Cappadocia Phoenix Travel - Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon | Red | ATV | Green Tour — Local services in Göreme

We had the absolute WORST experience with this travel agency. If I could give zero stars, I really would. We were a family of 15- I booked for the hot air balloon package for all of us. Weeks before, I paid 20 percent deposit for our reservation, and before paying, i confirmed the following with them: they assured me full refund of the 20 percent deposit as long as i cancel more than 24 hours before - they confirmed this over the phone, WhatsApp and also as per their website they assured me that they could come to our hotel for the remaining balance payment and I could pay via my credit card. Three days prior to the hot air balloon trip, I started messaging them, requesting to cancel three spots and refund the doposit just for these three spots. The staff started making excuses that from his side it would be impossible for him to cancel the reservation because their website does not allow him to make a refund and he kept saying that instead, I should apply for a refund on their website. I told him repeatedly that the website has no username/sign in provision for users and I cannot technically apply for a refund via their website. He kept getting really angry and saying that this is my problem and by any means I should resolve THEIR website issue (Can you believe it!) and somehow apply for their refund. And he kept telling me that’s it’s my mistake that I didn’t approach him personally while booking and I should not have paid via their website, even though his colleague clearly told me to proceed to pay via their website. (Also, how do I know that he exists in Turkey- to approach him directly and talk about reservation?) After many calls and messages (which he kept avoiding and responding very rudely to) he agreed to cancel two spots, but refused to cancel one spot. He told me that I have to pay for 13 people even though there would be only 12 of us attending, in order to confirm our reservation. I even agreed to that and paid for 13 people. I then told him that 13th person may still join- since we paid for 13 people and he agreed to it. This was my little 5 year old daughter. He never sent a proper confirmation about our entire group’s reservation and my family were kept guessing at 4 am whether the driver would show up for pick up. And then they sent the worst and rudest driver ever . I took along my kid and sat in the bus and the driver started screaming in front of all the passengers and refusing to include her. He said that the 13th spot is given to someone else (even after I showed him messages of confirmation) he kept screaming that “everyone would miss the hot air balloon just because of you lady.” And he forced my daughter and I to get off the car. My family and I were very traumatized by this experience. Other issues were: the staff kept yelling and saying “don’t think you are my only customer,” “I gave you such a good rate so why are you complaining, aaagghh!!” He disconnected my calls and ghosted on WhatsApp several times refused card payment (vs what they initially promised us and insisted on cash. He kept barking that he is giving us a good rate so I just should not argue. We then offered to pay extra bank charges for each person to convince them ) told us we should go to his office to make payment, and did not want to come to our hotel (vs what they assured us) they agreed after we told them we will cover the taxi charge Overall, very disturbing to deal with the worst customer service and horrible treatment of clients. I loved my trip to Turkey, but it will always be tarnished with this traumatic experience.

Additional:This is a response to your company’s extremely poor and fabricated justification given below.I have complete WhatsApp documentation as well as email as proof which CLEARLY states the refund requests I made atleast 2 days prior.and you can ask your staff about how I was falsely promised all the things that I have outlined above while booking, and how he kept yelling later on,”its your problem, not mine,as the booking and earlier promise was done by his colleague...

We book our green tour via our hotel. And they pick up our tour guide from here, and middle age old man.

I feel like we are getting borderline scammed. TLDR: they "skipped" a key attraction claiming no time but got time to bring us for tourist shopping.

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We paid 50 euro/pax for our green tour it included lunch and museum ticket entry.

First the tour should start at 9.30 but they only finish fetching about 10.30. Fetching everyone from goreme and they still fetch a couple from uchisar which is from another city.

Start with 15mins at pigeon valley, is more a pararomic point, we also did not see any pigeon other that the one that is being kept by the cafe owner there. Follow by 30 mins at underground city. I feel like we being rush, we just follow him one round which he give us some trivial facts. We did not get any time for self exploration. And rushed for lunch. Then we bring us to a glass bridge that is not in itinary so we need to pay ourselves and say is only 30lira/pax. When we reach it became 105lira/pax.

At the lunch place is total chaos. Only food is included while drinks we need to pay seperately. The waiter took our drink order and forgot our food order. In the end we spend 90 mins at our lunch place. Now the scammy part, they bring us walk into a part at belisirma restaurant and claim we done our ihlara valley tour. Is like a 15 mins behind someone backyard claiming we are out of time. The sales person say we will walk the ihlara valley and will reach selime monastary. Note that both ihlara valley and selime monastary are ticketed places and now they skipping both.

We rushed to a lake for 15 mins as it seem to be in someone else tour itinery. And then the worst part. After being rushed the whole day, we are being brought to an jewellary store disguise as art center. After only one couple buy from it, we are brought to a tourist snack shop to continue shopping. This really fustrate me.

Finally, he claimed end of tour but someone from the group highlighted that he still missed goreme paranoma view point then he acted he forgot and say he will bring us now.

All in all we spend like only 90 mins at various attractions with all other time being on bus or shopping for a 9.30am...

Tour Guide Review: Exploring Cappadocia, Turkey

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a guided tour through the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey, led by the exceptional tour guide, Aiesha. From the moment we set foot in this historical region until the end of our journey, Aiesha's knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism left a lasting impression.

First and foremost, Aiesha's expertise in Cappadocia's history, culture, and geography is commendable. Her detailed explanations about the geological formations, ancient cave dwellings, and the region's significance throughout history added immense value to the tour. Moreover, Aiesha's ability to convey this information in an engaging and accessible manner ensured that everyone in the group, regardless of their background knowledge, could appreciate the wonders of Cappadocia.

Furthermore, Aiesha's passion for her work was evident in every aspect of the tour. She went above and beyond to ensure that each participant had a memorable experience. Whether it was recommending the best spots for panoramic views, arranging a traditional lunch at a local eatery, or sharing intriguing anecdotes about Cappadocia's folklore, Aiesha's attention to detail and genuine interest in showcasing the best of Cappadocia were truly remarkable.

Additionally, Aiesha's professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction were exemplary. She maintained a well-organized schedule, ensuring that we made the most of our time without feeling rushed. Her friendly demeanor, patience in answering questions, and willingness to accommodate individual preferences contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the tour.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Aiesha as a tour guide for anyone planning to visit Cappadocia, Turkey. Her wealth of knowledge, passion for the region, and outstanding service make her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking a memorable and enriching travel experience. Thank you, Aiesha, for an unforgettable journey through the magical landscapes...