We are four adults in our early 60s, not health problems and very active! We would like to go to China in Fall 2012 and are looking for a tour company. I know we could do the planning ourselves, as I've done a lot of traveling, all independent of tours. However, the other three in our group are not as comfortable going independently especially to China.
I'm looking for referrals to reasonable priced tour companies who do a good job with tours and hotels and ideally not a huge group to travel with. I read varying reports about tour companies on the internet and even in this forum. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance; I've gotten excellent advice in the past when planning my travel all over Europe.

Highly recommend China Advocates in San Francisco. They offer private tours in addition to those they organize for universities and museums. www.china-advocates.com
They offer a unique experience where you will not be in hotels or restaurants with other western tourists, a totally Chinese experience. Very high level guides.

smartours.com A rated by BBB.org very nice good price
affordableasia.com
affordabletours.com for up to 40% off on Globus
good personal experience for me last.

I highly recommend smartours China tour, IF you don't mind a large group. Great itinerary, price and value.

Also look at www.explorient.com for private custom tours.