We like to think this Runcation has it all. The Alps of Slovenia, the Dolomites of Italy, Spa Hotels, Alpine Lakes, and Castles. Join us on this running vacation as we cross through the highlights of the Italian Dolomites and Slovenia on this week-long adventure. Each night of the running retreat is spent in beautiful 4-star hotels in the mountains with wellness options and creative accommodations inspired by the natural beauty of the area. We start the trip with guided trail running on the awe-inspiring mountain trails of the Italian Dolomites, including a hotel to hotel traverse of some of the most spectacular parts of the Italian Dolomites. This trail running portion is a traverse of some of our favorite trails, towns, and vistas of the Dolomites, from Sellaronda to the Cinque Torri. For part two, it’s all about perfectly runnable level paths along the turquoise valleys and lakes of Slovenia in Triglav National park. Our afternoons here are spent paddle boarding, swimming, or indulging in a lakeside beverage at a castle. We'll run along a lake that was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world and spend the evenings lakeside with views of the Julian Alps. This running trip includes private transport to bring you to a different location, trailhead, and hidden gem each day of the trip led by expert local trail running guides. All logistics, accommodation, and experienced guides included, so you’re free to soak it up and enjoy the Runcation.
Trip Difficulty: Level 2+
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
This running adventure holiday is open to ages 15 and up of various levels. Must be able to complete 7-16 miles/day of running. 3 days of the trip include running at altitude including 3,000-5,000 feet of elevation gain per day, while the rest of the mileage is shorter and flatter with between 500-1,500 feet per day. It is suggested that you be able to maintain an average pace of 15-20 minutes/mile for the mountain running days and must be able to run/jog the flats and downhill sections. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
This trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer.
Roundtrip transportation from Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy at the start to Venice, Italy at the end
4-star hotels in the Dolomites and Slovenia included nightly, with wellness, massage, pool/jacuzzi, sauna and other special spa offerings throughout the trip
Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations
A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants
Baggage transport from hotel to hotel and transport throughout
Private transport each day between locations, including private transfer from Dolomites to Slovenia
Knowledgable mountain guides and running coaches along the entire route
Special bonus adventures including castle visits and wellness options
Trip packet with detailed itinerary including packing lists and weather resources
Access to a personal trip WhatsApp group and community
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day
Travel Insurance
Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to the airport/next destination/etc.)
Small local city tax to be paid in cash/euros per person at time of checkout (usually 1-3 euros)
Passport:
Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.
Travel Insurance:
Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip.
Fitness/Pacing:
You do not need to be an expert trail runner! However, please note, this is a LEVEL 2+ trip. Runners must be able to complete the full distance each day on the trip itinerary (7-16 miles) with significant amounts of elevation gain and loss (500-4,500 feet per day) in mountainous environments, on technical trails, and at times in unfavorable weather conditions in the mountains. While we hike the long uphill climbs, is expected that all participants will run whenever the guide determines is feasible (including downhill and flat sections). We cannot accommodate walkers or hikers on this running trip. If you’re psyched about visiting the Dolomites and Slovenia and can meet this trip requirements, you should attend!
Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
Weather:
Although the weather in late summer is often ideal, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.
Trip Difficulty: Level 2+
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
Day 1: Our trip will start the afternoon of Day 1 with a meeting in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The town of Cortina is set like a crown jewel as it sits surrounded by some of the most spectacular peaks of the Dolomites by all sides. It's also been selected as the host of the 2026 Olympic Games! We'll start with a meet-and-greet and orientation meeting to meet the guides and go over the logistics and itinerary of the upcoming week before you're free to enjoy the town for the evening. Multiple easy transportations are available to Cortina from Venice.
4-star hotel with breakfast included