I'm not crazy about group tours, but it has nothing to do with the cost. When I tour solo, I have the freedom to stop when I want, see what I want to see and make some minor route changes on the fly. Also, when I'm on a solo tour in a foreign country, I will get a much closer look at the culture than if I am with a group.

That said, I'm not writing off group tours in the future. There may be a route which lends itself best to a group experience. It just would be different than my usual way of touring.