[l2ridehd]

I think it depends on how much effort your willing to expend prior to travel. With the internet and web sites like virtualtourist and books by Rick Steves on most every destination in the world, by doing enough research prior to your trip you can build an itinerary that is tailored to you and have just as great a trip. If you are the type that prefers to have all that done for you, go the guided tour route. I personally prefer to build my own travel plan. I prefer more wineries then museums, more old churches then scenic views, more local fare then tourist places, so by building my own plan I get what I want, not what the masses want.