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Race2Adventure is much more than just a vacation; it’s a transformative journey that merges trail running, cultural immersion and exploration through some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Designed for runners of all levels, from seasoned ultrarunners and marathoners to casual joggers and walkers, Race2Adventure offers an active and unforgettable experience that goes beyond the ordinary and a tourist trip abroad, thanks to its trails unique, identified and carefully organized by the expert. adventure tourism team. You're promised scenic beauty you wouldn't otherwise see – and they deliver.
Each Race2Adventure trip combines daily 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 run through lush forests or historic landmarks, then spending your afternoons enjoying local cuisine, exploring regional attractions, and soaking up the culture.
For my first Race2Adventure experience, I had the opportunity to take part in their Rhine cruise, taking us through Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands over eight days. It was the “race” I had always dreamed of.
As a solo traveler, I didn't really know what to expect, but the opportunity seemed like a unique experience, so I didn't hesitate to take the plunge, even without specific training. Although I consider myself active, I would by no means say that I am an athlete. However, upon my arrival, 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 created in destinations like Italy, New Zealand, Norway and Peru. Their warmth put me at ease and I quickly understood that I was not alone, we were all there for the same reasons: to run, and above all to enjoy the magic of Europe! Here's 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 to register and collect our race packages, including our bibs and race gifts.
Basel's mix of vibrant art and medieval architecture made it the perfect setting 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 in on the river cruise and enjoy our welcome dinner. The travel package included everything: accommodation, transportation, meals. There was even a doctor on board!
Later that night, I brought my glass of wine out to the patio and whispered to myself, “Wow, I'm really here.”
Day 2: Breisach, Germany – Black Forest Race
Our first race! Of course I put my favorite Brooks running gear and we headed to Germany's Black Forest, renowned for its mystical atmosphere and rich folklore. This region is often associated with the famous fairy tale Hansel and Gretelpopularized by the Brothers Grimm at the beginning of the 19th century. Although the exact location of the story is not specified, the dense and mysterious woods of the Black Forest, with its towering pines and dark paths, evoke the eerie setting described in many of their tales. The 4.2 mile 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 steep descent of 593 meters. The cool morning fog added an ethereal touch as we wound our way through towering trees and moss-covered paths, passing pretty country cottages and the famous Gutach clock shops.
After the race, we explored Eguisheim on a guided walking tour. This beautiful Alsatian village would have inspired Beauty and the Beastparticularly Belle's provincial hometown. Alsace, located along the border with Germany, is famous for its charming half-timbered houses and fairytale atmosphere. I couldn't resist tasting the traditional kougelhopf cake and wine at Joseph Freudenreich & Fils, so picturesque! The evening ended on board with a champagne sabering ceremony on deck as an official welcome.
Day 3: Strasbourg, France – Strasbourg Forest Race
After a delicious, healthy breakfast on board (think egg white omelette, chia seed pudding, and fresh orange juice), we set off for our next adventure. The 9.7km race in Strasbourg took us through serene forests, with flat terrain allowing for a smooth and fast run. Next, I chose to explore the old town of Strasbourg on my own, which turned out to be one of my favorite stops of the entire trip.
Strasbourg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its year-round Christmas shops and stunning Gothic architecture. Wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets, I marveled at the grandeur of Strasbourg Cathedral and came across a charming flea market, where I found some unique decor pieces. I also discovered Strasbourg's fascinating mix of French and German culture, which can be felt in every corner of the city.
Venturing alone through the city, I lost track of time (as one does in magical places), but returned just in time to catch the last shuttle back to the ship. A peaceful sunset along the Rhine concluded our stay in France with a 4-course dinner. The evening ended with a silent and lively disco under the stars.
Day 4: Rüdesheim, Germany – Vineyard Trail
We couldn't ask for a more picturesque race. Our day started with a breathtaking trail through the famous Rüdesheim vineyards. Driving along the terraced hills, I admired panoramic views of the Rhine and fields of blooming flowers. Then we took a chairlift back into town, enjoying even more panoramic views of the lush, rolling hills.
I spent the afternoon eating my way through Boppard, starting with freshly baked baumstriezel at Baumstriezel Art Café and tasting the region's famous Riesling wine at Siegfried. Later, I was tempted by the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee with Asbach Uralt Brandy.
The day ended with a castle tour on board and an evening in Boppard, where I wandered the picturesque streets, came across a local winery called Rolf Bach and shared some Riesling wine and a 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 – Cycling along the Rhine
The next morning we started with a scenic two-hour bike ride along the Rhine to Koblenz. The 10km bike ride offered stunning views of castles perched atop hills and boats lazily drifting by. The charming old town of Koblenz welcomed us at the finish line, where I finally had the opportunity to taste some local German beer. I'm not a beer girl, but when I'm in Germany!
After a quick shower on board, I left for a guided tour of the city. To my surprise, there was a lively Music Festival going on, so I took the opportunity to explore cute shops, try potato latkes, and soak up the city's lively atmosphere.
Day 6: Cologne, Germany – Wildpark Run and European Cup festivities
We started the day with a 10km run through the Wildpark, a forest full of gentle slopes and shady trails. 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 singing and celebrating, I explored Cologne Cathedral, local ice cream and cheese shops, and strolled through the local Rheinauhafen farmers' market.
Even though I'm not a big football fan myself, I couldn't resist the urge to get carried away by the atmosphere of the European Cup!
Day 7: Cologne, Germany
On our last full day, we ran a 5.34-mile Wildpark run, which felt like an obstacle course because the trail was unexpectedly covered in water. It was complicated but so much fun! The day ended 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 stop
Our last stop was Amsterdam, and I couldn't have asked for a better city to end this crazy adventure. Although I had visited it during my university studies, this visit seemed entirely new to me. We spent the day cycling through Vondelpark, a three-hour ride that allowed us to admire the beauty of the city's tree-lined paths, canals, and iconic architecture.
I enjoyed delicious local dishes like truffle fries and fresh stroopwafels, visited the Anne Frank House, wandered through several cheese shops (trying all kinds, of course), and dined along the canal in the neighborhood of Negen Straatjes.
Race2Adventure exceeded all my expectations. Running through such diverse landscapes, experiencing local cultures, and connecting with other runners made this a life-changing experience. If this sounds like the kind of adventure you'd like, you can sign up for the upcoming Race2Adventure trip to Morocco, Scotland and South Africa. HERE.
Victoria Leandra is an award-winning journalist, influencer and host specializing in culture, food and unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.
