xiaobee

Sorry a little late answering your post.  I joined 翠明假期 with my mom when I was 14 years old (to Europe).  Like someone else said, it really depends on the tour guide you have.  Ours wasn't that great.  Although he pointed out all the "necessary" landmarks, he really didn't make much effort or go out of his way at any time.

The one thing he was really good at was asking for tips.  I can't remember how much now but it was a set amount, like $15 US per day per person.  And it had to be in US currency, even though none of us were actually Americans.  The family we got to know was from Vancouver too.  There were a bunch of people from HK that flew directly from HK to London to join us on the tour.  We didn't like the fact that the tip amount was expected and stated.  It couldn't be less than that.  Kind of turned us off.

That being said though, we had a great time because the whole tour bus were chinese people so we all spoke Cantonese, really felt like home,  if you know what I mean.  I think it all depends on who you have.  Have you signed up for a tour by now?  I see you asked this question months ago.