Either of the bikes you named will do the job for you. There are several others. Co Motion Americano is built in US but is a budget buster. The Windsor Tourist @$600 has gotten good reviews on here, as has the Nashbar frame.

A build out, especially for the inexperienced, would likely cost more than a stock tourer unless you really skimped on the frame and parts. Several specialized tools needed and lots and lots of looking for matching components. There seem to be a jillion choices. Not for the faint hearted or mechanically challenged. But, with patience and study, could be a thoroughly satisfying exercise. Or a disaster.