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Race2Adventure is more than just a holiday; it’s a transformative journey that combines trail running, cultural immersion and exploration of 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, tourist trip abroad, thanks to its unique routes, scouted and carefully curated by the expert adventure tourism team. You are promised scenic beauty that you would otherwise not see, and it delivers.
Each Race2Adventure trip combines daily trail runs ranging from 5km to 10km with the opportunity to explore the natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of each destination. Imagine starting your day with a scenic hike through lush forests or past historic sites, then spending your afternoons enjoying local cuisine, exploring regional landmarks, and soaking up the culture.
For my first Race2Adventure experience, I had the opportunity to join their Rhine cruise, which took us through Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands in eight days – this was the ‘racecation’ I had always dreamed of.
As a solo female traveler, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the opportunity felt like a unique experience, so I didn’t hesitate to jump in, even without any specific training. Although I consider myself active, I would in no way say I am an athlete. 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 by the unique blend of staying active and exploring the world that Merrit Hopper has created in destinations such as Italy, New Zealand, Norway and Peru. Their warmth put me at ease, and I soon realized I wasn’t alone; we were all there for the same reasons: to run and most of all to enjoy the magic of Europe! This is how my week went:
Day 1: Orienteering around Basel, Switzerland
We kicked 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 packs, including our bibs and race swag.
Basel’s mix of vibrant art and medieval architecture made it the perfect backdrop for a fun treasure hunt (or ‘orienteering run’) in the city center, where I immediately made friends.
After exploring the city, it was time to embark on the river cruise and enjoy our welcome dinner. The tour package included everything: accommodation, transportation, meals; there was even a medic on board!
Later that evening, I took my glass of wine out onto the deck and 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 equipment and headed to the German Black Forest, known for its mystical atmosphere and rich folklore. This region is often associated with the famous fairy tale Hansel and Gretelpopularized by the Brothers Grimm in the early 19th century. Although the exact location of the story is not specified, the dense, mysterious forests of the Black Forest, with its towering pine trees and dark paths, evoke the eerie environment described in many of their stories. The 6.8 km route started after a beautiful bus ride. The course itself was a mix of steady climbs and thrilling descents, with a vertical drop of 207 meters and a sharp descent of 593 meters. The crisp morning mist provided an ethereal touch as we made our way through the towering trees and moss-covered paths, past cute country cottages and the famous Gutach clock shops.
After the run we explored Eguisheim on a guided walk. This beautiful Alsatian village is said to have provided inspiration Beauty and the Beastespecially Belle’s provincial birthplace. Located along the border with Germany, Alsace is known for its charming half-timbered houses and fairytale atmosphere. I couldn’t resist tasting traditional kougelhopf cake and wine at Joseph Freudenreich & Fils, so picturesque! The evening ended on board with a champagne saber ceremony on the sundeck as an official welcome.
Day 3: Strasbourg, France – Forest walk through Strasbourg
After a delicious, healthy breakfast on board – think egg white omelet, chia seed pudding, fresh orange juice – we headed off to our next adventure. The 9.7km run in Strasbourg took us through serene forests, with the flat terrain allowing for a smooth, fast race. Then I opted to explore Strasbourg’s Old Town on my own, which ended up being one of my favorite stops of the entire trip.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Strasbourg is known for its year-round Christmas shops and beautiful Gothic architecture. As I wandered the narrow, cobbled 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 got to know Strasbourg’s fascinating mix 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 I made it back just in time to catch the last shuttle to the ship. A peaceful sunset along the Rhine concluded our time in France with a four-course dinner. The evening ended with a lively silent disco under the stars.
Day 4: Rüdesheim, Germany – Vineyard Trail
You couldn’t wish for a more beautiful course. Our day started with a breathtaking trail through the famous vineyards of Rüdesheim. As I walked along the terraced hills, I admired panoramic views of the Rhine and fields of blooming flowers. Then we took a chairlift ride back into town, where we enjoyed more sweeping views of the lush, rolling hills.
I spent the afternoon dining through Boppard, starting with freshly baked baumstriezel at the Baumstriezel Art Café and sampling the region’s famous Riesling wine at Siegfried’s. Later I enjoyed the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee with Asbach Uralt Brandy.
The day ended with an onboard castle tour and a night out in Boppard, where I wandered the quaint streets, came across a local winery called Rolf Bach and Riesling wine and shared a conversation (via Google Translate) with a local German couple before heading off to to a much-needed deep tissue massage in the city.
Day 5: Boppard to Koblenz, Germany – Cycling along the Rhine
The next morning we started with a beautiful two-hour bike ride along the Rhine to Koblenz. The 10km bike ride offered beautiful views of hilltop castles and boats lazily floating by. Koblenz’s charming old town greeted us at the finish line, where I finally had the chance to sample some local German beer. I’m not a beer girl, but when I’m in Germany!
After a quick shower on board, I headed out again for a tour of the city. To my surprise, a lively Fête de la Musique (music festival) was taking place, so I took the opportunity to explore some cute shops, try potato latkes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Day 6: Cologne, Germany – Wildpark Run and Euro Cup festivities
We started the day with a 10km run through the Wildlife Park, a forest full of gentle slopes 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 football fans took to the streets singing and celebrating, I explored the Cologne Cathedral, the local gelato and cheese shops and wandered around the local farmer’s market in Rheinauhafen.
Even though I’m not a big football fan myself, I couldn’t resist being swept up in the atmosphere of the European Championship!
Day 7: Cologne, Germany
On our last full day we completed an 8.34km Wildlife Park Run, which felt like an obstacle course as the path was unexpectedly flooded. It was messy but so much fun! The day ended with a farewell banquet on board 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 last leg
Our last stop was Amsterdam, and I couldn’t have asked for a better city to end this crazy adventure. Even though I had been there during my studies, this visit felt completely new. We spent the day cycling through Vondelpark, a three-hour ride that allowed us to take in the beauty of the city’s tree-lined paths, canals and iconic architecture.
I enjoyed delicious local dishes, such as truffle fries and fresh stroop waffles, visited the Anne Frank House, strolled through various cheese shops (of course trying all types) and dined along the canal in the Negen Straatjes.
Race2Adventure exceeded every expectation I had. Running through such diverse landscapes, experiencing the local cultures and connecting with fellow runners made this a life-changing experience. If this sounds like the kind of adventure you like, sign up 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 and unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.
