The Noce, Italy The Coruh, Turkey

The Noce: Italy
The Rhine, Western Europe's greatest river, flows from the continent's high heart: the Alps. But many smaller and wilder rivers also gush down these storied peaks into the surrounding countries, offering the Old World's finest whitewater rafting and kayaking. Italy's Val di Sole ("Valley of the Sun") boasts the best whitewater in Italy, and some of the finest in Europe. The Noce River gallops though this remote and undeveloped valley, nestled deep in the Dolmites. The gorgeous Noce offers Class IV-V thrills, and its glacial source ensures good whitewater all summer long. Unlike more frequented alpine rivers in Austria and Switzerland, rafting traffic on the Noce is minimal. The Imst Gorge on the River Inn sees nearly as many rafts in a day as the Noce does all year long, making the lush valley, massive cliffs, and bottle-green water all the more inviting.

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The Coruh: Turkey
Turkey literally bridges the gap between East and West, so it's only fitting that the first great stretch of Asian whitewater roars through northeast Anatolia. Turkey's Coruh River invariably makes any short list of the globe's top whitewater spots, and for good reason. Fed by snowmelt in the lofty Pontic Mountains, the Coruh reaches torrent levels in May and June, offering Class V craziness guaranteed to test even the most experienced whitewater addicts. The Coruh hurtles towards the Black Sea between two towering mountain ranges — carving vast canyons, watering lush valleys and reflecting scores of ancient ruins. The hottest section of the river — a full eighty-three miles long — takes five days to negotiate, with the rapids gaining force each day until they reach full-blown Class V. Camp along the banks and explore this untouched corner of Turkey and its crumbling castles, ancient Gregorian churches and remote villages.

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