This is what it all boils down to, the deciding card has been and always is the cost. Group tour is cheaper, sometimes extremely cheaper! And is it never so easy to simply say that you pay for the experience and hence it is justified. But actually, what is important to point out here is the factor of compromise. Planned itineraries, however well it is managed, there is always going to be some compromise. You have to get up on time, you have to leave on time, you cant eat where you want, you cant go off the itinerary. You are bound tight, and this is where you loose your freedom of travel. For this very reason the best tour operators offer completely customized, bespoke travel. Sometimes it might be an off the peg group itinerary but yet the customer has freedom to change anything, to alter as per his needs. Moreover, with the right tour operators nothing is off limits: a private tour of Louvre – possible, want to rent a yacht – you only had to ask!