Originally Posted by darthbimmer

I agree that categorizing types of tours would help us make more sense of this question. Here's a stab at grouping tours into 3 types:

Single-point-of-interest tours: Guided tour of a museum, building, exhibit, park, etc. May last up to a few hours.

Even as a seasoned traveler I am likely to take this kind of tour because the guide often provides richer information than I can figure out on my own. The tour may also be the only access to areas I am not permitted to enter on my own.

City tours: Guided tours of multiple points of interest around a city or geographical area of similar size. Usually last a half day to full day and involve bus transport between locations.

I tend not to take these tours. I prefer to find my way around with taxis and subways, and pick locations using a map and advice from friends, online resources, or the hotel concierge. Getting around on my own becomes an act of discovery that generally adds to my enjoyment of travel. But when the language gap is severe, or when I don't have time to prepare, or logistical problems interfere (e.g., frequent police checkpoints are very difficult for foreigners to navigate without a local guide) I will take a city tour.

Package tours: Guided tour through many locations or through involved activities. Timeframe is days.

I haven't taken any of these tours yet. I have a strong preference to map out my own activities and not be bound by the schedules, expectations, or problems of other people over longer periods of time. It's bad enough getting stuck with slow people on a one-day trip!

Friends of mine have taken these kinds of package tours, though, and I do understand the appeal, especially when the plans are complex. For example, I would not pick on my own an outfitter in a foreign country, where I don't speak the local language, to boat up a remote river and then backpack 3 days through the wilderness. I'd welcome a professional to do that for me.