There was an error with your log in
Check out Early bird options for best sellers here
soca river alpe adria

Alpe-Adria Trail Running Adventure: 6 or 9 Days in Slovenia and Croatia

6-9 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $3,950 ()
Book a call

If Slovenia isn’t on your trail running radar yet, you’ll change your mind once you see our itinerary. Turquoise rivers cutting through alpine forest, vineyard valleys with 700-year-old wine cellars, a crystal-clear alpine lake, and mountain trails with views you’ll be talking about for years—all packed into a tiny country that most tourists just drive through on the way somewhere else. We run it over 6 days, or tack on Croatia for the full 9: two nights on Cres Island, a long run along its length, rafting the Soča, and a boat cruise on the Adriatic. The trails are the reason to come. The food and wine are the reason to stay.

Alain
Alain

Adventure Highlights

  • The Soča river trail: The route follows one of Europe's most electric-blue rivers through technical mountain forest trails—one of those runs that makes you stop for photos every five minutes
  • Wine cellars and farmhouse feasts: We sleep in beautifully restored farmhouses and dine where locals actually eat, including a feast inside a 700-year-old wine cellar with the family's own wine on the table
  • Extend your days in Croatia: A long run across Cres Island—where sheep outnumber people and the air smells of sage—followed by a chartered boat cruise in the Adriatic, with fresh-caught seafood cooked onboard
Duration
6-9 days
Season
May through June
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Beautifully restored farmhouses, family-run boutique hotels, and mountain chalets
Difficulty
Moderate: Great fitness required, trail running up to 30 km (19 mi) per day on the 9-day itinerary, up to 15 km (9 mi) per day on the 6-day itinerary
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals & snacks, transfers to/from Venice, entry fees, and more

The adventure, day by day

The 6-day version is a focused loop through Slovenia, starting and ending with a Venice transfer. Over 4 running days, we cover Nanos mountain, the castles and vineyards of the Vipava Valley, Lake Bohinj's alpine trails, and the electric-blue Soča River. Nights are split between a restored 300-year-old farmhouse in wine country, a boutique hotel in Ljubljana, and an alpine homestead in the Soča River valley. All dinners are included, and the food—from farm-to-table farmhouse feasts to riverside lunches—is a genuine highlight throughout.

Day 1: Arrival in the Vipava Valley
vipava slovenia

After meeting in Venice, we transfer through mountain scenery straight into wine country. The Vipava Valley sits where the Julian Alps meet the Karst plateau, and the farmhouse we’re calling home for the next two nights is one of the best places to experience it. We settle in, stretch our legs, and head out for a memorable first dinner at the farmhouse restaurant—where the connection between the land outside and what’s on the plate is about as direct as it gets.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse

Day 2: Nanos mountain trail
nanos slovenia running

The first run is a challenging mountain route up Nanos, a flat-topped massif that acts as a literal climate divide between the Mediterranean breezes to the south and the alpine world to the north. The trail climbs through varied terrain and rewards the effort with sweeping 360-degree views across both landscapes. In the evening, back at the farmhouse, we sit down to a multi-course farm-to-table dinner with wine pairing.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 14 km (8.7 mi), 517 m (1,696 ft) gain, 419 m (1,375 ft) descent; mountain trail
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse

Day 3: Castles and vineyards
Running near vineyards

Today’s run starts right from the front door and winds through Slovenia’s celebrated wine country—a scenic mix of dirt roads and pavement through rolling vineyards, ancient villages, and pastoral landscapes. After the run, we have one last meal at the farmhouse before visiting a historic castle nearby, then make our way to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s lively, car-free capital city, for dinner together in town.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 13 km (8 mi), 400 m (1,312 ft) gain and descent; mixed terrain
Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Day 4: Lake Bohinj trail
Lake Bohinj with a church that stands on its shore seen during hiking holidays in Slovenia’s Julian Alps.

Today’s run is a single-track loop around Lake Bohinj—one of Slovenia’s most pristine alpine lakes, set inside Triglav National Park. The trail passes through traditional pastoral land and past hidden waterfalls before finishing at the lakeshore with time to swim. We enjoy lunch on the shores of nearby Lake Bled before transferring to the charming alpine town of Bovec, nestled in the Soča River valley.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 13 km (8 mi), 189 m (620 ft) gain, 345 m (1,132 ft) descent; single-track trail
Accommodation: Alpine homestead

Day 5: Soča River trail
The valley and artificial lake of river Soca at Most na Soci, Primorska, Slovenia.

The final run follows the incomprehensibly blue Soča River along historical footpaths through magical forest trails. It’s technical, but the views of the electric-blue water and towering Julian Alps make every step worth it. After a locally-hosted riverside lunch, the afternoon opens up for a river rafting excursion on the Soča—highly recommended. We close the trip with one last farewell dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 15 km (9.3 mi), 210 m (689 ft) gain, 646 m (2,119 ft) descent; single-track trail
Accommodation: Alpine homestead

Day 6: Departure day
Breakfast before departure

One last breakfast, then we transfer back to Venice for onward flights or travel.

Meals: Breakfast

The full 9-day trip covers the same Slovenian terrain as the Essentials—Soča River trails, wine country, Nanos mountain, Ljubljana—and then crosses into Croatia for two nights on the island of Cres, the long run, and a chartered Adriatic boat cruise before finishing with Lake Bohinj and a final dinner in Ljubljana. The routing runs in reverse order compared to the Essentials: we start in the Soča River valley and move south through wine country toward the coast, then loop back north. Eight nights of accommodation; dinner on Day 7 is on your own in Ljubljana.

Day 1: Arrival & the Soča River valley
The valley and artificial lake of river Soca at Most na Soci, Primorska, Slovenia.

Arrive in Venice, where the guides meet you at the airport or a pre-arranged spot for transfer to Slovenia. The drive passes through idyllic alpine scenery into the Soča River valley, where we’re welcomed to a beautiful farmhouse homestead nestled under the Jalovec peak in Triglav National Park—home for the next two nights. Once settled, we stretch the legs with a short optional hike in the mountain shadows before sitting down to a home-cooked Slovenian dinner prepared by the hosts.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Alpine homestead

Day 2: Soča River running
Running in Soča Valley

We wake up to a farm-fresh breakfast with views of the Julian Alps before heading out on the first run. The route follows the incomprehensibly blue Soča River by way of historical footpaths and magical forest trails—quite technical, but the views make it entirely worth it. After a picnic lunch and a dip in the river, the afternoon is free to go raft the Soča (highly recommended) or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. That evening our hosts treat us to a gourmet outdoor cookout for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 15 km (9 mi); single-track trail
Accommodation: Alpine homestead

Day 3: Wine country
Running near vineyards

We start running right from the front door—first to a gorgeous hidden waterfall and the supposed source of the Soča River, then back for showers and a relaxed lunch in this idyllic valley. After lunch, we pack up and head south to wine country. Our home for the next two nights is a beautifully restored 300-year-old farmhouse nestled in the vineyards, home to one of the best hyper-local dining experiences in the country.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 9.7 km (6 mi); single-track trail
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse

Day 4: The wine line
Wine cellar in Slovenia

After a light breakfast, we head up to Nanos—a flat-topped mountain that presides over the valley and acts as a literal climate barrier between the Mediterranean to the south and the alpine world to the north. The guides drive you most of the way up, but there’s still a good amount of climbing ahead. The run finishes at a traditional mountain hut serving hearty local specialties, and the afternoon is free back at the farmhouse. That evening, we visit a nearby village to dine inside a local family’s 700-year-old wine cellar—a feast prepared right there in their home, with plenty of homemade wine.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 14 km (8 mi), 700 m (2,300 ft) gain (climb skippable); single-track trail and dirt road
Accommodation: Restored farmhouse

Day 5: Castle to vineyards to Cres
Runners on Cres

Today’s run is for the road runners. We start 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 the farmhouse, taking in idyllic farmland, rolling hills, and picture-perfect villages along the way. Breakfast is waiting at the finish line. Then we pack up and head to Croatia: our destination is Cres, an Adriatic island where the sheep outnumber the humans and the air smells of sage and lavender. We’re hosted that night at the farm of a local couple who treat us to an incredible dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 12 km (7 mi); pavement and dirt road
Accommodation: Farm stay

Day 6: The long run
Jumping into the sea

Today is the big one. The full route covers nearly the entire length of Cres Island via both trail and road, with sweeping views of the crystal-clear Adriatic and picture-perfect ancient villages at every turn. Those who opt for a shorter distance will hit all the highlights too. We finish at the house with a locally-sourced gourmet lunch, then head out for the ultimate recovery: a chartered boat cruise around the Adriatic. There’s swimming in crystal-clear water, a fresh-caught meal cooked right onboard, and a sunset that earns its reputation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: Up to 30 km (19 mi); technical trail and some pavement. Shorter option: 20 km (12 mi)
Accommodation: Farm stay

Day 7: Ljubljana
River in Ljubljana

After an optional morning recovery run around the farm, we enjoy a big brunch before catching the ferry back to Slovenia. Our destination is Ljubljana—Slovenia’s charming, car-free capital city and a European Green Capital. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore: sample gelato, sit at a riverside café, climb to the castle, or simply wander. Tonight’s dinner is on your own, with restaurant recommendations from the guides.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Running: Up to 8 km (5 mi); dirt road
Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Day 8: Lake Bohinj
Runners on Lake Bohinj

We make a mid-morning departure to our final run at stunning Lake Bohinj, set inside Triglav National Park. The route is part trail along a dramatic river gorge, part loop around this pristine alpine lake, finishing at a small beach with time to swim and relax. Afterward we head back to Ljubljana—stopping en route at Slovenia’s most-photographed spot—to clean up and gather for a special final dinner together. The evening is yours: go out and enjoy the city’s walkable nightlife, or get a good night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 14 km (8 mi), walker option 5 km (3 mi); single-track trail and paved path
Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Day 9: Departure day
Breakfast before departure

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

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure Architect
Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.
Start Designing

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Download now

Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Alain
5.00
Alain
Born and raised in Santiago de Chile, Alain discovered an incredible passion for nature, sustainability, and his new favorite sports: rock climbing, scuba diving, and trail running. He traveled to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, becoming even more excited about running as an amazing way to discover different places. Back in Chile, he had the chance to become a guide in Torres del Paine National Park. He’d spent several years working in Patagonia, a perfect playground for trail running and a place that increased his love for the sport, sustainability, and the natural world, and led him to this opportunity to continue running, traveling, and creating new experiences.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)
S
Sylwia P.

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 crew immediately felt like family and friends. I cannot wait to go back on any Rogue trip with them!

E
Erin S.

The Run Alpe-Adria trip 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!

K
Kimberly P.

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!

5.00(3 reviews)
S
Sylwia P.

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 crew immediately felt like family and friends. I cannot wait to go back on any Rogue trip with them!

E
Erin S.

The Run Alpe-Adria trip 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!

K
Kimberly P.

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!

Things to know

  • Included with the 6-Day Slovenia Essentials:

      • Experienced trip leaders and local Slovenian running guides, plus a full logistics team
      • Scouted runs as in the itinerary
      • Accommodation for 5 nights in idyllic alpine homesteads, restored farmhouses, and boutique hotels
      • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6, except one dinner in Ljubljana
      • Gourmet trail snacks, water, and coffee/tea/juice with breakfasts
      • Airport transfers from Venice on arrival and departure days, plus all ground transportation throughout the trip
      • All luggage transfers
      • Entry fees for sightseeing activities as in the itinerary
      • Trip merchandise

    Included with the 9-Day Slovenia + Croatia:

      • Experienced trip leaders and local Slovenian running guides, plus a full logistics team
      • Scouted runs as in the itinerary
      • Accommodation for 8 nights in idyllic alpine homesteads, restored farmhouses, and boutique hotels
      • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9, except one dinner in Ljubljana
      • Gourmet trail snacks, water, and coffee/tea/juice with breakfasts
      • Airport transfers from Venice on arrival and departure days, plus all ground transportation throughout the trip
      • All luggage transfers
      • Soča River rafting excursion
      • Chartered Adriatic boat trip
      • Entry fees for sightseeing activities including castle visits, wine cellar tours, and Triglav National Park
      • Trip merchandise

    Add-ons:

      • Single occupancy room — available upon inquiry, leave us a note at checkout

    Not included:

      • Flights to and from Italy
      • Alcoholic beverages and drinks other than water
      • One dinner in Ljubljana (noted above)
      • Personal purchases, gear, and equipment
      • Insurance—  strongly recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide and staff gratuities — optional
  • There’s no strict fitness requirement for this trail running adventure, but your guides recommend being comfortable with an 8–10 mi (13–16 km) trail run before arriving. Every route has frequent checkpoints where you can refill water, grab a snack, get some encouragement, and yes, grab a ride if needed.

      • 6-day Slovenia Essentials: 4 running days covering a total of roughly 55 km (34 mi). The longest day is 15 km (9 mi) with up to 517 m (1,696 ft) of elevation gain on the Nanos mountain trail.
      • 9-day Slovenia + Croatia: 6 running days covering a total of roughly 82 km (51 mi). The biggest day is up to 30 km (19 mi) on Cres Island, with a 20 km (12 mi) option that hits all the highlights. Elevation gain is more moderate than the 6-day—the terrain is varied but the biggest days are long rather than steep.

    Both trips are accessible to a range of running abilities. If you can handle the distance at a comfortable pace, you’ll be fine.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Check out more trail running adventures in Europe here!

  • Both trips cover Slovenia’s best trail running terrain with the same guides, the same farmhouse and boutique hotel accommodation, and the same quality of food. Here’s how they differ:

      • 6-day Slovenia Essentials: Starts in the Vipava Valley wine country, climbs Nanos mountain, passes through Ljubljana, and finishes with Lake Bohinj and the Soča River trail. Four running days, up to 15 km (9 mi) on the longest day. All dinners included except one in Ljubljana. No Croatia, no rafting, no boat.
      • 9-day Slovenia + Croatia: Runs the same Slovenian terrain in reverse—starting at the Soča River and moving south—before crossing into Croatia for two nights on Cres Island. Adds the big island long run (up to 30 km/19 mi), Soča River rafting, the Adriatic boat cruise, and a second overnight in Ljubljana. Six running days total. One dinner in Ljubljana is on your own.

    If your time is limited or Slovenia alone is the draw, the 6-day delivers everything that makes this region special. If you want the full Alpe-Adria experience—Croatia, the Adriatic, and more miles—go for the 9.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Trail shoes and road running shoes
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Comfortable running clothes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    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.

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Alpe-Adria trail running adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1. In general, there will almost always be 2 run guides and 1 operations team member for safety and logistics.
      • It takes a minimum of 9 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
      • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

    Running in Slovenia and Croatia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • The price for this Slovenia and Croatia trail running tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can leave us a note at checkout if interested.

    Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

  • 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.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

  • 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

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
Have more questions?
Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.
Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.
Talk to an Adventure Planner
From $3,950 ()
Get free trip Brochure

Check your inbox.

Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.

Book a call

Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar