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Race2Adventure is more than just a vacation; it’s a transformative journey that merges trail running, cultural immersion, and exploration across some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Designed for runners of all levels—from ultrarunners and seasoned marathoners to casual joggers and walkers—Race2Adventure offers an active, unforgettable experience that goes beyond the ordinary, touristy trip abroad, thanks to its unique trails, scouted and carefully curated by the expert adventure tourism team. You’re promised scenic beauty you wouldn’t otherwise see—and they deliver.
Each Race2Adventure trip combines daily trail runs ranging from 5K to 10K with an opportunity to explore the natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of each destination. Imagine starting your day with a scenic run through lush forests or past historical landmarks, then spending your afternoons indulging in local cuisine, exploring regional attractions, and soaking in the culture.
For my first Race2Adventure experience, I had the opportunity to join their Rhine River cruise, taking us through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands over the course of eight days —this was the “racecation” I had always dreamed of.
As a solo female traveler, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the opportunity felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I didn’t hesitate to jump in—even without any specific training. While I consider myself active, I wouldn’t say I’m an athlete by any means. Yet from the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by the international running community. Many participants had been on these trips for years, drawn to the unique blend of staying active and exploring the world that Merrit Hopper has crafted in destinations like Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and Perú. Their warmth put me at ease, and I quickly realized I wasn’t alone—we were all there for the same reasons: to run, and most importantly, to enjoy the magic of Europe! Here’s how my week unfolded:
Day 1: Orienteering around Basel, Switzerland
We kicked things off in the historic city of Basel. The ship docked in the afternoon, and you could feel the excitement as everyone gathered for registration and to grab our race packages including our bibs and race swag.
Basel’s mix of vibrant art and medieval architecture made it the perfect backdrop for a fun scavenger hunt (or “orienteering”) in the city center, where I made friends right away.
After exploring the city, it was time to settle into the river cruise and enjoy our welcome dinner. The trip package had everything covered—accommodations, transport, meals— there was even a medic on board!
Later that night, I took my glass of wine to the deck and just whispered to myself, “Wow, I’m really here.”
Day 2: Breisach, Germany – Black Forest Run
Our first run! Of course, I put on my favorite Brooks Running gear and headed into Germany’s Black Forest, renowned for its mystical atmosphere and rich folklore. This region is often associated with the famous fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, popularized by the Brothers Grimm in the early 19th century. While the exact location of the story isn’t specified, the dense, mysterious woods of the Black Forest, with its towering pines and dark paths, evoke the eerie setting described in many of their tales. The 6.8 km trail began after a scenic bus ride. The trail itself was a mix of steady climbs and thrilling descents, with an elevation gain of 207 meters and a sharp descent of 593 meters. The crisp morning fog added an ethereal touch as we made our way through the towering trees and moss-covered paths, passing by cute countryside cottages and the famous Gutach clock stores.
After the run, we explored Eguisheim on a guided walking tour. This beautiful Alsatian village is said to have inspired Beauty and the Beast, particularly Belle’s provincial hometown. Alsace, located along the border with Germany, is famous for its charming half-timbered houses and fairy tale-like atmosphere. I couldn’t resist sampling traditional kougelhopf cake and wine at Joseph Freudenreich & Fils—so picturesque! The evening ended onboard with a champagne-sabering ceremony on the sundeck as an official welcome.
Day 3: Strasbourg, France – Strasbourg Forest Run
After a delicious, healthy breakfast onboard—think egg white omelet, chia seed pudding, fresh orange juice—we headed out for our next adventure. The 9.7 km run in Strasbourg took us through serene forests, with the flat terrain allowing for a smooth, fast-paced race. Afterward, I chose to explore Strasbourg’s old town on my own, which ended up being one of my favorite stops of the whole trip.
Strasbourg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its year-round Christmas shops and stunning Gothic architecture. As I wandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets, I marveled at the grandeur of Strasbourg Cathedral and stumbled upon a charming flea market, where I picked up some unique home decor pieces. I also learned about Strasbourg’s fascinating blend of French and German culture, which you can feel in every corner of the city.
As I ventured solo through the city, I lost track of time (as one does in magical places), but made it back just in time to take the last shuttle to the ship. A peaceful sunset float along the Rhine capped off our time in France, with a 4-course dinner. The night ended with a lively silent disco under the stars.
Day 4: Rüdesheim, Germany – Vineyard Trail
You couldn’t ask for a more scenic run. Our day began with a breathtaking trail run through Rüdesheim’s famous vineyards. Running along the terraced hillsides, I took in panoramic views of the Rhine River and fields of blooming flowers. Afterward, we took a chairlift ride back to town, enjoying even more sweeping views of the lush, rolling hills.
I spent the afternoon eating my way through Boppard—starting with freshly baked baumstriezel at the Baumstriezel Art Café and tasting the region’s famous Riesling wine at Siegfried’s. Later, I indulged in the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee with Asbach Uralt Brandy.
The day ended with a castle tour onboard and a night out in Boppard, where I wandered through the quaint streets, stumbled upon a local winery called Rolf Bach and shared Riesling wine and conversation (via Google Translate) with a local German couple before heading to a much-needed deep tissue massage in town.
Day 5: Boppard to Koblenz, Germany – Biking along the Rhine River
The next morning, we started with a scenic two-hour bike ride along the Rhine River to Koblenz. The 10 km bike ride offered stunning views of castles perched on hilltops and boats lazily drifting by. Koblenz’s charming old town greeted us at the finish line, where I finally had a chance to sample some local German beer. I’m not a beer gal, but when in Germany!
After a quick shower onboard, I headed back out for a guided city tour. To my surprise, there was a lively Fête de la Musique (music festival) happening so I took the opportunity to explore some cute shops, try potato latkes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Day 6: Cologne, Germany – Wildpark Run and Euro Cup Festivities
We kicked off the day with a 10 km run through the Wildpark, a forest full of gentle inclines and shaded paths. Later, we had some free time to explore the city, and as luck would have it, the Euro Cup festivities were in full swing! While soccer fans poured into the streets chanting and celebrating, I explored Cologne Cathedral, local gelato and cheese shops, and wandered around the local Rheinauhafen farmers market.
Though not a huge soccer fan myself, I couldn’t resist getting swept up in the atmosphere of the Euro Cup!
Day 7: Cologne, Germany
On our last full day, we completed an 8.34 km Wildpark Run, which felt like an obstacle course as the trail was unexpectedly covered in water. It was messy but so much fun! The day wrapped up with a farewell banquet aboard the ship, where we shared our favorite moments from the past few days and reflected on the friendships we had made.
Day 8: Amsterdam, Netherlands – The Final Leg
Our last stop was Amsterdam, and I couldn’t have asked for a better city to end this crazy adventure. Though I had visited during college, this visit felt entirely new. We spent the day cycling through Vondelpark—a three-hour ride that let us take in the beauty of the city’s tree-lined paths, canals, and iconic architecture.
I savored delicious local fare, like truffle frite and fresh stroopwafels, visited the Anne Frank House, strolled through several cheese shops (trying every kind, of course), and dined along the canal in the Negen Straatjes area.
Race2Adventure exceeded every expectation I had. Running through such diverse landscapes, experiencing the local cultures, and bonding with fellow runners made this a life-changing experience. If this sounds like the kind of adventure you’d love, you can register for the next Race2Adventure trip to Morocco, Scotland and South Africa HERE.
Victoria Leandra is an award-winning journalist, influencer and on-cam host specializing in culture, food & unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.
