92.1km/57.2miles (96 mins) .... to L'Acquila and then towards the Gran Sasso D'Italia

Start=Secinaro Piazza: Depart Secinaro on Local Road, at Molina Aterno, turn L (North) onto S261 for 33.1km; turn L (West) onto S17 for 7.6km; turn R (North) onto S17bis for 1.6km; take the TOLL ROAD at L'Aquila-Est, turn R (N-East) onto A24 for 30.3km; turn L (N-West) onto Local Road for 1.1km; turn L (South) onto S491 for 4.8km; at Isola del Gran sasso d'Italia, bear L (East) onto Local Road for 8km; arrive at Castelli

Castelli is a classic hill town with fabulous views of the valley. Gran Sasso, highest point on the Italian peninsula, it seems to hover overhead as you stroll through the charming streets and alleys. But you haven't come here in search of ancient art. Castelli is a place to buy contemporary art: its inhabitants are some of the most talented ceramicists in all Italy, and their wares are on sale everywhere. Before you start shopping, visit the excellent Ceramics Museum to see many beautifully displayed examples of the local skills, dating through the centuries.

The Ceramics Museum - Museo Delle Ceramiche - is just outside Castelli in a former Franciscan monastery (Open Tues-Sat 9.00-1.00pm) The Food Market is on Mondays and there is a Street Flea Market every year throughout August, with a complete show of ceramic arts. On 15th August at Lancio del piatto on the river Leomogna, a traditional popular game is played out on the river. While you are in the area, you can also visit the Gran Sasso mountains, called the "little Tibet of Italy", with its stark, evocatively beautiful high mountain plateau of the Campo Imperatore and the storybook mountain village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio - famous for its delicius lentils, is listed among Italy's "Top 100 most beautiful villages"! Have lunch at "Aufinium" in Ofena, a dining experience that will astound you with multiple courses.

92.1km/57.2miles (96 mins) .... to L'Acquila and beyond towards the Gran Sasso

Start=Secinaro Piazza: Depart Secinaro on Local Road, at Molina Aterno, turn L (North) onto S261 for 33.1km; turn L (West) onto S17 for 7.6km; turn R (North) onto S17bis for 1.6km; take the TOLL ROAD at L'Aquila-Est, turn R (N-East) onto A24 for 30.3km; turn L (N-West) onto Local Road for 1.1km; turn L (South) onto S491 for 4.8km; at Isola del Gran sasso d'Italia, bear L (East) onto Local Road for 8km; arrive at Castelli

Castelli is a classic hill town with fabulous views of the valley. Gran Sasso, highest point on the Italian peninsula, it seems to hover overhead as you stroll through the charming streets and alleys. But you haven't come here in search of ancient art. Castelli is a place to buy contemporary art: its inhabitants are some of the most talented ceramicists in all Italy, and their wares are on sale everywhere. Before you start shopping, visit the excellent Ceramics Museum to see many beautifully displayed examples of the local skills, dating through the centuries.

The Ceramics Museum - Museo Delle Ceramiche - is just outside Castelli in a former Franciscan monastery (Open Tues-Sat 9.00-1.00pm) The Food Market is on Mondays and there is a Street Flea Market every year throughout August, with a complete show of ceramic arts. On 15th August at Lancio del piatto on the river Leomogna, a traditional popular game is played out on the river. While you are in the area, you can also visit the Gran Sasso mountains, called the "little Tibet of Italy", with its stark, evocatively beautiful high mountain plateau of the Campo Imperatore and the storybook mountain village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio - famous for its delicius lentils, is listed among Italy's "Top 100 most beautiful villages"! Have lunch at "Aufinium" in Ofena, a dining experience that will astound you with multiple courses.