Your quote is very high IMO. Did it come from a large installer like Systems Paving? Go to a paver supply yard and ask them for installer recommendations.
I too am a big fan of pavers. We have used them in our last 3 homes for driveway, patio, and walkways. We last used
Angelus Antique Cobble (standard paver). There are other manufacturers out there, high end tumbled options ($$$), etc... As Billy said they are infinitely versatile and durable. Concrete cannot be altered after install, cracks, and if you go with stamped has to be routinely maintained.
Install is a compacted base, sand, then pavers, edge restraint (typically pavers set in concrete), joint sand, and vibrating plate. Not an DIY task for larger projects - all the materials are heavy.