Alhambra, Granda, Spain
 

anyone been to the Alhambra with a tour guide? The private ones are too expensive, but I thought maybe a group one would be beneficial. Any thoughts? There are 4 of us (adults) going in July, 07.

Please remember that basically, a lot of the rooms at the Alhambra are empty. Lots of architectural detail.

The Generalife gardens are more or less self-explanatory IMO.

I would not use a walking/talking guide UNLESS you want to hear a lot of history 9which can certainly be a good thing) but it isn't like going into a place like Versailles or into a cathedral where there are a lot of different decorations and furhishings to be made note of.

People usually gets group visits when it is difficult to buy individual tickets (to say, a festivity in Spain, weekends or a last minute trip) because the travel agencies that do the group tours have always tickets for their trips :)

You can get audioguides for a nominal fee at the door, these should suffice.

I'd advise a good guide book, plus going twice - once at night, once in the day. Don't forget to pre-book your visit, via the alhambra web-site, well in advance especially as you're going in July. [very early in the morning would be good, given how hot it will get later on]!
good luck!