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 full of local specialties 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 hearty dinner at home.
Running: Up to 9 mi / 15km, single track trai
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 we’ll pack up and head for wine country (with a stop at a locally famous lunch spot on the way)! 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 dining experiences in the country - all sourced from right outside.
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!
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: CASTLES TO VINEYARDS
Today’s run is for the road runners! We’ll begin in the nearby village of Stanjel, overlooking the sweeping Vipava Valley. The run begins at a castle and finishes back at our farmhouse, taking in the idyllic farmland, rolling vineyards and ancient villages of the area along the way. Afterwards we’ll pack up and hit the road, stopping to explore one of the most fascinating castles in Europe en route to Ljubljana. We’ll get settled into our hotel right in the car-free historic center and then the evening is all yours to wander the cobblestone streets, sample gelato, dine at a riverside cafe and soak in the indisputably pleasant vibes of this beautiful city.
Running: Up to 7 mi / 12km; pavement & dirt road
Meals: BL included (Dinner oyo tonight)
DAY 6: LAKE BOHINJ
Enjoy a leisurely wake-up before a mid-morning departure to our final run at stunning Lake Bohinj. The route will take you through traditional alpine pasture land to a hidden waterfall before cruising down a forest road and around a 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 very 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 & gravel roads
Meals: BLD
DAY 7: 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