Advantages: No thinking (no planning, research); price (good group rate, the budget is known in advance); tour guide included (no language problem); efficient way to hit all the "must-see" spots (all transportation and accommodations pre-arranged); travel companions (already assembled).
Disadvantages: No thinking (no say in itinerary, schedule); price (you can usually do as well at more interesting sleeping and eating places); no choice in time frame dashing around fixed list of tourist traps; stuck for entire trip with obnoxious or slow fellow travelers.
The choice comes down to whether you are the "I'll pay, just take care of me" kind of tourist or "I want to discover and experience new things, at my own pace. I enjoy surprises and chance encounters with strangers" kind of traveler. To be a sheep herded gently or a hound dog sniffing your way along are equally fine. You are who you are.
Disadvantages: No thinking (no say in itinerary, schedule); price (you can usually do as well at more interesting sleeping and eating places); no choice in time frame dashing around fixed list of tourist traps; stuck for entire trip with obnoxious or slow fellow travelers.
The choice comes down to whether you are the "I'll pay, just take care of me" kind of tourist or "I want to discover and experience new things, at my own pace. I enjoy surprises and chance encounters with strangers" kind of traveler. To be a sheep herded gently or a hound dog sniffing your way along are equally fine. You are who you are.