I'm a woman who will be traveling solo to Italy (and perhaps France - unsure) in either September or October of this year, and have been itching to go to Lake Como along with at least two other lakes such as Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, or Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Since I've never been to Italy, I'd rather go with a group, and I'd like it to be a walking tour. I'm having a hard time deciding on a tour (from 5-8 days). I'm not considering ones with more than 7 hours of walking a day. I want to walk, but more than 9 miles or 7 hours in a day is a bit much for me.
For what it's worth, I may consider joining Rick's 7-day Rome tour in September or October before or after my Lakes District time.
I'm considering the companies below. Has anyone toured with these groups, and if so, was it a good experience?
Classic Journeys (Lakes Como, Maggiore & Orta)
Country Walkers (Lakes Como, Maggiore & Orta)
Wilderness Travel (Lakes Como, Maggiore, Orta, & Lugano) - but packed in 5 days - they say 7, but the first and last days have no sightseeing)
Slightly less $, but not by much:
Club Toscana - but I've never heard of them. Has anyone gone on a tour of theirs? They go to Lakes Como, Maggiore & Lugano.
I've ruled out 'Adventures in Northern Italy' since they have either a tour only to Lake Como, or only to two others. I'm also leaving out 'Explore.co.uk' since they don't go to Lake Como.
I realize when weighing value, I'll need to look at the hotels they use, meals included, transfers included, single supplements, and if the supplement is waived if I request a roommate and they can't find one, etc. But, right now, a good recommendation or two will weigh heavily in my decision.
Thanks!
PS: If someone is certain that I can and should do this solo, without a tour group, I'll consider it. Just didn't want to do the walking parts alone.