I booked it because of the hot air balloon which was spectacular approx 40min in the air, by the time we arrived it wasn't really sunrise anymore. Make sure you have enough for tips as the hot air balloon operators they really try. From then onwards the trip fell apart. Breakfast was basically inexistant; I was hungry after 2 hours. The coach was fully packed so we could not sit together the whole time even going back. The guide could of solved the issue by moving people around but didn't bother to. The guide didn't talk at all during the whole 3hrs there and back; so I did not learn anything about the region. Transporting between minivan for the hot air balloon and the bigger coach was worthless- it would of made it better if we (the small English group) went in the minivan from Marmaris and not mixed with the larger Russian group). I am pretty sure that entrance fee was included when I was looking in late June but was told to pay cash on the coach which seemed dodgy not to mention 30euro per pp. So I didn't pay so spend 3.5 hours in the town which is struggling to survive. After talking to others who went inside, I made the right decision; the stroll around town was much more enjoyable and free. In other European countries such an entrance would cost half that. Thermic pool also massively overpriced- just book yourself an all day boat trip to Dalaman for 20euro which has it included and you get to see Turtles. You saw a lot the Unesco site from the hot air balloon plus you can see more from the sides anyway. General extrance was 30euros which I couldn't believe but since this is a group the guide for sure for the tickets for cheaper so should of passed that discount to the other guests. The lunch was ok in quality but finding hair in food is gross, and nothing was labelled so hard to tell for a vegetarian, I made the mistake with rice pudding it actually contains real chicken the guide confirmed but laughed it off. Its not a funny matter. Lastly you had upselling like the onyx and wine tasting which the guide admitted he gets commission from it. I experienced upselling before but on free trips not ones that cost a fortune. I am not totally pissed and thus not making a complaint as I did get the trip at a discount. I think the order the the trip is all wrong- this is how I see it should be: hot air balloon ride for sunset. So pick up early afternoon, have an hour in the town, 2 hours in the Unesco site for 15euros then do the hot air balloon ride and afterwards have a hot picnic dinner on the field (from one of the many local restaurants). Afterwards go back so you should be back for midnight; and no upselling!. But this would only be possible after it rains so winter; spring since the pools are filled up as that is one of the complaints that the views are not the same as photos since all the water dried up. Only then would I reconsider the trip but I did hear that a better hot air balloon ride experience can be found in Cappadocia.
In your comment, I saw that your expectations were not met. However, we did not provide you with the service for this tour. You wrote your comment for the correct tour but for the wrong tour operator. This tour is provided by several tour operators in the region. As ArBek Travel, we claim that we do not provide you with this service. Please write your comment to the operator you receive service from, of course if you know who you received service from? You received the service for this highly acclaimed hot air balloon tour in Pamukkale from a low quality travel agency. Your tour guide's lack of full control over the group affected your entire tour. You again compared this tour with other tours in your comment. Pamukkale/Hierapolis entrance fee is correct, 30€, this is an inevitable payment.
