RUN ALPE-ADRIA FAQS

Why here?
This region has it all. The castles, ruins and vineyards of your European visions. The mountains, beaches & indulgent meals of your vacation dreams. Endless trails, footpaths and forests that beg to be run. And, most importantly, an off-the-beaten-track vibe that lends itself to the type of surprises and travel experiences that cannot be written into any itinerary, but that must be discovered in person.

What’s included in the trip cost (the 9 day Slovenia/Croatia version)?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9 (one dinner excluded), transportation, drivers, experienced guides, organized, supported runs, river rafting, a chartered boat trip on the Adriatic, sightseeing entry fees and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!

What’s included in the trip cost (the 7 day Slovenia version)?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7 (one dinner excluded), transportation, drivers, experienced guides, organized, supported runs, river rafting, sightseeing entry fees and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!

What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include flight, alcohol, travel insurance, tips or personal purchases. There is also one excluded dinner in Ljubljana, giving you a chance to explore and dine on whatever you wish (suggestions provided, of course!).

Why isn’t the flight included?
Let’s be honest, we are all unique and your schedules (and originating airport!) are no exception. Come early, stay late. Fly, drive, take a train. Participants will be responsible for booking their travel arrangements and ensuring that they arrive in Venice no later than 12pm on arrival day and depart the same place no earlier than 12pm on the final day. Suggestions and guidance will be provided once you are signed up.

How far do I have to be able to run?
There is no set requirement, but we recommend 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.

What sort of terrain will we be running on?
The terrain will be a mix of dirt paths, rocky trails, river paths, grassy meadows and a bit of asphalt here and there. Please note that the region is far from flat – work on your hill skills (even if it’s hiking!), spend some time on uneven terrain (think rocks and roots!) and pack trail shoes.

What time of day will be be running?
The time of day will vary depending on where we are and where we’re headed. We primarily plan for mid-morning runs (after breakfast, before lunch), but it’s always possible that weather or other logistical considerations could result in an afternoon run. The key is to just relax and roll with it – it’s not about “getting it in,” but rather about exploring a brand new place each day!

What will we do when we aren’t running?
Lots! We will go river rafting, visit wine cellars, learn about the rich history of the area, explore Ljubljana, sail the Adriatic (9 day trip only) and enjoy plenty of time to indulge in the most important local tradition: eating and drinking!

Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
The answer is usually yes, as long as they don’t mind an itinerary built around running and enjoy hiking; please note that we cannot arrange or support separate activities for them. We suggest that you drop us a line before signing up so that we can discuss whether it’s a good fit for you.

What will the hotels be like?
The accommodation is a mix of beautifully restored farmhouses, friendly boutique hotels and mountain chalets. We use unique, small-scale and family-run establishments for an authentic experience with local impact. You can expect clean, comfortable, memorable places each night!

What is the weather like?
Beautiful! May and September are both generally dry and sunny with highs around 75F / 23C and lows around 50F/10C – a bit warmer on the coast and cooler in the mountains. Rain is always a possibility in the mountains, so plan to bring along a rain jacket and some warm layers.

Can I have my own room at hotels?
Due to the size and unique nature of most of our accommodation, single rooms are not generally available for this trip. If an opportunity for a single room opens up, we will make it available to registered participants; you can indicate your interest when you sign up and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered. Trip pricing is based on double occupancy and solo travelers will be placed with a same-sex roommate.

What sort of food will we be eating?
Food is one of the biggest highlights of the trip! Menus focus on regional specialties and traditions, which will differ as we move through the area. Meal styles will include everything from B&B breakfast spreads to gourmet picnic lunches to long, multi-course dinner affairs - highlights will include house-made pastas, cured meats & cheese platters, fresh salads, truffles, local olive oils, fresh bread, rich desserts and lots of wine. This is a region that places much importance on quality local ingredients and in taking the time to enjoy them. Prepare yourself for long meals, and come hungry!

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Common dietary restrictions are easily accommodated; if you have a combination of special requirements, please contact us before registering to make sure that this trip is a good fit for you.

What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
We will be traveling in clean, spacious 8-passenger vans.

What should I pack?
We’ll provide guidance and a detailed packing list after you sign up, but do note that trail running shoes are recommended and that a handheld water bottle or hydration pack is required. A friendly reminder: packing light will make everything easier for you (and everyone else)!

How much should I tip?
Your entire trip will be spent with drivers and run guides who will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. Although tips are not expected, they are always appreciated; the amount is completely at your discretion and any gratuities will be split amongst the team.

What are the entry requirements for entering Italy, Slovenia & Croatia?
US and Canadian citizens will need a passport with at least 3 months of validity left; participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.

New Venice Tourist Tax?

Yes. Venice has decided to introduce an access tax for tourists who come to Venice without staying there.  This will not fully come into effect until 2025, but there are a few days they will implement the tax as a test phase in 2024. If you are staying a minimum of one night, you won’t need to pay the tax as it will be included in your accommodation payment.   However, if you plan to come for just a day, you will need to pay the access fee of 5 euros/day to enter from 8:30-16:00.  

 A few test days set for 2024 that will coincide with our trips include: May 18, 26, June 8 and 9.

 With an overlap of a few of the test days and our trips, we want to ensure you are prepared.  This tourist and entry tax to Venice will be payable on the dedicated website https://cda.ve.it/en/ which will issue a QR code to be presented in the event of an inspection. If you are exempt from paying the tax (due to staying the night), you will still have to register (only if you are in Venice on the days of the 2024 tests) to obtain the exemption QR code. This may change as discussions are currently underway between accommodation providers and the Venice City Council.  Registration is done at https://cda.ve.it/en/ which will issue a QR code to be presented in the event of a check.

The purpose of the tax is to better manage tourist flows in such a way as to preserve Venice and also allow those who are there to enjoy it pleasantly. This tax is also made to relieve the Venetians of the costs they pay today alone to maintain the city and its services.

If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.

If you cancel:

Within 30 days of signup (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund

90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable

61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**

60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds

*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be eligible for a refund

**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, your deposit is non-refundable.

Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.

What if Rogue Expeditions cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, it is a possibility and here is what happens if it happens:

If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.

If a trip is cancelled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is unlikely but always a possibility - get that travel insurance!

You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.

How do I sign up?
You can find the Sign Up button on the Details page (Spring trips here and fall trips here) as soon as registration is open. A $600 deposit will reserve your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to the trip start date. As soon as you register you’ll receive a link to the packing list, destination info, guide contacts and more, then we will begin direct group communication about 4 months prior to departure. Spots are first come-first serve, so don’t wait!

I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out to allison@roguexpeditions.com with any questions!