Many manufacturers only make one touring bike, so there isn't real the idea of "entry level". Almost all bikes on the market sold specifically as "touring bikes" are well suited to the purpose.

Touring bikes are sold at such low volumes that you can not often find them in stock on the floor of a shop. But most shops are willing to order one for you without a commitment to buy.

Most touring bikes come with drop handlebars offering a variety of hand positions. Some people like trekking bars or add aerobars to their drop bars.

There's a sticky at the top of this forum which provides an excellent summary of the touring bikes on the market. See it at:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=558172