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