Croatia
24 September - 1 October 2025Registration open
For the fourth consecutive year! Join us on our unique and highly appreciated adventure running trip, where the experience is the main focus. We combine sailing with running/hiking. Accommodation is provided in the safe home port of Milna on the island of Brač, and each day we sail to a new island for an unforgettable running/hiking adventure. There is also the option to stay in an apartment. The weather and wind are generally stable during this period, comparable to beautiful midsummer days in Sweden. The water is wonderfully clear, perfect for swimming, and sparkling turquoise in color.
Who is this trip for?
This is an adventure trip for everyone, regardless of running or sailing experience, who wants to explore parts of Croatia’s stunning archipelago – on foot and at sea. The program is mainly suited for those who want to run short or longer distances, but it is also perfect for those who prefer hiking. We’ll divide into leader-led groups ranging from a “walk-jog-walk” group to running at various levels, from beginners to experienced runners. Participation in the program is optional, so if you’d rather go sightseeing, shopping, or maybe just sunbathe and swim, that’s perfectly fine. The choice is yours when we arrive at each island.
Program 2025
Planning for the 2025 program is currently underway, and we can already promise some fantastic new experiences, such as Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach) on Brač. For those interested, there will also be an option for a day trip to the magical and historic island of Korčula, which is most famous for its well-preserved historical architecture and the fact that Marco Polo is said to have been born there. The daily program outlined below is preliminary.
Wednesday, September 24th – Arrival
Arrival in Split, Croatia, where we’ll meet the boats just a 5-minute walk from the airport. We’ll sail from the airport to our home harbor in Milna on the island of Brač. Once in Milna, the running coaches from VarjeSteg will go over “The Basics of Gentle, Natural, and Sustainable Running Technique.” For those who want, there will be time for a run, a swim, or simply relaxing until dinner.
Thursday, September 25th – Island of Šolta
Today it’s time for the first running stage. We’ll sail to the neighboring island of Šolta to complete a delightful run of approximately 10 km from Rogač to the charming village of Stomorska. The route includes both gravel roads and trails. For those who prefer a shorter stage, there will be the option to shorten the run once we reach Stomorska. After the run, there will be time for lunch and refreshing swims before we sail back to Milna. In the evening, we’ll have a group dinner.
Friday, September 26th – Island of Hvar
Today, we head towards the island of Hvar, known as the “Lavender Island.” For those interested, we will run/hike from Luka Stiniva to Hvar city, about 6 km, or for a longer option, 11.5 km up to Napoleon Fortress. If you prefer, you can also sail directly to Hvar city. After the run, there will be plenty of time for lunch, swimming, and exploring the beautiful city of Hvar before we sail back to our home harbor in Milna. In the evening, we will have a group dinner.
Saturday, September 27th – Erimitaget Blaca
Saturday offers an exciting visit to the old monastery, Erimitaget Blaca. We will sail to the Jugoslavia Naval Dock (former submarine caves), and then you can choose between a 3 km or 8 km run/hike. After the run, there will be plenty of time to swim and snorkel from the boats in a beautiful bay before we sail back to Milna. In the evening, we will have a group dinner.
Sunday, September 28th – Island of Korčula
On Sunday, you have the option to either take a rest day or join us on a trip to the stunning island of Korčula to explore, swim, and/or enjoy wonderful running routes around the town. We’ll take a ferry (not included) to and from Milna, returning in time for the evening group dinner.
Monday, September 29th – Either Brač: Milna-Bobovisca or Šolta: Rogač-Maslinica (Depending on weather and how tired everyone’s legs are). If we choose to stay on Brač, we will run from Milna to the charming neighboring village of Bobovisca, where the sailboats will meet us later. Alternatively, you can travel with the boats. Here, you can enjoy a swim and have lunch. Those who wish can run back or take the sailboats back to Milna. Alternatively, we can sail back to Šolta, and this time we’ll run from Rogač to the picturesque village of Maslinica, a popular tourist attraction.
Tuesday, September 30th – Bol, Brač
Today, it’s time to explore one of this year’s new highlights. After a short sail, we will run an exciting stage of up to 14 km along the Brač coastline to the town of Bol and the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach). Here, you will have the opportunity to swim before we head back to Milna for the evening group dinner.
Wednesday, October 1st – Morning Run on Brač
For those who wish, there will be an opportunity for a morning run before we say goodbye to Milna and set sail toward the airport at around 9:30.
Please note that the program is preliminary and may change depending on weather and conditions. Safety, both on land and at sea, is a top priority. The daily program is not mandatory, so if you prefer to go sightseeing or take a rest, that’s perfectly fine.
Coaches:
In addition to our trained running group leaders, our certified running and movement coach, Patrik Nilsson, will lead the training sessions and adventures. Patrik grew up with Croatian culture and has spent nearly every summer in Croatia, particularly at his house on the island of Krk. He also has sailing experience both in Sweden and Croatia.
Accomodation:
The boats are ocean-classified, safe, modern, and operated by Swedish skippers who are well-versed in the waters we will be traveling through. All necessary safety equipment is provided on board. NEW! The boats are now upgraded with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep even on warm nights.
In the boat’s home harbor, Milna, there are all the facilities you might need, such as toilets, showers, convenience stores, etc.
All travelers will stay in shared double cabins. A private cabin is available for an additional fee. One towel and bed linens will be provided on board. We recommend bringing an extra towel, beach towel, and packing in a soft bag for easy storage on the boat. Water shoes are optional but can also be easily purchased there. A hydration belt or running backpack is also recommended.
Meals:
Half board: Breakfast and dinner are included. Beverages during meals are not included. (Breakfast is not included for those staying in apartments).
Travel to and from the destination
Flights round-trip to Split from Arlanda or Landvetter on September 24th – October 1st.
The flights are climate-compensated through “Fly Green Fund.”
In the event that SAS cancels its flight, the tour operator will offer a refund or rebooking options.
Cancellation insurance can be purchased through ERV if you wish to have extra security in case of illness, etc.
https://www.erv.se/privat/vara-reseforsakringar/avbestallningsskydd/
You can book the trip without a flight ticket if you prefer to travel there yourself, for example by train. Feel free to reach out for tips at patrik@varjesteg.se, as Patrik has extensive experience traveling by train to Croatia.
Travel Guarantee/Insurance:
The trip is organized in collaboration with Träningsresan Sverige AB, which provides a travel guarantee to the Swedish National Debt Office (Kammarkollegiet) in accordance with the Package Travel Act. Please ensure that your home insurance covers international travel.
Feedback from Previous Sail & Trail Trips in Croatia:
- Andra gången jag åkte med för det var så kul första gången. Löpturerna hade en perfekt blandning där de som ville kunde ta kortare turer och de som ville kunde addera kilometer. Ledarna är suveräna, informativa, peppande och kunniga. /Patrik S (2023+2024)
- Som oerfaren löpare tyckte jag att det var bra och trevliga bansträckningar.
- Teknikpassen med löpcoach Patrik var superbra och gav en aha-upplevelse. Ordet”mumma” gav oss en ny betydelse😅 Kan tänka mig att åka igen/Anita (2024)
- En toppenresa! Kapternera Morgan och Mats var fantastiska! Likaså coach Patrik och ledarna Christine och Sara. Det va otroligt häftigt att segla samt inse att man klarar springa längre och oftare än vad man tror./Michaela (2024)
- Ni var toppen som ledare och arrangörer. Såg till allas behov och gjorde resan till en veckan som man alltid kommer minnas . /deltagare september 2023.
- Vill göra det igen. Båtfärderna var en otroligt stor bonus till de vackra löpturerna. Patrik, Mats och Morgan var oerhört duktiga med båtarna. /deltagare september 2023
- Jättebra upplägg och koncept. Att bli upphämtad direkt vid flygplatsen var magiskt! Härligt med fokus på upplevelse mer än prestation. Jag lärde mig mycket och fick nya insikter om min löpning. Kan absolut tänka mig att göra om denna resa. /Kristin
- Båtarna var fräscha och kändes säkra. Skönt också med svenska skeppare. Mysigt att äta frukost på båten och middagsrestaurangen var bra med fantastisk utsikt över vattnet. Bra att det fanns möjlighet att ta kortare sträckor att springa och att det var olika distanser de olika dagarna. Jag är oerhört tacksam och nöjd över allt jag fick uppleva på dessa dagar, det hade jag aldrig kunnat göra på egen hand./Jessica
- Resan var mycket trevlig och det blev ett riktigt gott gäng. Kan absolut tänka mig att göra detta igen /Stefan
Registration
Price: 18,400 SEK (500 SEK discount available until January 31, 2025, after which the price will be 18,900 SEK)
The price includes meals and accommodation as mentioned above, transfer to/from Split Airport, boats with skippers, croatian tourist tax, environmental/port fees for the boat, a VarjeSteg T-shirt & cap, facilities at the home harbor, all guided sessions.
Booking Conditions: A deposit of 3,000 SEK per traveler is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the departure date. The trip can be canceled up to 61 days before departure (the deposit is non-refundable). Cancellations made after 61 days will result in a refund of all payments except for the deposit and flight tickets.
Registration is binding. By registering, you agree to our booking conditions.
