Things to do in Transnistria

During the tour in Transnistria, you'll feel like we had traveled back in time to the Soviet Union. You are going to experience visits to Soviet-themed attractions and museums, showcasing relics of the Soviet Union, such as statues of Lenin, soviet flags, and other remnants of the Soviet era. The central locations on this tour to explore are Bender and Tiraspol, two biggest cities in Transnistria. Bender (Tighina) on the Dniester River is known for its impressive Bender Fortress. The fortress has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and offers an opportunity to learn about Transnistria's past. In the afternoon, you will have lunch at an authentic soviet style restaurant in Tiraspol or Bender, where you can taste soviet cuisine. During the visit of Tiraspol, travelers can explore its streets lined with Soviet-era architecture, visit monuments like the Suvorov Monument and Tank Monument, beautiful local parks, the local food market, and experience the local culture.

Discover Transnistria, a breakaway territory within the internationally recognized borders of Moldova. Visit the Bender Fortress and the capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol, on a guided tour from Chisinau. Begin your tour with a stop at the Bender Fortress. In 1713, the fortress, the town, and the neighboring village Varniţa were the site of skirmishes between Charles XII of Sweden and the Cossack Hetman Ivan Mazepa after his defeat in the Battle of Poltava. After Bender, head to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. Visit the major attractions of Tiraspol, such as the V. Lenin monument, House of the Soviets, Transnistrian Parliament, Afghanistan War Memorial, Tank Monument, and more.

We will start the tour with one of the most beautiful monastery in Moldova, “Curchi” Monastery. This is a real pearl of our religious life. Here you’ll visit some churches, and among them – the “Virgin’s Assumption” Cathedral, built by the drawings of genius architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. After the monastery, we will continue with Orheiul Vechi region. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the most interesting archaeological site housing the ruins of two cities (14th -16th century). Tatars settled here on their expansion to Western Europe. Continue with a visit to the well-maintained Orthodox Cave Monastery, which was expanded and modified inside the cliffs by monks over the centuries. Christian churches provide magnificent scenery through the windows of the monastery which still functions today. In the afternoon we will continue with Cricova underground galleries. You will see over seventy streets covering an area of nearly 53 hectares, each bearing Bacchic names: Sauvignon, Cabernet, etc. There is one story always told in this place about the Russian pilot Yuri Gagarin, who during a visit in 1966, after getting tipsy, got lost and missed the exit. He went out the next day, having spent the night in the tasting room, currently named after him. Here you can also admire the oldest bottle of wine, dating from 1902. The ENTRANCE FEE for the winery and the wine tasting it is NOT include. Price for 1 person: from 20 - 35 EURO, depending on the package you will choose. Transfer to your hotel in Chisinau.

Our dear guests of Transnistria! We invite you to discover Transnistria: a place with its own currency within Moldova, where Lenin is still revered. In Transnistria we visit two largest cities: Bender and the capital Tiraspol. Our first stop will be Bender Fortress - an Ottoman castle complex from the 16th century. In Bender we visit the memorial, the local vegetable market and the Soviet canteen. Lunch is in the Bulgarian village of Parkany, where homemade wines and the most delicious Moldovan specialties are served. We also do cooking lessons and sing Moldovan songs! In the afternoon we visit Tiraspol: look at government buildings, war memorials with tanks, Lenin statues and the town hall

Transnistria Tour from Chișinău – Step Into a Soviet Time Capsule! Join us on an unforgettable journey to Transnistria, a self-declared republic where time seems to have stopped in the Soviet era. This unique tour will take you from Chișinău to Transnistria, offering a rare opportunity to explore a region that still upholds Soviet values and traditions. Itinerary & Highlights: Morning: Journey to Bender and the Historic Fortress Depart from Chișinău and travel east toward Tighina (Bender), a city with deep historical significance. Visit Bender Fortress, a 15th-century stronghold originally built by Stephen the Great and later reinforced under Ottoman rule in the 16th century. Walk through the fortress walls, explore the well-preserved towers, and learn about its turbulent history under Moldovan, Ottoman, and Soviet control. Midday: Cultural Exploration in Tiraspol Continue to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria and its largest city, situated on the banks of the Nistru River. Immerse yourself in the distinct Soviet-era atmosphere, where statues of Lenin, propaganda murals, and symbols of socialism remain untouched by time. We'll take a break for lunch at a traditional local restaurant (meal not included, approximately €8), where you can enjoy classic Transnistrian and Slavic cuisine. Afternoon: Time Travel Through Soviet Heritage Embark on a guided city tour of Tiraspol, exploring key landmarks: Lenin’s Monument – a towering tribute to the Soviet leader. The T-34 Tank Memorial – a relic from World War II, symbolizing Transnistria’s military history. Suvorov Square – the city’s central hub, featuring monuments and Soviet-era buildings. Evening: Return to Chișinău After a full day of exploration, we will return to Chișinău, bringing home unforgettable memories of this enigmatic and unrecognized republic.

Wine Tour from Chișinău to Mileștii Mici – Home of the World’s Largest Wine Cellar Enjoy an unforgettable wine tour starting from Chișinău, where your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel or preferred accommodation, as specified during the booking process. After a scenic 30–40 minute drive, arrive at the legendary Mileștii Mici Winery, home to the world’s largest wine cellar, officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Located 200 km from Chișinău, this extraordinary underground labyrinth holds over 1.5 million bottles of premium wine, known as the Golden Collection. Set 60 meters underground, the galleries offer a magical blend of history, craftsmanship, and tradition. Stroll through vast limestone tunnels, learn about Moldova’s winemaking heritage, and experience the warm local spirit with a friendly toast—“Hai, Noroc!” (Cheers!) Your tour includes: Round-trip transport by car from Chișinău Guided tour of Mileștii Mici cellars Wine tasting session with select varieties A complimentary bottle of wine as a gift

“Be our Guest” You have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful and famous winery Cricova Europe, and experience the charm of the Moldovan countryside with us. The biggest cellars in the whole world are, with no doubt, situated in Cricova, Moldova, only a few kilometers north of Chisinau. Underneath the town, the cellars form a true underground city with avenues, streets, and broadways. The street names say it all: Cabernet, Feteasca, Riesling, Aligote, Sauvignon… Every street’s name corresponds to the wine brand preserved right there, in the adjacent niches. In Moldova, only Cricova cellars employ the strict classic French technology of champagne wine production. So Cricova is a highlight of any visit to Moldova.

Explore the best attractions of Chisinau on a joyful 2,5 hour walking tour with an expert guide. You will walk through the central streets of Chisinau. Moldova’s capital city boasts pleasant parks, Soviet-era architecture, and several notable historical sights. Because of its relatively limited tourist infrastructure, it can be a somewhat intimidating place for first-time visitors. On this private walking tour of Chișinău, take the stress out of navigating as your guide leads you to the most impressive sights and monuments, and explore at a comfortable pace. Enjoy a customizable, narrated tour of the Moldovan capital See Ştefan cel Mare, Orthodox churches, Piata Centrala, and more. A private guide ensures an intimate, flexible experience Pickup and drop-off from central Chișinău hotels

Learn about the history of winemaking at Cricova Winery and what makes it so famous all over the world. Visit the underground wine cellars of Cricova Winery and have the chance to witness how Moldavian winemaking has grown over time. By the law of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the “Cricova” Winery was declared a Cultural-National Heritage of the country in 2003. Have a unique taste of 4 types of wine, a sparkling wine and some snacks. Visit the popular Old Orhei Archeological Complex with its famous Cave Monastery, Butuceni Ethnographic Museum from the beginning of XX century, Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, The Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Orheiul Vechi, ruins of Tatar-Mongols city Shehr al-Djedid (14th - 16th centuries). It is just a unique natural and historical complex in the open air. The Old Orhei cultural-natural reservation has a special status and is the most important cultural site in the Republic of Moldova, being also in the nomination process to be included in the Unesco World Heritage List. Old Orhei is a must-visit destination for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes and traditions.

“Be our Guest” You have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful and famous winery Cricova Europe. The biggest cellars in the whole world are, with no doubt, situated in Cricova, Moldova, only a few kilometers north of Chisinau. Here, underground lies a real city of wine – with wide streets, warehouses, tasting rooms, and so on. In the underground streets like “Cabernet”, “Feteasca”, and “And Pinot”, buses of tourists find their way to the cellars. In Moldova, only Cricova cellars employ the strict classic French technology of champagne wine production. So Cricova is a highlight of any visit to Moldova. Cricova - the famous underground wine city Being placed under the town Cricova, the cellars form a true underground city with avenues, streets, and broadways. Only their names seem to be so old: Cabernet, Feteasca, Riesling, Aligote, Sauvignon … Every street’s name corresponds to the wine brand preserved right there, in the adjacent niches.