Walking tours--need your insight
 

I know there are some walking tour veterans out there, and I'm hoping you can point me in the right direction. I'd like to book a walking tour in Italy for this fall but am having trouble deciding on a company. (I'll say upfront that Eurobike, Backroads, B &amp; R, etc. are out of my price range.) I am looking at HF Holidays, Peregrine Adventures, Exodus Travel (all approximately $1000) and Cross Country International ($1900) 8-day itineraries on the Amalfi Coast, and the ATG Oxford 8-day Cinque Terre itinerary for around $1500.<BR><BR>I know no one can make any guarantees about any particular tour group, but I'm very curious about what kind of group I'm likely to encounter. I have heard, for example, that ATG Oxford trips tend to attract primarily people in their 50s and 60s. I've gotten very vague responses from the companies themselves, so I'm hoping for first-hand insight. I'm 35, female, and will be going by myself. I'd really appreciate any advice or comments you can offer.

I've gone on several walking tours in England with HFHolidays. I usually go in May, and once did an independent walk in the fall. The shoulder seasons tend to attract older people because the prices are lower, the weather milder, and they aren't limited by school schedules. The age mix for HF tends to range from mid-30s to 70's, with the majority being from 40-60. The older English walkers are in much better physical condition than Americans. I've gone on these trips as a single female; single walkers tend to be female, probably because it's safer for us to be in a group.

Thanks, pakitty, for taking time to reply. I have been traveling on my own for the last five or so years, but I don't like the idea of hiking alone. You've also confirmed my suspicion that I need to work harder at the gym for the next six months!<BR><BR>More comments, anybody?

ttt -- experience with Exodus or Peregrine, anyone? I do solemnly promise not to top my own post again.

Schmance,<BR><BR>Don't feel embarassed about topping your own post. I do it all the time! Just in case, though, I am topping it for you. Sorry I don't have info on the tours to contribute.

Have you checked out REI? Prices are more reasonable and, while I have not done one of their walking tours, I went on an Alaska trip with them last year that was great. Ages ranged from 11 (my son) to about 60 with most in their 30's to early 50's. Very good company to deal with in my experience.

Forgot to add--there were 3 singles in the group of 16--we all had a great time. While I often go to business meetings in large cities alone, I wouldn't feel comfortable hiking by myself either.