We booked Pepo Klaic months in advance for a day trip to Bosnia and he canceled less than 24 hours in advance! His only explanation was a "technicality." At least give us the specific reason and not a flimsy one-word excuse. His email notification came only after we sent him a picture of what we look like. I hate to think appearances had anything to do with it but it's hard not to be suspicious. Also, he never even bothered to reply when we asked him if he could suggest another driver or similar business. In my opinion, he should not be endorsed by Rick Steves anymore!
Posted by
New Orleans
1217 posts
If this actually happened as you say (and if he is actually recommended in the Rick Steves Croatia guidebook), then you may want to let the Rick Steves folks know so that they can consider your experience when updating their next version of the guidebook. You do that by going to the "Travel Forum" opening page, then choose the "Guidebook Feedback Form" link near the bottom of the page.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
So you're not saying that his driving is bad but that he is a horrible person? Maybe change the title of the post?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for the feedback from both of you. Will take into consideration.
Posted by
Poreč Istria, Croatia
151 posts
Unacceptable behaviour, take it further please.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1700 posts
Did you find another private driver to take you to Bosnia?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
It was too late to research another driver. So we joined one of those daily group tours on a mini bus that included stops at Kravice Falls and Mostar. It was perfectly decent except our time at Mostar felt a bit shorter than we would have liked.
Posted by
17 posts
Those of you who seem to be doubting the "validity" of this incident, we had a similar thing happen with Pepo. I will do the guidebook feedback as suggested, but in the meantime BEWARE OF BOOKING WITH PEPO KLAIC.
We arranged two months in advance for a tour to Mostar tomorrow. I emailed him a month ago to confirm and didn't hear back so I waited until we got here. I called several times and emailed with no response from him. We tried various different options for our visit to Mostar but it was too late to set up a different driver. We're very disappointed to miss the opportunity to visit Mostar and just hope that this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for concurring and believing my claim. I'm so sorry that you missed out on going to Mostar!
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1926 posts
I had a bad experience on a tour with Pepo Klaic as well. I booked him for a private tour (I was a solo traveler) and told him specifically what I was interested in; he said he would be happy to accommodate all my interests.
The day before the tour, he told me we were being joined by another group. Though my price went down, I ended up going on the other group's itinerary, not the one I'd asked him for.
I've seen several other negative reviews of Pepo Klaic on this forum. I agree with any who say "DON'T BOOK A TOUR WITH PEPO KLAIC!"
Posted by
Poreč Istria, Croatia
151 posts
Can you please tell where you found this Pepo guy?
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1700 posts
Pepo Klaic is recommended by Rick Steves in his guidebook.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
No matter how many positive reviews someone shares, I stand by my review. But thank you for contributing your own feedback. It was a good reminder for me to submit mine in the actual guidebook feedback forum, which I've just done.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8056 posts
My assessment....this Pepo may be a fine driver and guide, but has no problem cancelling and likely taking a better offer for that day. Not unheard of in the business, maybe not a problem with proper notice (as long as his cancellation policy is the same), but I agree a day ahead or even a week ahead is not acceptable.