Many road bikes are available with a comfort frame geometry - allowing a more upright riding position. You need an experienced bike shop owner who understands all the factors of bike fit. Saddle preference is highly subjective, but the usual progression is toward a firmer saddle as you become more experienced. You can experiment with some of the available ergonomic saddles or a classic leather saddle that molds to your body shape, but there's no cut and dried answer.

Comfort is also a function of usage. What's comfortable for a criterium racer won't be comfortable for the weekend warrior riding 25-50 miles.