Turkish Delight Rafting Trip

A stunning river trip set in the shadow of magnificent Byzantine and Georgian Castles. See the "Real" Turkey.

Turkey is not only sun drenched beaches, spectacular mosques and tasty kebabs! It can also lay claim to one of the most thrilling whitewater adventures that you will ever embark on.

In the timeless far north-east the Coruh River runs it's course, offering not only endless rapids set amongst breathtaking gorges but also access to scores of villages with some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. The guides rave about this trip not just because of the thrills that the river offers but also because of the sunny weather, healthy mountain air and fresh food available along the way.

All this adds up to provide a very enjoyable river trip experience!

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
You will be met by one of our guides who will take you to the hotel. Here you are given some of the equipment needed for the river. Then it on to the bus for the start of the drive to your river adventure. The views are absolutely outstanding over the giant plateau as we travel for approximately 3 - 4 hours in to the heart of the Kackar Mountain Range.
Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2
With fresh brewed coffee to awaken us as the sun begins to warm up the day, we start to prepare for our river journey ahead. After a filling breakfast, which is a wonderful introduction to the diversity of fresh food that this region offers, we load our equipment onto our bus and begin our comprehensive safety briefing. We then begin to practice some of the paddles strokes and manoeuvres required to tackle the forth coming days on the Coruh. The first day is flat water with a few rapids to test out our newly learnt skills.
Included: All meals

Day 3
While everyone is pretty excited at the anticipation of getting on the river, we wait until everyone is feeling comfortable with their new form of transport, and then we then head off. The trip starts off with a 6 kilometre stretch of fun whitewater until we have our mandatory portage around the rapids that make up the " Steps of Ispir", The Bitch, Alexis, Dynasty and The Stud. We resume the "fun stuff" with a run through "Mile Long Rapid", a continuous rush as we get bounced and buffeted by the rolling series of waves! Our journey draws much attention from the local villagers, as we pass them with screams of excitement.
Included: All meals

Day 4
As we move further downstream the scenery gives rise to fantastic photo opportunities in the form of Byzantine castles which we take time out to visit. The climb up to them always rewards us with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and of the river below. We spend the evenings camped by the rivers edge around an open fire, recounting countless stories of the fantastic first days rafting while feasting in the culinary delights that this fertile land offers. By the evening of Day Four we have reached the campsite of Tekkale where we sample the hospitality of Cemil, the ex mayor of Tekkale who is one of the most charismatic people of the valley.
Included: All meals

Day 5
Staying in the same camp for two days allows us the chance to relax a little and enjoy the picturesque surrounding area. However this is a rafting holiday and so we have a real gem of a river to raft today, the technical Barhal. We even stop beneath a hotel at the end of the day. Climb up the ladder and have an ice cold beer! Many of the guys on the trip may take this chance to go and have a shave at a local barber, accompanied by the mandatory chai!
Included: All meals

Day 6
We put on the river this morning after a wholesome breakfast and do we have another fantastic whitewater day ahead of us! We pass the confluence of the Barhal river into the Yusufeli Gorge. This is a magic morning! (Please note, that if children are on the trip, it may be necessary they walk around some of the rapids in Yusufeli Gorge depending on water levels.) The four hour drive to Erzurum is as spectacular as the trip to the river is, as we meander through the Tortem gorges in an impressive array of twisted rock and turquoise lakes of water. Upon arrival in Erzurum we check into our hotel for the evening and take the opportunity for a look around this intriguing town before a final group dinner.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7
After Breakfast at our Hotel, we make our way to the airport to make our onward journey home or for a few days R & R in Istanbul.
Included: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Included in the trip is your hotel on the last night in Erzurum. During the river trip, we'll be camping or staying in locally run Pensions.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Sunday 13 June 2010 - Saturday 19 June 2010 : 7 days : GBP £895 : Euro €1095 : USD $1525

Sunday 20 June 2010 - Saturday 26 June 2010 : 7 days : GBP £895 : Euro €1095 : USD $1525

Sunday 27 June 2010 - Saturday 3 July 2010 : 7 days : GBP £895 : Euro €1095 : USD $1525

Sunday 4 July 2010 - Saturday 10 July 2010 : 7 days : GBP £895 : Euro €1095 : USD $1525

01226 740444