Better to take a tour package or city bus for sights around Xian?

Yeah, the price for your private tour surely costs much. Personally, it is easy to travel on your own. For the attractions in plan no. 1 and no. 2, I suggest you use taxis most and the price is not high. The Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter are within walking distance. The Shaanxi History Museum and Big Goose Pagoda are not far between. To City Wall, a taxi can be used. Mt. Huashan and Terracotta Museum can be easily reached by catching a bus at the east square of XA Railway Station. While Hukou Waterfall is 5h driving distance away. I went there and it is not that worth. If possible, give it up! At the main railway station, take a train to Luoyang (the train tickets may need to be booked ahead of time).Near the Luoyang Station, tourist buses to Shaolin Temple are available.

If you are afraid of missing the hostory or something, it is flexible to hire an English guide in the attarctions. The charge is usually not high.

And if you insist in joining a tour for no. 2 and no. 3 plan, Travel China Guide may be a good suggestion. Contact them at traveltravelchinaguide.com for consultation.

Thank you so much Julie ! Your advice has been of great help. Yes am definitely thinking of dropping Hukou. The distance is just too far. Will check out the recommended travel agency as well