19 Sep 2018
I booked this tour via Viator. After booking, I received an instant confirmation from viator, but never heard from the tour operator (tour mania)
I tried calling the operator on the number printed on the voucher for several days and sent several messages via viator/TripAdvisor for 4 days before my trip and never got any response. Then I called the viator call center and they were able to reach Tourmania for me.
Following this though, one of their guys named Murat contacted me on WhatsApp and send me all the information including my itinerary and flight tickets. He was extremely responsive and usually getting back to me but problems or issues with in minutes. When I arrived to the hotel, there was no reservation and I called Murat and he fixed the issue within minutes. I had issues with the airport shuttle not showing up and he was able to send another one in 5-10 minutes.
Irrespective of the hiccups, mainly with establishing contact with the company, once we were in contact with the right person, everything went smoothly. Irrespective of my initial frustration with the company, I think Everything went smoothly. The weather was favorable and I was able to experience hot air balloon ride and I will say that it is definitely something that one has to do in their lifetime.
Please note that Tourmania is an agent and they do not run any of the local tours themselves including the hot air balloon experience, but they are contracted with local suppliers, at the end of the day, you will get what was promised.
I would have rated lower for the initial hiccups but I will tell you that once you are in contact, that everything will flow smoothly. If you want a prearranged/confirmed itinerary for your visit to cappadocia, I think they are safe choice.