I rode my entire tour on stock kendas 700x32c. They worked out great. I had no problems riding on roads or towpaths and I did my entire tour camping as well.
If I were you I would get the 32c Specialized Nimbus Elites. They are really great all around. Way better than stock for rain, road, and paths. Shouldn't have to worry about too many flats either.
My friend has a set that he uses for commuting and road riding. He loves them and can not stop talking about them. He used to get flats like on a weekly basis and has not had one since he put them on.
I use (right now) a Specialized Infinty on the back and the a bontrager race lite on the front. Both at 32c.
Let us know what you end up doing.