Turkey is becoming a tourist Mecca for Europeans and Americans, and is now among the top ten tourist destinations in the world. Tourism has grown from around 8 million visitors in 2000 to an estimated 21.2 million in 2007. While Europeans have long recognized Turkey as a hospitable country, Americans have generally considered it to be a bit too exotic. That is changing. Turkey has a secular government, is a long-time American Ally, and welcomes Americans with open arms.

It also has much to see and do. It has more Greek ruins than Greece and more Roman ruins than Italy. Its history extends from the Hittites through the Lycians, Carians, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans, early Christians, Byzantines and Ottomans. Istanbul has been the capital of Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire

ECHO’s yachting trips along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast are a wonderful way to see the country. The tour includes the highlights of Istanbul as well as the ruins at Ephesus, Didyma, Xanthos, and Perge and the church of St. Nicholas (yes, Santa Claus). We spend six days and nights on a beautiful yacht, or gulet, a wooden motor-sailor made by Turks specifically for the coastal waters. Each day there is a tour onshore, but we are also welcome to stay on the yacht. Each evening we anchor in a remote cove, where we have time to snorkel, swim, and relax.

You also have the option of extending your trip to include a drive across the Anatalian plateau for a tour of Cappadocia, home of perhaps the most exotic landscape and unusual houses in the world. Centuries of wind and water have carved volcanic “tuff” into fantastic turrets and “fairy castles” into which people have dug homes and churches. There are even entire underground cities that go eight stories down, housed up to 20,000 people, and must have been the inspiration of many of the sites in Indiana Jones movies.

These are tours for people who do not ordinarily like tours. Trip size is limited to 14 guests, and the average size is around 8. Our guides are professional, friendly, flexible, and very responsive your needs. Spontaneous stops at markets, schools, and rug shops are there for the asking, and lunch at a small village home is a treat to be remembered.

You can find trip itineraries, schedules and trip prices at www.echoturkey.com. We can also schedule a trip at your convenience, and modify it to suit your interests, time frame and budget. Just ask.

Join us this July for a Family Trip with added flexibility. ECHO will spend four days rafting the Wild & Scenic Rogue River with renowned yoga instructor Dennis Eagan. Dennis has practiced yoga for over 13 years and completed a two year Advance Studies Program with Rodney Yee. He currently teaches in the California, but will break away to accompany this outdoor yoga adventure.

Each morning and evening Dennis will lead a yoga session in the tranquil and serene setting surrounding the Rogue. Days will be filled with lush scenery, lots of wildlife and fun rapids. ECHO guides will provide delicious vegetarian meals to complement the sense of wellness. Your entire family will be engaged and enthusiastic on this relaxing river retreat!

Learn more about the Family Yoga Trip

Vladimir Gavrilov came to us from Latvia in 1992 after a career as a researcher in radiation chemistry. While he was in the former U.S.S.R., he explored the rivers of Central Asia and led expeditions down many unexplored rivers. He’s designed and built his own boats, won rafting championships, and recently wrote a book about the rivers of the former Soviet Union.

We asked Vlad to lead a family oriented trip to Siberia this summer and he picked the Oka River in the Sayan mountains. He chose the Oka for it’s “true wilderness, excellent fly fishing, and beautiful canyon.” He led a trip to the Class IV Katun River in Siberia two years ago and reported an amazing river and even more amazing cultural experience.

This is a special opportunity that takes advance planning due to strict Visa requirements and flight arrangements. Click here to learn more and please give us a call at (800) 652-3246 to talk about this truly special trip.

Each year, we offer 2 very popular trips with kayak gurus Phil and Mary DeRiemer. These are highly regarded trips and tend to fill early. Here’s an update as of December 31, 2007.

• There are no kayak spaces and 3 raft spaces left on the June 25, 2008 trip.
• The July 3, 2008 trip is sold out.

we have started a waiting list for kayak spots on both trips.

ECHO is excited for the return of Mumm Napa for a river trip on the Rogue this August! If you have never joined one of these trips, you will be amazed at the combination of days spent braving whitewater and nights sampling still and sparkling wines crafted in the Napa Valley.

ECHO owners, Dick & Joe, dreamed up the brilliant combination of a wine tasting with a river trip over 20 years ago and have managed to accompany many of the trips over the years. For the last 10 years, ECHO has chosen Mumm Napa to provide wine and a wine expert. Days will be spent enjoying the scenery, wildlife and rapids of the Rogue River in southern Oregon, and each evening Tamra Lotz, assistant winemaker at Mumm, will offer a variety of Napa Valley sparkling wines crafted using the traditional methods from Champagne, France. Tamra will also share Mumm’s exclusive collection of still wines. This trip guarantees adventure and “a bit of bubbly” under the stars.

If you are looking to combine your rafting adventure with a touch of refinement, this is the trip for you!

Learn more about Wine & Whitewater, 2008

Learn more about Mumm Napa

ECHO is thrilled to announce the return of bluegrass musicians, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum for two exciting river adventures this year. If you have never joined in one of these amazing trips, you will be awed at the combination of days spent braving whitewater and nights enjoying a bluegrass jam.

Laurie and Tom have been accompanying ECHO on river trips for 15 years. As a self-proclaimed “river rat,” Laurie’s love of music is rivaled by her love of the great outdoors. She and Tom try each year to take a break from the road to run rapids. This year, they have chosen to tackle the mighty rapids of the Tuolumne River in northern California as well as the Rogue River in scenic southern Oregon. Both trips guarantee adventure, wildlife and bluegrass under the stars.

If you are looking to combine your rafting adventure with world-renowned musicians Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, this is the trip for you!

Click to learn more about the Tuolumne Bluegrass Trip

Click to learn more about the Rogue Bluegrass Trip

Click to visit Laurie’s Web Site

In January we’ll be doing a trip on a river that is both extremely wild and comfortable. This is the Class IV and V Futaleufu River in Chile. It’s wild because of the difficult rapids and the rugged terrain. It’s comfortable because we’ll stay in luxurious camps full of amenitites like hot tubs, in tent massages, and excellent food. The scenery is absolutely spectacular.

This is a family trip. How? Because you don’t have to raft any of the big rapids. In fact, this is a full multi-sport adventure complete with horseback riding, zip lines, rock jumping, and canyoneering in addition to the world class rafting. Plus, the camps are full of family friendly activities.

If you’re interested, read our Futaleufu River information, or give Zach a call at (541) 386-2271. He loves to talk about the Fu!

by Rick Groff

The 2007 Salmon Supreme rafting crew huddled in their sleeping bags at Boundary Creek Camp in the early morning hours of May 29th- waiting for the morning chill to lift and the guests to arrive. Frost lined the bag openings from frozen breaths, a 0 degree bag needed it’s occupant to dress in fleece to help ward off the cold. It was 20+ degrees and no one wanted out. It was still better than the first put in here last year where our ECHO River Trips crew faced several inches of new snow while rigging the boats and waiting for early morning put in.

There were six of us on this year’s crew: Colleen, the consummate rafting queen whose river skills are unquestioned and pleasant demeanor infectious; Ian, an earnestly solemn and talented guide whose years on the Middle Fork are punctuated with stints as a professional fishing guide in Montana; Zach, who will be arriving with the guests on the transport bus from Stanley shortly, is the pacesetter for the three primary guides and the source of boundless creatively positive energy and an obvious card carrying member of the “Too Much Fun” club.

Rounding out the guide group are the AB’s (Assistant Boaters- those of us working this trip to gain our Idaho guide’s certification for the Middle Fork) including Geoff, a rapier witted guide from ECHO’s Rogue operation whose humor and general good nature are contagious; Ori- a hard working and eager young Oregonian attempting to work her way into an ECHO summer position on the Rogue and yours truly, a middle aged man trapped in a boy’s brain, with issues of existential uncertainty for which rafting helps serve as a temporary elixer.

Riding as safety kayakers are JT and Dave two long time ECHO guides whose familiarity and comfort on the Middle Fork are undisputed and very obvious. These two are dialed in.

The guests arrive at mid-morning. Chris and Linda, a middle-aged couple of inexhaustible good cheer; Alex, a helpful and friendly retired adventurer, Lloyd, a reserved engineer from the South West whose love for the outdoors will become clear; Jody, an exceedingly fit family practice doctor with a gift for Southern understatement, and, of course, Bill the ECHO River Trips legend who has more trips down the Middle Fork with the company than some of it’s newer guides. His ribald good humor with an East Coast bite will provide all with constant entertainment. Bill is generous to a fault.

We leave Boundary in 2 Avon Spirits, the 18′ workhorses of most river operations, a 14′ Adventurer used as the paddle raft on which most will travel down the river and the Cataraft a 16′ pair of tubes lashed to an aluminum frame and able to withstand nearly any significant river condition. It’s a beautifully sunny Idaho morning. The water is cold, the guests eager and the guides banter comfortably.

First night’s camp is about 20 miles downstream at Dolly Lake. The guests and guides are tired after a long day of rigging, orientation and getting accustomed to the rigors of paddling through a series of Class III and IV rapids including the sudden appearance of Velvet Falls, a Class IV falls that inspires discussion if not trepidation with most groups. Lessons on “Groover” etiquette are explained and the elimination habits of more than a few people will change markedly for the next 7 days.

Salmon dinner is prepared, eaten and commended by all. Tents are rigged, paco pads and sleeping bags laid and the darkness of our first river night consumes the canyon.

Day 2 is protracted as guests rise slowly from that first uncertain night’s sleep on the water’s edge. After a filling breaky we raft down past Lake Creek’s blowout where a large logjam has given away creating a treacherous section of the river that requires scouting and a decision to unload the guests and have the guides take the rafts through. An incorrect move or bad timing would be sure to have less than desirous consequences involving large trees, giant root balls and fast moving, cold water. Providence and rafting skills shine and the trip is able to continue with the mornings events captured on digital memory cards for later embellishment.

The day’s float takes us past Sunflower Hot Springs where pleasingly warm water flows up through these mountains and then accumulates in small sitting pools only to then flow out off the rock ledge assisted by an old hollowed log to create a bucolic river shower that most avail themselves of. Onward, past Middle Fork Lodge where the rich and super rich stay and are pampered to the tune of a week’s wages spent for the luxury of a single night in a small cabin along the same river that sustains our travel.

Night 2 is at Whitey Cox camp at mile 46. Whitey’s grave sits on the bench above the beach, the spot where he died placer mining in 1954 at the age of 40. Ian prepares BBQ rib eye steaks and the kitchen crew wrangles together a wonderful salad and garlic mashed potatoes. As is customary, the beer flows- the guests seem more relaxed as their familiarity with one another and the guides matures. The weather is warm . . . life is good.

Day 3 on the river begins as the sun rises over the canyon’s Eastern edge. We’re on the water at 9:45 after a collaborative effort to breakdown camp and rig gear. The goal today is to raft nearly 30 miles to Survey camp at Mile 75. It’s a big day on the water for the paddle crew as they pass through the Tappan Rapds without incident but with river blasts to their upper body. It’s then off to Haystack/Bernard Rapid a dynamic section that has changed recently as the result of debris flows from nearby Pole and Bernard Creeks. At this flow it’s a fairly easy run for the bigger boats. The paddlers are treated to a 5-minute excursion through an arcade style wave train with giant water crests plowing over and into their raft, the screams are honest and real.

We reach Survey Camp at 4:30 and set about derigging the boats with one hand and holding a beer with the other. Tonight is special- it’s fajitas and “Riverritas” the ECHO combination of ample portions of Mr. Cuervo, lime aid, beer and fresh lime over ice. Food, drinks and good conversation are offered and consumed until the darkness sends the guests off to bed. Unnamed crewmembers will wait up in an attempt to see the anticipated Blue Moon rising that is supposed to materialize tonight. However, the only thing that materializes at our camp by close to dawn is an empty Riverrita cooler and several headaches.

The last day on the Middle Fork begins in customary fashion. The Blaster starting at 6:00 am for coffee, breakfast is shopped and the staples of tea, cereal, oatmeal, sugar, honey, etc are placed on the drink/cup table. A Dutch oven fries a side of bacon confirming the adage that when river trips float . . . pigs die. Ori concocts a beautiful collection of pancakes with the requisite fruit; the morning is a success despite the fact that we know we’re leaving this beautiful canyon. All trip members are by now a, mostly, integral whole. This transition is one of the most marvelous events that occurs on these multi-day trips. From strangers to family in a couple memorable float days- wow, were it just so easy on the outside! Perhaps Government’s could take notice of this psychological phenomenon?

On to the Main Salmon and a rendezvous with our hosts there the Sawtooth Adventure Company. We leave Survey Camp and, shortly thereafter, roar through Redside and Weber Rapids as a prelude to Rubber, Hancock and House rapids. These were big water rapids with large wave trains and some spotty rock gardens. Lots of fun and no one wants to stop. Unfortunately, the river flows only one way.

We turn the corner and meet the Main Salmon at mile 96. We’ve had three days of fun, excitement and growth on this wonderful Middle Fork. Yet, there’s one more big rapid, Cramer Creek, to run before we rest for the day. We scout, decide and run; lots of screams and hoots. We’re at camp at Cache Bar on the Main Salmon by 4:00 PM- its 82 degrees, we have a sandy beach and Koob on the upper shelf- our new friends/guides show.

Eric, the owner of Sawtooth, is now trip leader; an elfish ex-actor with a colossal sense of humor and a deep understanding of the Main Salmon river shed and an admirable work ethic he fills the position well. Becka and Johnny are his assistants. We also pick up Krista, a longtime ECHO guide taking the season off to marry her sweetheart in Utah. She is a funster: vibrant, helpful and a welcome addition.

The afternoon and evening at Cache Bar are relaxing. Lots of sun, sand, beer and games. Some of the guests swim and all enjoy themselves. JT and Dave will leave us tomorrow. They cook up a memorable BBQ cheeseburger dinner enjoyed by all.

Our 5th day is on the Main Salmon and begins early- we’re on the river by 8:30 AM- it’s a 40 mile day. Lots of big water but without the technical moves on the Middle Fork. It’s warm; the water is not so cold- it beats being at the office. We arrive at Big Mallard Camp at 4:30; the group is tired but upbeat. It’s been a great day covering 40 miles of the Main Salmon in about 8 hours. Appetizers and beer are offered and willingly accepted by most. Dinner is ample and enjoyed.

Day 6 of the trip starts with a big breakfast of custom egg sandwiches and Canadian bacon and fruit. We get on the river by 9:30 AM. Paddle rafters have a big day on large wave trains. Camp was to have been Lower Bull Creek but there is a party there so we raft down another two miles to California Creek, a large, sandy and classic main campsite.

We are soon introduced to Paco man who, in his regular job runs Sawtooth Adventure Company. Paco man’s claim to fame is wrapping himself in one or two 2″ thick Paco pads and allowing himself to be thrown into the river with lovely women and Rogue River guides. Paco man entertains evryone until self-discipline dictates otherwise. The evening is spent in a modified Bocce Ball game and ammo can tug of war. Colleen, the gifted athlete, reigns supreme. The group appears to be amazed and amused at the theater appearing before them with the backdrop of canyon walls and the flowing river.

The last day of the trip begins with wonderful breakfast of bagel sandwiches with lox. It’s an early two-hour float to take out. We need to be there by 11:00 Am as most of the guests fly out of McCall at around 3:00PM and it’s a two hour shuttle. We have a big rapid to deal with however. We scout and run Chittum Rapid immediately above Vinegar Creek where we are about to finish our trip. Zach takes the paddle boat trough a tricky chute on river right again impressing the group with his leadership and boating skills, Colleen takes her Spirit in backwards on a reverse ferry showing her fearlessness and proficiency on the river. The rest of us make it through with grand success as well. Voices are hoarse from all the yelling the last week.

Take out goes smooth. The bus for the guests is late- stress takes over. It appears as the truck loaded with guests leaves for the airport. Hugs, promises of future trips and good cheer are everywhere- maybe a tear here and there as well. It’s tough to leave your new family so soon after you’ve found them. The last we see of our new friends is their van’s trailer’s taillights turning the bend. Hot showers and clean sheets have to be on their minds- it is ours.

A few of us lay on the boat ramp reminiscing the last few days. It’s warm with a slight breeze, we’re tired and not looking forward to the 10+ hour drive back to the Salmon guide house. We laugh, tease and then, leave.

While our September 19 Turquoise Coast trip is filled, our September 5 trip still has space on it. Join us in our 11th year of yachting the beautiful Mediterranean Coast of Turkey. This is a tour for people who don’t like tours. Twelve guests and a professional, licensed guide sail for six days and nights, on a beautiful wood motor-sailor, built specifically for plying these coastal waters. Each of the six cabins has a private bath. The crew consists of a captain, a cook and a mate. Each day we have the opportunity to go ashore and visit a special archeological site or village. At night we berth in bustling resort towns or small fishing villages, or we anchor in a beautiful cove.

Before boarding the yacht in the resort town of Marmaris we we spend a full day and two nights in Istanbul, visiting The Aya Sofia, for 2 centuries the largest building in the world, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Roman Hippodrome and the underground cisterns. Then we visit the famous archeological sites of Ephesus, Didyma and Priene.

Those with extra time can take our Cappadocia Extension. In central Turkey, Cappadocia boasts one of the most exotic landscapes in the world. Soft volcanic rock has been carved by wind and water into fantastic shapes, and people have been carving their homes, stables and churches into the rock for thousands of years. They also went underground, excavating whole cities that could hold up to 20,000 people and their livestock for weeks. People lived above ground, at the cross-roads between the east and the west. They fled underground when under attack by any of the armies crossing the Anatolian Plain.

Learn more about our Trips to Greece and Turkey.

It is no secret the the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Rogue River are two of America’s best rafting trips. With spectacular scenery, awesome wildlife, and perfect Class III rapids, the Rogue and Middle Fork make for ideal family vacations. For families looking for a few more thrills and spills than a 16-foot raft can provide, ECHO River Trips is now offering unique wilderness adventures: four to six day family expeditions down Oregon’s friendly Rogue River and Idaho’s pristine Middle Fork of the Salmon River, using only inflatable kayaks.

What makes these trips different from ECHO’s regular raft trips? Instead of riding as passengers or paddlers in a big raft, each guest will paddle their own kayak for the entire stretch of the river. With help from experienced professional guides, guests will rig their own drybags onto their kayaks. Once boats are rigged and the “expedition” is ready to go, guests will experience whitewater in the most exciting way possible: up close and personal. With just a paddle, and directions from the fearless leaders, each person in a duckie! will paddle through boulder slaloms, plunge into frothy holes, and glide over glassy waves to their heart’s content. Maneuverable, stable, and incredibly fun, duckies! allow adventurers to challenge the rapids on their own for a more personalized whitewater experience than rafting. Because each person has their own kayak, Duckie! trips travel light and fast, allowing more opportunities enjoy the marvels of these premier river canyons. There will be ample time to hike in the side canyons, soak in natural hot springs, take photos of wildlife, and examine Native American pictographs and other archeological sites on the Rogue and Middle Fork canyons.

The progression of the rapids is perfect for beginner paddlers because by the time the trip enters the Impassable Canyon or Mule Creek Canyon, with the most challenging whitewater, everyone will have gained confidence and experience on the easier rapids upstream. Negotiating the fun yet safe Class III rapids is an empowering bonding experience for the whole family. On Duckie! trips, the emphasis is on exploration and adventure over luxury in camp. This minimalist style of river trips embodies the spirit of wilderness adventure on which ECHO River Trips was founded over 35 years ago and creates lasting memories and tall tales that will be retold for years.

We are offering a duckie! trip on the Rogue River in June and on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in August. Learn more about duckie! trips