After investigating modes of transportation, we found:
1) bus is cheap but limiting in where you can stop and frequency is very limiting between some towns
2) Car rental is very expensive and ridden with potential hassles
3) Tours can be economically efficient for solo travellers but economics don't compensate for being tied to a schedule of the group for 2 or more
4) Car rental with driver is appearing to be the best option - less than or about the same as a tour