“Hands down one to the best trips and times of my life.

We just returned from the Run Alpe-Adria trip traveling through Slovenia and Croatia. It was incredible. The trails were awesome, the food was amazing, the locations were all stunning and the people we had the privilege of sharing the experience with, were the best.

We ran many miles on some epic trails. drank great wine/beer/grappa, ate gourmet meals, stayed at cool and unique places, laughed until our jaws hurt and formed lasting friendships over 9 unforgettable days. This was our first RE trip and for sure will not be our last!”

— Brian W.

Encompassing Slovenia and Croatia, Run Alpe-Adria treats runners to both the hidden gems and better-known indulgences of the region.

Run quiet, stunningly beautiful trails through thick forests, idyllic meadows, rolling vineyards, alpine lakes and along the electric-blue Soca River.

Explore caves, castles and hidden villages, sail the Adriatic and take in the grandeur of the Julian Alps. Wonder why on earth there aren't more tourists around, and then be very, very thankful that there aren't.

Nights are spent in beautifully restored farmhouses, quaint B&Bs and mountain chalets, and meals are indulgent multi-course affairs, featuring the local specialties of each region. And of course, there will be wine. Lots of wine.

ITINERARY

Please note that the listed maximum run distances can always be shortened, and that itinerary is subject to minor adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.

Run Alpe-Adria Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL, THEN HEAD FOR THE HILLS!

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. After a beautiful drive we’ll arrive at an idyllic alpine homestead nestled in the Soca River valley, surrounded by the towering mountain peaks of Triglav National Park. Get settled - this is home for the next 2 nights! - then stretch out the legs with a short hike before our first taste of home-cooked Slovenian specialties at dinner.

Running: No running
Meals: Dinner (D) included

DAY 2: SOCA RIVER RUNNING

Wake up to a farm-fresh breakfast and spectacular morning views of the Julian Alps before beginning our first run. The route follows the incomprehensibly blue Soca 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 you can choose to go raft the Soca (highly recommended!) or just take the afternoon to relax and indulge in the peaceful surroundings. That evening we’ll enjoy another magical sunset as our hosts treat us to a gourmet cook-out for dinner.

Running: Up to 9 mi / 15km, single track trail
Meals: BLD included

DAY 3: OFF TO WINE COUNTRY

After a light breakfast we’ll start running right from our front door to a gorgeous hidden waterfall and the supposed source of the Soca River. After showers and a relaxed lunch in this idyllic valley we’ll pack up and head for wine country! Our home for the next two nights is a beautifully restored 300 year old farmhouse nestled in the vineyards that also happens to be home to one of the top hyper-local dining experiences in the country.

Running: Up to 6 miles; single track trail
Meals: BLD

DAY 4: THE WINE LINE

After a light breakfast we’ll head up, up, up Nanos, a flat-topped mountain that presides over the valley and which acts as a literal climate barrier between the Mediterranean breezes to the south and the alpine environment to the north. Although we will drive you much of the way up there is still a good amount of climbing ahead - get ready to hike, and to enjoy 360 degree views while you’re doing it! The run finishes at a traditional mountain hut serving up hearty local specialities, and you’ll have some downtime back at the farmhouse afterward. That evening we head to another nearby village to visit a local family’s 700 year old wine cellar and enjoy a feast prepared right there in their home - with plenty of homemade wine of course!

Running: Up to 8 mi / 14km and 2000 ft / 700m elevation gain (climb can be skipped). Single track trail and dirt road
Meals: BLD included

DAY 5: CASTLE TO VINEYARDS TO CRES!

Today’s run is for the road runners! We’ll begin early in the nearby village of Stanjel, overlooking the sweeping Vipava Valley. The run begins at a castle and finishes back in the vineyards near our farmhouse, taking in the idyllic farmland, rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages of the area along the way. Breakfast will be waiting at the finish line, then we’ll pack up and head to Croatia! Our destination is Cres, an island where the sheep outnumber the humans and the air smells of sage and lavender, and we’ll be hosted at the farm of a wonderful local couple who will treat us to an incredible dinner in a setting that you’ll never forget.

Running: Up to 7 mi / 12km; pavement & dirt road 
Meals: BLD included

DAY 6: THE LONG RUN

Get ready – today is the big run! Those who run the full route will cover nearly the full length of the island via both trail and road, featuring sweeping views of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and picture-perfect ancient villages, and those who choose a shorter distance will also hit the highlights. Finish at our house with a locally-sourced gourmet lunch and a short rest before the ultimate recovery activity: cruising around the Adriatic on a chartered boat! Enjoy the sea breeze, plenty of opportunities to jump into the crystal clear water, a fresh-caught meal cooked right onboard and a sunset that you’ll never forget.

Running: Up to 19 mi / 30km, technical trail and some pavement
Meals: BLD included

DAY 7: LJUBLJANA

After an optional morning recovery run around the farm, we'll enjoy a big brunch before packing up and heading back to the ferry, and back to Slovenia. Our destination is Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia (also a "Green Capital" of Europe), where you’ll have the remainder of the day to explore on your own: sample gelato, sit at a riverside cafe, visit museums, or simply wander around - the city center is car-free! - and soak it all in.

Running: Up to 5 mi / 8km, dirt road
Meals: BL (Dinner is on your own tonight - feel free to explore!)

DAY 8: LAKE BOHINJ

Enjoy a leisurely wake-up before a mid-morning departure to our final run at stunning Lake Bohinj. The route is part trail along a dramatic river gorge and part cruise around this pristine alpine lake, finishing with time to swim, relax and enjoy a picnic at a small beach. Afterward we’ll head back to the city (stopping along the way at Slovenia’s most-photographed spot) for a chance to clean up and gather for a special final dinner together. Then, spend the evening however you wish: go out and enjoy the nightlife (everything is walkable!) or settle in for a good night of sleep.

Running: Up to 8 mi / 13km, singletrack trail & paved path
Meals: BLD

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

Time to say goodbye! Enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport in Venice or connecting to additional travel.

Running: No organized run
Meals: B

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES:
Week 1: September 5-13, 2021
Week 2: September 17-25, 2021

This trip begins in Venice, Italy with an immediate transfer to Slovenia. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore Venice on your own. Those who fly in Day 1 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. Terrain is a diverse mix of pavement, dirt road & technical single track trails - something for everyone!

COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot and balances are due no later than June 5 (Week 1) or June 17 (Week 2). Registrations after those dates will be due in full.

Standard price (until June 5 / June 17): $4450
Late price (after June 5 / June 17): $4550

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, 3-4 star hotels and bed & breakfasts (double occupancy)
Seven unique organized and supported runs (flex distances)
Chartered Adriatic boat trip
All meals + snacks + water from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day (1 dinner excluded)
Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders & expert local logistics team
Rogue Expeditions shirt + buff
New friendships and an unforgettable adventure!

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

Flight
Alcohol and beverages other than water (coffee is always provided with breakfast & a wine tasting is included)
One dinner in Ljubljana (gives you an opportunity to explore on your own if you wish!)
Travel insurance
Personal purchases/souvenirs/extra activities (ex: rafting, which is weather and schedule-dependent)
Tips (optional)

GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11 runners.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

US citizens will need a passport with at least 3 months of validity left. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.
At the time of writing (June 20, 2021), travelers coming from most countries are permitted quarantine-free entry with proof of full vaccination. While unvaccinated travelers can technically enter with a negative PCR test result, please note that unvaccinated runners should NOT join this trip this year. We cross borders four times within the 9 days, and there is simply no way to facilitate frequent testing and awaiting results during our trip. It is ultimately up to you to ensure that you have everything in order to enter/exit the EU, though we will keep registered participants updated as things evolve! You can get the latest here.
Please ensure that you arrive in Venice no later than 12 noon on Day 1 and depart Venice no earlier than 12 noon on Day 9. If you arrive early (highly recommended!) then we will pick you up at a pre-arranged time/place on the first day. 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, or changing borders rules prevent you from joining? Insurance can cover the cost of transport to meet up with us!).

FAQS & COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Please note that this trip will only run if we are confident that it can be done in a reasonably safe, enjoyable and of course legal manner, and that all participants must be willing to abide by any and all safety measures that our guides and/or government officials deem necessary during this trip. Much remains to be seen about the near-term trajectory of the travel industry, and while we will do everything within our power to make this trip happen it is possible that it may not be feasible.

In the event that Rogue Expeditions cancels this trip due to COVID-19-related issues, participants are guaranteed a full refund or credit of all payments made towards this trip, and those using a credit from a previously cancelled trip will have their credit extended again.

You can find the full cancellation/transfer policy, along with the rest of the trip-specific FAQS here.

CONTACT
Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com

SIGN UP - SEPTEMBER 5-13, 2021

SIGN UP - SEPTEMBER 17-25, 2021