J5789FBandrzejb
07 Feb 2025
Stay away from this company. See below what they have offered us for £700. SO far they keep responding (like on Trustpilot) that someone will be in touch. And someone is then in touch to... tell you that all was fine and great. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. See below and reflect if you wanted to purchase anything from them.
Honestly I have never dealt with such arogant company in total denial of their scam service. It was effectively a theft of our money.
5 hour bus tour for over £700!!!
We were effectively sold a 5 hour bus tour with a short break for a 5 min husky ride around the lake! Below a detailed reason why we feel totally dissatisfied and and currently seeking full refund for our terrible experience:
1. Misleading Title and Tour Description:
The tour was marketed as a "Husky Safari," but this was far from accurate. A "safari" cannot be defined as a 5-minute ride around a lake at a husky farm. This was the entirety of the experience, which was nowhere near what we were expecting.
2. Ride Duration Mismatch:
The advertisement stated that we would enjoy a 20- or 30-minute husky ride. However, the actual ride was only a 5-minute loop around a frozen lake, which is a significant deviation from what was promised.
3. Inconsistent Communication:
On December 30, we received a message from the "Easy Travel Team" via WhatsApp indicating the safari would take place at a farm due to low snow conditions and that we would return around 14:15. However, when we spoke to our guide, we were told that the safari always takes place on a farm, contrary to what was communicated to us. This discrepancy led to confusion and disappointment.
4. Lack of Proper Guidance:
The advertisement mentioned “guidance services,” but our guide provided no guidance during the tour. This led to confusion and disorganization, leaving us unsure of the schedule and the itinerary throughout the tour and its various hiccups.
5. Inaccurate Tour Timing:
The tour was advertised as lasting 2 hours, with a start time around 11:00 am and an end time around 2:15 pm. In reality, we were picked up at 10:45 am, arrived at the farm at 12:30 pm, and only returned to Rovaniemi at 3:30 pm. The actual time spent on the tour was drastically longer than anticipated, which disrupted our plans for the afternoon.
6. Rude Onsite Team:
Upon arrival at the farm, there was a visible disagreement between the hosts and our guide, which resulted in us being asked to remain on the bus for an additional 45 minutes. This delay was frustrating, as we were unable to stretch our legs or explore the area while we waited. At one point, we were told by our "guide" we could leave the bus. My 84 year old mother stepped off the bus and was then yelled at by Erika (the on site host) to get back on the bus. I then intervened the conversation to relay we are frustrated and have been waiting and was yelled by Erika. Erika then told the driver to lock the bus door so no one could leave.
7. Short and Rushed Experience:
When the ride finally began, it lasted only 5 minutes. The experience felt rushed, and at one point, we were asked to make way for another group in a hurry. I must add that my father who is 87 year old, and can’t stand for long periods, and I waited patiently for our turn and felt if anything we should have been one of the first to be accommodated. This added to the frustration. Moreover, half the group did not receive any explanation about raising huskies, which was another advertised aspect of the tour.
8. Unpleasant Refreshment Setup:
The entry to the tent was icy and hazardous. The advertised "hot berry juice, coffee, tea with cookies" was served in a cramped, smoky tent with space for only a few people. The other tent was so smoky it could not be entered. The cookies were hard and difficult to eat. The single toilet provided was unpleasant—there was no running water, and it had an overpowering odour.
9. Disruptions to Our Plans:
Due to the extensive delays, we returned to Rovaniemi only at 3:30 pm, which caused us to miss out on our planned activities for the afternoon.
This experience was not only disappointing but also misleading. In total, we spent nearly 5 hours mostly sitting on the bus, with just 5 minutes of husky interaction, no tour guidance or coordination, and dealing with rude farm hosts—all for a cost of over £700!
It is an understatement to say we feel incredibly let down by the entire experience. This trip was meant to be a highlight of our family holiday, a special experience that we had been looking forward to – a trip we researched thoroughly and hand picked due to the safari description.
Our trip got cancelled on the way and we were offered refund but originally trip was 45 min drive from Rovanemi. No explanation just husky farm cancelled. Offered refund or reschedule - chose reschedule but this time taken to husky farm next to the Santa village - saw signs for 30/60 euros for same thing offered. We were charged X 4+ cost advertised. Asked for some compensation (as feeling that we've been overcharged for what given). A bit sad.... feeling ripped off. Please note you can go to Santa village and walk less than 20m and be at husky park and pay way less. Save yourself time and money. I would recommend the experience but not Easy Tavel