Any of the bikes mentioned should serve just fine, but the Defy is the coolest
I would, however, suggest you take a look at Kona, who offer a number of STEEL bikes, one of which may fit your bill and then some. Honestly, I don't notice too much difference carbon vs steel on rides of a couple of hours, but you're talking half a day; that's when I do start to notice a meaningful difference. After about 60 miles on the carbon bike (sooner on the alu), I start wishing I'd taken the steel bike instead.