Sesia River: Rafting Adventure with Private Transfer

Summary

Rafting wild Sesia river rapids with local guides and shuttle

You’ll feel every splash as you raft down class III-IV rapids on the Sesia River with a local guide leading your group. Includes private transfer to the put-in point and all gear provided. Expect laughter, cold mountain water, and those quiet moments between rapids that stick with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

"So, who’s ready to get soaked?" That’s what our guide Marco grinned at us as we stood shivering a bit (okay, a lot) in our wetsuits by the Sesia River. The air smelled like wet stone and pine needles, and honestly, my nerves were louder than the river at first. We piled into the shuttle—six of us plus Marco—bumping along to the put-in spot. He kept cracking jokes about how the rain makes for “the best descents,” which I half-believed until I saw how fast the water was moving.

I’d never tried rafting in Valsesia before, but somehow it felt right to trust these locals—they know every twist of this river. The first splash hit me right in the face (cold enough to make you gasp), but then it was just paddle, laugh, shout, repeat. Marco yelled instructions over the roar—sometimes in Italian, sometimes English—and we all tried not to smack each other with our paddles. There’s this moment after a big rapid where everything goes quiet except for your own breathing and some distant cowbells up on the hillside. I didn’t expect that part.

After nearly two hours on the Sesia River—class III-IV rapids most of the way—we finally drifted into calmer water. My arms were jelly but my face hurt from smiling so much. Someone asked if we could go again next weekend; even Marco looked tempted. The ride back was quieter, everyone wringing out socks and sharing stories about who screamed loudest (definitely me). I still think about that view upstream when we stopped paddling for a second—mist hanging above green water, mountains crowding in close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting adventure on Sesia river

• Take shuttle to put-in point
• Raft down class III-IV rapids

Top questions

How long does the Sesia River rafting tour last?

The rafting adventure lasts about 2 hours on the river itself.

Is hotel pickup included for this rafting trip?

The tour includes a one-way private transfer to the put-in point on the river.

What level are the rapids on this Sesia River rafting tour?

The rapids are generally class III-IV depending on river flow conditions.

Is this suitable for beginners or families?

The activity is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, rafting still runs in rain unless there is very strong rainfall causing high river levels; in that case participants are notified as soon as possible.

Are guides local experts?

Yes, experienced local guides lead each raft down the river.

How many people are there per raft?

Each raft holds up to 6 people plus a guide.

What should I bring for Sesia River rafting?

You should bring swimwear and a towel; all other gear is provided by the organizers.

What’s included

Your day includes a one-way private transfer by shuttle bus to the starting point on the Sesia River, all necessary rafting equipment provided onsite, and an expert local guide leading your group through class III-IV rapids before finishing at a calm stretch downstream.