We've traveled the book method -- bringing tour books to help us understand what we are seeing. We've traveled the group method -- going with a tour company (best one, no surprise, was with Rick). Now we'd like to do a hybrid: Traveling on our own but using local guides for overviews and important sites (we sure missed out on Herculanum by going it alone many years ago).
My question: What are the best sources to find good guides for a location? I know we could just do a search on Google or check the tourist info office when we arrived, but arranging for a guide in advance and knowing we had the best one would be great.
Suggestions?
Charles