the "guided tours" that i have done were quite good actually. i always found someone to hang out with and really appreciated the hotel, ac & decent food. just don't bring up politics, religion and the schlecks vs contadore thing until u know the people a little. otherwise it's a good alternative to the camping which i think is for younger folks. with the gap to dc passage if u check the website they provide lodging info. u can then contact the b&b's and hotels along the way yourself and organize a great "supported" tour on ur own as well.