ITINERARY

Please note that all listed run distances can be shortened or lengthened - all abilities accommodated! - and that itinerary is subject to minor adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL
Arrive in Venice, where we will either pick you up at the airport or meet you at a pre-arranged spot for transfer to Slovenia. Soon after crossing the border we’ll stop to explore the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also one of the largest undergound canyons in the world. Afterward, enjoy your first taste of homestyle Slovenian cuisine before heading to wine country and a beautifully restored 300 year old farmhouse that we will call home for the night. 

Running: No scheduled run 
Meals: Dinner (D) included

 

DAY 2 | WINE COUNTRY
Wake up to a healthy, farm-fresh breakfast (really – go check out the garden!) and views of surrounding vineyards in the morning light. We’ll head out for our first run, taking in the idyllic farmland, thick forests, rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages of the area. Finish at a local family-owned wine cellar where you’ll be treated to lunch and plenty of tastings, then take the afternoon to relax and indulge in the peaceful surroundings. That evening we’ll enjoy one of the best dining experiences in the country – right at our farmhouse!

Running: Up to 8 miles, pavement & dirt road
Meals: BLD included

 

DAY 3 | TO CROATIA… AND TRUFFLES!
After a fresh farm breakfast it'll be time to say goodbye to Slovenia and hello to Croatia! The mid-morning run begins in Slovenia and ends in Croatia (yes, you'll need to carry your passport) with glittering views of the Adriatic Sea along the way. Afterward we'll enjoy a long, indulgent lunch full of a prized regional specialty - truffles! Finally, we head further down the Istrian peninsula to Rovinj, a historic and romantic port town where you'll be free to wander and soak in the sunset with a glass of wine at the waterfront. 

Up to 8 miles; pavement & dirt road
Meals: BL included*
*This particular lunch is quite long, and typically leaves everyone full for the remainder of the day.

DAY 4 | TO THE ISLAND
Wake up for an early morning run, or sleep in if you’d like! After breakfast and a relaxed morning we’ll head to the ferry terminal, where we’ll catch a ride over to Island Cres, our home for the next two nights. You’ll be welcomed to a picture-perfect farmhouse set among lavender fields and lemon orchards by our hostess, who also happens to be a professionally-trained chef. Get settled in, then fuel up with a gourmet, home-cooked feast out on the patio – tomorrow is the long run!

Running: Up to 8 miles
Meals: BLD included

DAY 5 | LONG RUN & THE BOAT
Get ready – today is the big run! Those who run the full route will cover nearly the full length of the island via a perfect mix of both trail and road, featuring sweeping views of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and postcard-worthy ancient villages (and don’t worry - those who choose a shorter distance will also hit the highlights!). Finish at our house with a gourmet lunch spread and a bit of downtime before spending the evening recovering in the best way possible - a chartered sunset cruise on the Adriatic!

Running: Up to 19 miles, technical trail and some pavement
Meals: BLD included

DAY 6 | LJUBLJANA
After an optional morning recovery run on the island, we'll head to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia (also now the "Green Capital" of Europe), where you’ll have the remainder of the day to explore on your own: hike up to the castle, sample multiple local specialties at the weekly Open Kitchen event, sit at a riverside cafe, visit museums, or simple wander around - the city center is car-free! - and soak it all in.

Running: Up to 8 miles, pavement
Meals: BL included (dinner is on your own tonight)

DAY 7 | THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING…
After breakfast we’ll pack up and head to Lake Bohinj for a mid-morning run. The route is part trail along a dramatic river gorge and part cruise around this pristine alpine lake, finishing with time to swim and relax at a small beach. Afterward we’ll continue our journey with a stunning drive through the Julian Alps, stopping at Slovenia’s most-photographed spot and for a delicious meal in Italy (it’s right there!) along the way. Our final destination is an alpine homestead nestled in the Soca River valley, surrounded by the towering mountain peaks of Triglav National Park.

Running: Up to 9 miles, technical trail, dirt path and pavement
Meals: BLD included

DAY 8 | SOCA!
Wake up at the foot of the Julian Alps for coffee with a view... then lace up your shoes! Our grand finale run begins at the source of the Soca River and follows this incomprehensibly blue river by way of historical footpaths and magical forest trails. This run is quite technical, but the views make it all worth it - take your time, and bring a camera! After a picnic lunch and a dip – err, icebath – in the river, there will be time to explore the area further: raft the Soca, learn about the major role that this area played in WW1, relax at the local brewery. Later, enjoy spectacular views and a very special final dinner prepared by our hosts.

Running: Up to 10 miles, singletrack trail
Meals: BLD


DAY 9 | DEPARTURE
It’s time to say goodbye! Enjoy a final big breakfast before heading to the airport in Venice or connecting to additional travel.

No running
Meals: B

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES:
Week 1: September 15-23, 2019
Week 2: September 27-October 5, 2019 *sold out*

This trip will begin in Venice, Italy with an immediate transfer to Slovenia. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore Venice on your own (and to ensure that flight delays don’t cause you to miss the start of the trip!). Those who fly in on the start date should arrive no later than 12 noon. Departures are also from Venice; please book flights that depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. 

RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
All levels welcome! Daily run maximums are listed on the itinerary and there are no minimums nor time restrictions (and if you want more mileage, we can make it happen).

COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot. Registrations after June 15 (Week 1) or June 27 (Week 2) will be due in full.

Week 1 early price (through June 15): $4390
Week 1 standard price (after June 15): $4540

Week 2 early price (through June 27): $4390
Week 2 standard price (after June 27): $4540

We prioritize unique, family-run accommodation which are typically limited in size. Because of this we are unable to offer single rooms for this trip; solo travelers will be placed with a same-sex roommate. 

Balances due by June 15 (Week 1) or June 27 (Week 2), 2019. Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation & refund policy.

COST INCLUDES

  • Pre-trip guidance + communication

  • Transfers to/from Venice, Italy on Day 1 and Day 9 (airport or pre-arranged meeting spot)

  • Transportation: comfortable air conditioned vans, fuel, tolls, ferry tickets and drivers

  • Eight nights in comfortable, unique farm stays, 4 star hotels and bed & breakfasts (double occupancy)

  • Seven unique organized and supported runs (flex distances)

  • Chartered Adriatic boat trip on on Day 5

  • Wine tasting

  • All breakfasts, all lunches and all but one dinner from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day

  • Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders & and expert local logistics team

  • Rogue Expeditions shirt

  • New friendships and an unforgettable adventure!

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Flight

  • Alcohol and beverages other than water (coffee is always provided with breakfast and a wine tasting is included)

  • 1 dinner

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal purchases/souvenirs

  • Optional extra activities (such as rafting, which is weather and schedule-dependent)

  • Tips


GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 runners.


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Participants will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left. No visas or vaccinations are required for US citizens in Europe, though you may want to consider some standard vaccinations if you are a first-time traveler. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.


  • Please ensure that you arrive in Venice, Italy no later than 12 noon on the start date and depart Venice no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. If you arrive early (recommended!) then we will pick you up at a pre-arranged time/place on the start date. If you extend your stay in Venice then we'll be happy to take you to your hotel on the final day. If you arrive/depart outside of these parameters then you will be responsible for your own airport transfers.


  • Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (Break your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance can cover the entire cost of your entire trip! Flight delays cause you to miss the first day? Insurance can cover the cost of transport to meet up with us!).

FAQS
You can find those here.

CONTACT
Gabe Steger at gabe@roguexpeditions.com