United States
Most Knoxville tours are self-guided or walking, with 54% under $25 and instant confirmation on all.
Knoxville's tour scene is built around walking experiences, scavenger hunts, and self-guided audio tours, making up the majority of the 26 options available. Over half of all tours cost less than $25, and nearly 70% are under $60, so most visitors spend little to get out and explore.
The best-reviewed tours tend to be led by knowledgeable guides or include memorable extras, like food tastings or unique wildlife experiences. Instant confirmation is standard across all options, and 81% offer free cancellation, so booking is low-risk and flexible.
Knoxville offers 26 tours and activities, with more than half priced below $25 and nearly 90% under $100. The catalog is dominated by walking tours, scavenger hunts, and self-guided experiences, alongside a handful of food tours, river cruises, and outdoor hikes. Most people pay between $10 and $60, with only one tour priced over $200.
A small number of experiences—12%—are rated below 4 stars, but the majority of reviews praise engaging guides, well-planned routes, and included extras. All tours confirm instantly, and free cancellation is the norm rather than the exception.
Admission tickets, snacks, or tastings are included in some tours but not all, so it's worth checking what each option covers. Outdoor and food-focused tours are especially popular among those seeking something beyond standard sightseeing.
For travelers who want to explore at their own pace, Knoxville's self-guided audio tours and scavenger hunts offer the lowest prices—often $8 to $25 per person. These suit solo visitors or families who enjoy flexibility and using their phones to navigate, though some users found the apps confusing or lacking in historical detail.
Guided walking tours, including food tastings and ghost walks, tend to cost $26 to $80 per person. The best-rated options—like the Sweet Treats Food Tour and the Firefly Waterfalls Walk—stand out for their knowledgeable guides, included tastings, and memorable experiences. Food tours often include samples and local stories, while outdoor hikes in the Smokies are praised for guide expertise and unique sights like synchronous fireflies.
River cruises and adventure day passes fall in the $35–$125 range. Cruises are popular for their scenery and atmosphere, though the experience is more about dining and relaxing than learning about the city. Adventure passes include activities like axe throwing and archery, with positive reviews for engaging staff but some disappointment when activities felt limited.
What disappoints? Reviews of some scavenger hunts and self-guided tours mention confusing app navigation and a lack of historical content for the price. One ghost tour review noted a shortened duration and difficulty hearing the guide. Some guests on the river cruise expected more commentary or sightseeing, while a few adventure day pass users felt there were fewer activities than advertised.
Every Knoxville tour confirms instantly, so there's no waiting for approval after booking. Sell-out warnings are rare, but for popular outdoor experiences—like the Firefly Waterfalls Walk—booking a few days ahead is wise.
With 81% of tours offering free cancellation, you can book early to secure your spot and change plans if needed.
Lowest price of any tour listed, with offline audio access included.
3.0 ★ · 2 reviews · 1 h
Includes Lifetime access to this tour in English · Access to our App for Android and iOS · Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Offers a self-guided scavenger hunt at a lower price than the other scavenger games.
3.5 ★ · 6 reviews · 2 h
Includes All taxes, fees and handling charges · Digital Copies of your adventure hunt photos · Individual role for each player
Only scavenger hunt with a bar theme among the options.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 2 h
Includes Digital Copies of your scavenger hunt photos · Individual role for each player · Self-Guided Knoxville Adventure Hunt
The only museum admission ticket among these tours.
4.7 ★ · 3 reviews · 1 h
Includes Admission fee
Higher price than the other scavenger hunts, but includes free cancellation.
2.5 ★ · 2 reviews · 2 h
Includes Access to the interactive scavenger hunt tour and challenges you follow & find with your s
Most reviewed tour here, led by a licensed guide.
4.1 ★ · 78 reviews · 1 h
Includes Licensed Guide
Only river cruise listed, offering a water-based experience.
4.6 ★ · 49 reviews · 2 h
Includes Restroom on board
The only tour with axe throwing and archery included.
4.2 ★ · 12 reviews · 1 h
Includes Use of Axe Throwing & Archery Equipment
Longest duration of any tour here, with a rare firefly experience.
5.0 ★ · 21 reviews · 3 h
Includes Use of Headlamp · Use of Camp Chair
Only food tour focused on sweet treats and desserts.
5.0 ★ · 14 reviews · 2 h
Includes Create lasting memories with friends, family, or fellow travelers. · Sample delicious beignets, biscuits, and other Knoxville sweet treats. · Discover hidden gems and beloved neighborhood favorites.
Covers both ice cream and coffee expenses, unlike the other food tours.
4.9 ★ · 24 reviews · 2 h
Includes I will cover the ice cream at the Local Farm · I will cover coffee expenses
Highest price and longest hiking time, with snacks and a professional guide included.
5.0 ★ · 8 reviews · 4 h 30 min
Includes All Fees and Taxes · peanut butter crackers, trail mix · Professional Guide
4 h at the stops, of 4 h 30 min in total
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 10/09/2026.
Over half of Knoxville's tours are priced under $25, and nearly 90% are under $100. Most visitors spend $10–$60 per person.
81% of Knoxville tours offer free cancellation, but some—especially river cruises and outdoor hikes—are nonrefundable. Always check before booking.
Some tours, especially food walks and museum tickets, include tastings or admission. Others, like scavenger hunts, do not. Check each listing for details.
Knoxville offers both. Many tours are self-guided via app, while others—like food tours, ghost walks, and hikes—are led by guides.
All Knoxville tours confirm instantly, so you'll know right away if your spot is secured.
Walking tours, scavenger hunts, and self-guided experiences make up most of the catalog, with food tours and river cruises also popular.
Some reviews mention confusing app navigation in scavenger hunts, lack of historical content, or shorter-than-expected ghost tours.
Yes, many scavenger hunts, food tours, and outdoor experiences are family-friendly. Check age recommendations in each listing.
Most tours don't sell out quickly, but for unique outdoor experiences or busy weekends, booking a few days ahead is a good idea.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.