Tour guide: Kinuko
Duration: 2hrs
Cost: 2000¥

Friendly and accommodating.

Visited:
TODAI-JI temple
Naramachi
Nara Park
Kohfukuji Temple

Took a group photo at the Ara-Ike pond

Tips: wear comfortable shoes, bring umbrella/poncho, apply sunblock and wear a cap

We showed up at the Nara JR station exit gate at 10 am sharp and our Guide Yachiyo San was there waiting in perfect Japanese punctuality. We took the morning tour on foot (walking shoes definitely necessary) with her and she gave a very good running commentary on the background stories behind all the sites which which actually adds intrigue and depth to our visit. Visiting Nara is like going into time so a knowledgeable guide will certainly add value to your visit.
Overall It was well worth the cost of the tour 3000JPY/pax as the bus fare from JR station and entry to the temple was also covered by her. Definitely recommended.
One suggestion for Nara Tours though,might be useful for tourists from Kyoto if they can also have a meeting or pick up point at Kintetsu station. Seems like there are more trains from Kyoto to Nara on Kintetsu rail. I had to take the Kintetsu train because of this and had to walk to JR station ( a good 15 mins brisk walk) to meet up.

We did the classic tour with Kay. She was great as a tour guide with endless knowledge about everything, she led us around a quite route in the park too so we saw lots of interesting temples and sights but mostly avoided the crowds. Would recommend highly - great way to see Nara