The Coruh River in Turkey has a reputation for being one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world, a reputation it fully deserves if you decide to visit in May or June when the water is high. 2011 is the last year it will be possible to run this spectacular river, due to the imminent construction of a dam near the town of Ispir on the upper reaches of the river. The Coruh offers unrivaled whitewater from Ispir to Yusefeli. You’ll have magnificent views of Byzantine and Georgian Castles on the way down the river and be treated to spectacular hospitality from the Turks. A trip down the Coruh offers spectacular camping locations, as well as traditional hospitality in Pensions such as Cemils Pension in Tekkale.

The Coruh River will give you a continuous roller coaster ride and the highlight is Yusefeli Gorge, where the Barhal River joins the Coruh. Here you’ll be treated to world class rapids such as “Donalds Beanery, Sculptured Rock, King Kong and Jd’s” to name just a few. Take the stunning drive to Erzurum through the Tortem Gorge and relax in a hammam at the end of the trip before you fly home. All this in one week! Flights can be arranged with Turkish Airlines from the USA, Europe and UK to Erzurum. We recommend a few days in Istanbul if you haven’t visited this amazing city.