First the virtual and after the physical - We were first scared and that's why we took first the virtual ride. It appeared to be ok for us and then we decided to give it a real try.

Manage Expectations of Customers - We were very excited to make our first ever hot Balloon ride over the rock formations of Belogradchik. However, to our surprise we flew only for a very short time over the rocks. After climbing up to 1500 meter, we were above the clouds. Certainly, a spectacular experience. What followed was a joke. For more than 10 minutes we hoovered in a altitude of 1 Meter over a cornfield. The promised 1-hour Ballon ride was finished after 50 min. Though we felt safe and had a professional, friendly pilot and the equipment was in good conditions, the whole experience did not meet our expectations. The Ballon team completely failed to manage our expectations prior to take-off. For all not daily activities it is extremely important that customers are told before what to expect on the day of the activity. We were left alone with our expectation that we were correct in choosing Belogradchik to see the magic rock formations from a Hot Air Balloon. Telling us after landing that wind conditions were not suitable to take another route was coming too late. Frustration and disappointment have already settled in us. Frustration increased when we tried to inform Management of visitbulgaria about our honest feelings. We were told that it is our fault that we had the wrong expectations. Furthermore, we shall be happy that we were unknowingly granted the VIP price, with only two passengers plus the pilot. I would not have liked to share the small gondola with four other people. After these inappropriate comments, we felt even more that our day was not worth the time and money. Another day with different conditions and managed expectations, results may be better.