Georgia Rafting Holidays

The Rioni River

NEW for 2012, the Rioni River is a great addition to our river running portfolio. This exploratory trip will take you through part of gorgeous Georgia, the gateway between Europe and Aisa. The Rioni runs off the Caucasus Mountains, where we'll meet it and follow it on down through it's best sections of white water, through "Constant Threshold" and "inevitable Revolution". There are many facets to this trip, from exploring the Black Sea Coastal Town of Batumi, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagrati Cathedral in Kutuaisi to the friendly hospitality of our Georgian hosts and the fantastic white water of the Rioni River, it's a great trip! As this is the first year we are running this trip, please do be aware that this is an exploratory trip so, although we will do our best to stick to the itinerary, participants need to remain flexible.

Rafting

Trips run June

Group size 7 to 16 people

Price - £1195 (£695 Turkey extension)

Day 1

Arrive in the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi. We'll pick you up form the airport and take you back to the hotel. The rest of the day is then yours to spend relaxing or exploring the city and beaches.

Included: Dinner

Day 2

This morning we'll drive away from the beack through some beautiful Georgian countryside to Kutaisi, where we'll stay in traditional homestays. This evening we'll enjoy delicious homecooked meals with our hosts overlooking the river.

Included: All meals

Day 3

We jump back in the van for a drive up to the point where we put on the Rioni River, at Utseri. Our guides will take you through a thorough safety breifing before launching into the opening section of river "Constant Threshold". Lots of white water awaits between us and tonights camp!

Included: All meals

Day 4

Day two on the river brings us more of the same, with a mixture of high speed braids and steep gorges. We camp at a remote spot and have an evening of delicious food and fireside entertainment.

Included: All meals

Day 5

Today we get to raft through the biggest rapid of the river "Inevitable Revolution". The names of the rapids on this river come from translations from the Russian, hense the slightly unusual choices! This afternoon we'll reach the reservoir before heading back to Kutaisi and our homestays.

Included: All meals

Day 6

After Breakfast with our hosts we'll head back to the coast and Batumi. The rest of the day will then be spent exploring this fascinating town. There's history and architecture dating back to the 2nd Century to visit and discover. This day has also been added into the itinerary in case of any unexpected changes in the itinerary.

Included: All meals

Day 7

For those of you leaving georgia today we'll take you back to the airport for your return flight home.

Included: Breakfast

Day 7 (Extension)

After breakfast in Batumi we'll take to the road again and head south to the border with Turkey. We then head to the Çoruh and our old friend Çemil's place, where we'll stay for the next four nights.

Included: All meals

Please note, this extension will only run with a minimum of 8 people.

Day 8 (Extension)

Time to jump back in the rafts! we'll launch at Perfect Portage, running through Bob's hole, through Petrekale and back down to Çemils Pension. THese sections are a yet unaffected by the dam so (water depending!) are all runnable.

Included: All meals

Day 9 (Extension)

After a leisurely breakfast we head over to the Barhal River for some more white water exitement.

Included: All meals

Day 10 (Extension)

The highlight of any trip to the Çoruh river is in store today - the famous Yusefeli Gorge! We finish our trip with a bang on the great rapids in the gorge, such as Donalds Beanery, Sculptured Rock and King Kong.

Included: All meals

Day 11 (Extension)

After breakfast we fly to Istanbul (not included) with your trip leader. Spend the day exploring, visit the Grand Bazaarm the Blue Mosque, or the Aya Sophia. This is one of the most historic cities in the world, the possibilities are endless!

Included: Breakfast

Day 12 (Extension)

The trip comes to an end, with a lift back to the airport for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast

We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:

A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
Wide brimmed sunhat.
Sunglasses.
Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
Nalgene or similar water bottle.
Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp

Lightweight long trousers.
Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
Fleece jacket.
Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
Underwear.
Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
Hand wipes
A 3-season sleeping bag.
Travel Pillow.
Small pack towel.
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
Insect Repellent.
Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items

Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
Sketchpad.
Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending

The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.