Guides Vs Self Visits

I usually tour on my own when visiting historical sites. I read up on it, get the small booklet sold and let my eyes and emotions fill me in on what I am seeing. Staying as long or little as I wanted or needed. This time around we exclusively we used guides. In Scotland, we did not.

Private Guides Pros:

You get a knowledgeable individual who knows more and has more information at his/her fingertips then you would from some reading. This becomes nullified if you are an expert on the subject.
Guides can answer questions that come up an interest you.
Guides take you through the site in an organized manner progressing from era to era, and/or in level of importance.
Guides can provide other local recommendations in regards to other sites to see, food and transportation choices.
Guides provide their own spin on the history of the site.
Guides provide a wealth of other knowledge in how the culture survived such as plant life, tress farming, religion and trade.
They look out for you and let you know where to walk and if it is precarious or not.
It is great to interact with a local person of knowledge.

Private Guide Cons:

Costly.
Sometimes they feel the need to keep talking for the entire three hours or more.
They have a prepared list of stuff that they cover which is good but if there are specific topics that interest to you, then you have to redirect him to your questions.
You need to assert yourself and slow the guide down I you want to take photos, or just be quiet and feel the presence of the moment.
You need to tell the guide when you just want to slow down and rest.
The difference in personalities and styles of the guides. This is not necessarily a con.


Conclusion:

All in all they are a wonderful experience, worth the cost but be prepared to be assertive.