The guide did a good job. You definitely walk less as opposed to taking the train both ways, which is significant given how much walking you do between the palace and gardens.
Tour said 1:15 beforehand and then changed it to 1:25 shortly before. We also had to walk 10 minutes to the bus. No major complaints, but in hindsight my preference would be to do timed entry and take the train. Significantly cheaper, can go at your own pace and leave earlier.