What is the difference between an escorted tour and an air/hotel package?

Escorted tours are group travel with expert guides who manage all the details and share fascinating history and insight on every leg of your vacation. These packages typically include air, hotel, motorcoach transportation, numerous meals, activities and sightseeing. Air/hotel packages are designed for people who wish to travel independently, without groups or guides, though they do include access to a local host who can answer your questions and steer you in the right direction. These packages consist of air, hotel and airport transfers in a single city, such as London or Paris. Extras such as a half-day sightseeing tour, theater tickets, museum passes and public transportation passes may also be included.  more