Number 1 requires extra provisions, such as life support and the return ticket. That makes it more expensive and cumbersome, but in terms of technological ability, it is actually easier than number 2.

In number 2, you have no real time control because of the vast distance and the tricky orbital mechanics and increased duration of mission make it much harder.

Jay has a good article on this:
http://www.clavius.org/techmars.html