Some trips come with poolside umbrellas; this one comes with trailside goosebumps. We’ll start this trail running adventure in Slovenia, where the mountains wear clouds like crowns, and the Soča River practically glows. Then, we leap to Croatia, where islands are so wild even our GPS will ask for a moment. Pristine rivers and mountains that high-five the clouds? Check. Trails so gorgeous they’re practically flirting? Check. Meals that’ll have us asking if our taste buds can apply for citizenship? Double check. We’ll run, cruise, feast, and repeat until our legs are tired but our souls are in seventh heaven. Alpe-Adria, here we come!
Let’s go on a 9-day running adventure through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes! From the crystal-clear Soča River in Slovenia to the lavender-scented trails of Cres Island in Croatia, this trip combines technical trails, charming villages, and unforgettable views. We’ll stay in boutique hotels, renovated farmhouses, and vineyards, feast on farm-to-table meals, and enjoy moments like swimming in turquoise waters or toasting in a 700-year-old wine cellar. This isn’t just a running trip—it’s a journey through culture, cuisine, and nature, all rolled into one amazing trail running adventure.
Arrive in Venice, where your guides will either pick you up at the airport or meet you at a pre-arranged spot for transfer to Slovenia. After a beautiful drive, you’ll arrive at an alpine homestead nestled in the Soca River valley, surrounded by the towering mountain peaks of Triglav National Park. Get settled, because this is home for the next 2 nights, and then stretch out the legs with a short hike before our first taste of home-cooked Slovenian specialties at dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Alpine homestead
We’ll wake up to a farm-fresh breakfast and spectacular morning views of the Julian Alps before going on our first run. The route follows the incomprehensibly blue Soča River by way of historical footpaths and magical forest trails. This run is quite technical, but the views make it all worth it.
After a picnic lunch and a dip in the river, you can choose to go raft the Soča (highly recommended) or just take the afternoon to relax and indulge in the peaceful surroundings. This evening, we’ll enjoy another magical sunset as our hosts treat us to a gourmet cook-out for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 9 mi / 15 km, single track trail
Accommodation: Farmhouses, boutique hotels, mountain chalets
On Day 3, we’ll start running right from our front door to a gorgeous hidden waterfall and the supposed source of the Soča 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 6 mi / 9.7 km, single track trail
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse
Today, we’ll head up Nanos, a flat-topped mountain that presides over the valley. Although your guides will drive you much of the way up, there is still a good amount of climbing ahead. The run finishes at a traditional mountain hut serving up hearty local specialities, and we’ll have some downtime back at the farmhouse afterward. Later on, we’ll 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 8 mi / 14 km and 2,000 ft / 700 m elevation gain (climb can be skipped). Single track trail and dirt road
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse
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. Breakfast will be waiting at the finish line, and 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. We’ll stay at the farm of a wonderful local couple who will treat us to an incredible dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 7 mi / 12 km, pavement and dirt road
Accommodation: Farm
Day 6 is reserved for a big run. Those who run the full route will cover nearly the full length of the island via both trail and road. Those who choose a shorter distance (12 mi / 20 km) will also hit the highlights.
We’ll finish at our house with a locally-sourced gourmet lunch and a short rest before we go cruising around the Adriatic on a chartered boat! There will be plenty of opportunities to jump into the crystal-clear water, eat a fresh-caught meal cooked right onboard, and enjoy a sunset we’ll never forget.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 19 mi / 30 km, technical trail and some pavement. The shorter run is 12 mi / 20 km
Accommodation: Farm
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, where you’ll have the remainder of the day to explore on your own. You can sample gelato, sit at a riverside cafe, visit museums, or simply wander around and soak it all in.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Running: Up to 5 mi / 8 km, dirt road
Accommodation: Farmhouses, boutique hotels, mountain chalets
On Day 8, we’ll depart 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.
Later on, we’ll head back to the city for a chance to clean up and gather for a special final dinner together. Then, you can go out and enjoy the nightlife or settle in for a good night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 8 mi / 13 km, singletrack trail and paved path
Accommodation: Farmhouses, boutique hotels, mountain chalets
Time to say goodbye! Enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport in Venice.
Meals: Breakfast
The Run Alpe-Adria trip with Rogue Expeditions was a dream come true. Every detail was amazing and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. Logistics and carefully planned itineraries were flawlessly carried out by kind, warm, and organized guides and drivers. The scenery, trails, food, wine, accommodations, and hospitality were all top notch. We couldn’t be happier! Highly recommend!
Best time of my life! The food, wine, and views were amazing. I went for the running but I would have stayed for the wine. Perfection! The running was great. Awesome trails. Run Alpe-Adria has the best team and made the whole experience better than I hoped for. Happy to come away with new friends and lasting memories. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you Allison, Borut, Tone, and Damijan!
Included:
Not included:
On this Alpe-Adria trail running adventure, there is no set requirement, but it’s recommended that you be comfortable with an 8-10 mile trail run for the best experience. All routes are adjustable in terms of distance, there is no pace pressure, and plans will be tweaked according to the ability mix of the group.
The itinerary lists the daily maximum run distances, but these can also be shortened as much as needed; every route has frequent checkpoints where you can refill your water, enjoy a snack, get a high-five and, yes, grab a ride.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Running in Slovenia and Croatia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has runners under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Alpe-Adria trail running adventure is Venice. To get there, most people fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport. From there, your guides will either pick you up at the airport or meet you at a pre-arranged spot for transfer to Slovenia.
More detailed information will be provided by the guides before the trip starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
The Alpe-Adria trip is a runner’s and a foodie’s dream. The best of both worlds in one trip. Beautiful and scenic runs, slow food, and local fine dining experiences – can’t ask for more. The Rogue crew immediately felt like family and friends. I cannot wait to go back on any Rogue trip with them!