We had arrived in Salt Lake City the day before, which was a Sunday, and ferociously hot - 100 degrees. When we arrive in a new city we spend the first afternoon just walking the streets to get a feel for the place, but this city is not designed for walking. It's not some Spanish town with narrow streets giving plenty of shade - here the streets are very wide with few trees, so there is no escape from the sun. The blocks are large, so just a 5-block walk is quite a hike. And on Sunday most places were closed. We ended up watching a movie!
But that's no way to spend a vacation. So the next morning we booked this city tour and waited at the appointed time outside the hotel. We were a little taken aback when a city-style bus arrived, since tours like this usually use luxury coaches these days, but it was well air-conditioned, and actually quite comfortable.
The driver was also the guide, and he gave us a running commentary pretty much the whole time we were moving. Usually I come to the end of tours like this wishing to know more, but in this 5-hour ride he answered every question I had about the city and the Mormon Church, and a lot more besides. He was objective and very informative.
We broke for brunch at a cafeteria that served good food despite the no-frills ambiance, and the cost was included in the ticket.
We also sat in on a 30-minute organ recital in the Tabernacle.
All in all very good value!