Free Turkey tour is no tour at all

<p>I responded to an advert by Flightsite for a free 7 day tour to Turkey. It was advertised as:</p> <p> </p> <p>"This free package includes:<br />-There is no catch the basic package includes only the services below, if you choose not to take the optional Tours you pay nothing<br />- Return airport transfers in Istanbul<br />-English speaking assistance during and departure transfers (This is only in Istanbul)<br />- Coach transfers as per itinerary <br />-5* hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in each Location as per itinerary."</p> <p><br />The tour would include visits and transport to Istanbul, Ankara and Capedocia with an option to purchase additional packages for city tours, site seeing and a hot air balloon ride.</p> <p><br />On receiving the booking form I noticed a catch in the "no catch" deal. There was a per person supplement of R4800 payable in case there is less than 25 people on the tour. When I enquired about it I was told they cannot send a bus if there is not sufficient people in the tour. The R4800 would ensure the tour can go ahead. If we don't pay the R4800 we will not get the bus transport but we would still be eligible for the hotel accommodation. On that understanding we booked for the tour. There were never any term or condition that specified that any benefits will be lost in case there is less than 25 bookings.</p> <p><br />We were later informed there are only two people (my wife and I) who booked and that we will have to pay R4800 to get the "free" accommodation only. We will however not receive any transport or other services advertised. When we complained and said but that is not what we were told, Flightsite agreed to give us vouchers for 7 nights hotel accommodation. We agreed to this settlement. We also said we are willing to pay the R4800 but then we want the full tour as advertised. They said the transport would not be included. We then asked if we could cancel the tour but were told this is not possible.</p> <p><br />When nothing happened we enquired again and then received a letter stating that they will not pay for the accommodation as we have agreed to "the terms and conditions of the tour" and "As a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused we will offer you a voucher to the value of R1000 towards the accommodation."</p> <p><br />So, instead of a 7 day free tour with transport and 5* accommodation in three different cities, we will receive a measly R1000.</p> <p><br />Not only was their advertising misleading, but also the communication we received telephonically. They have also gone back on their word in several instances. I will definitely not do business with this company again. I am extremely disappointed and will also lay a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa.</p> <p> </p>