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There were 10 in our group - and we had a guide with us for the entire 10-day period - and a local guide at each of the stops. My wife and I (and 2 chiildren) broke from the group whenever the itinerary allowed and did something on our own. We would walk the streets and talk to the locals - they love speaking English and having their pictures taken with the tourists (at least they did at that time). They would ask us to hold their babies and have our picture taken with them. We visited a night-school where English was being taught. We spent hours there speaking to the members of the class one-on-one. They were so eager to speak to us. We shared our reading stuff with them (magazines etc) - they were lacking current-event reading materials. They were so pleased to get those things.
One of the most fun things we did was to attend a women's basketball game. They are so polite - they would clap the good plays - not scream and shout as you would expect here. It was so enjoyable, we went back the next evening.
We attended one musical performance that was somewhat similar to the old Ed Sullivan show - just various acts one following another. It was a bit of a shock to hear a wonderful tenor coming from "local" - something from an opera. I know that sounds somewhat bigoted - but it was just a bit of a shock when those first notes were heard - but he was really talented with a great voice.
The food was great - but did have to cave for a regular burger toward the end of the trip. The beer was plentiful, cheap and quite good. There used to be bargains galore - not sure if it is the same today.
So - talk to the locals, break away from any tour and wander the streets trying the street-food and chatting with locals, look for local events. That is the advice that comes to mind.
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