Our agency organizes this trip with a mixture of discovery, pleasure for the palate and meeting with the region. High-end restaurants will open their doors to you to discover and taste traditional Moldavian cuisine. You can also as part of this stay, discover the authentic aspects of a region still remained under a model that we thought was over.
The trip at a glanceDay by day
- 1
Day 1Arrival in Moldova
- On arrival at Chisinau International Airport, you will be met by your English-speaking guide and transferred to the city center at your 4-star hotel.
- 2
Day 2Visit of the Moldovan capital and Cricova cellars
- Panoramic guided tour of Chisinau and its historic center.
- Visit at the military museum of the city.
- Guided tour of the famous Cricova cellars (the second largest cellar in the world) and their prestigious collection, including that of Hermann Göring, a former Nazi dignitary, captured by the Red Army. Tasting* of 3 types of wine at the end of the visit (20 km from Chisinau).
- * Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
- 3
Day 3Destination Transnistria
- Departure in the morning for Transnistria.
- Guided tour of the city of Bender and its Russian fortress.
- Guided tour of Tiraspol and the Lenin monument in front of the Supreme Soviet of Transnistria.
- OPTIONAL: Visit to the “Aquatir” caviar factory with tasting of 2 types of caviar. “Aquatir” is located in the city of Tiraspol and produces around 5 tons of black caviar per year.
- Return to Chisinau.
- Dinner at the restaurant and night at the hotel.
- 4
Day 4Transnistrian excursion
- Morning visit to the Serpeni military memorial paying tribute to the 12,000 Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War in Moldova.
- Guided tour of the resort “Vadul Lui Voda” on the bank of the Dniester (the typical holiday resort under the USSR).
- 5
Day 5Day of departure
- You will be transferred from the hotel to Chisinau International Airport.
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Change the dates, the pace or the stops. Planning is free and without obligation.
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Sojourn “Return to the USSR”, Transnistria
On the footsteps of the “Soviet communist model” and the Red Army!
We remember the Beatles song “Back in the USSR” released in 1968. The Republic of Moldova was Soviet for almost 50 years. This sojourn will lead you to discover the capital CHISINAU, the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria, the military memorial of Serpeni and the typically communist resort of “Vadul Lui Voda” on the banks of the Dniester. A visit and tasting in the famous Cricova wine cellar is included.
Go to discover Transnistria… To say “I was there”… To discover a territory without territory… A country without country…
The video below is shot by a Chinese, from a deeply authentic angle. To discover.
Photos
Questions travellers ask
Is Moldova safe for tourists?
Yes. Moldova is considered a safe destination for international travellers, and visitors generally enjoy a peaceful and pleasant stay.
Do I need a visa to visit Moldova?
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors from Europe, North America and other countries can enter visa-free for short stays. Check the rules for your passport before you travel, or ask us.
What is the best time to visit Moldova?
Moldova can be visited all year. Spring (April–June) suits nature and sightseeing, summer (June–August) festivals and outdoor activities, autumn (September–October) the wine harvest, and winter (December–January) Christmas traditions.
Which languages do your guides speak?
Our guides work in English, French, Romanian and Russian.
Are entrance fees and meals included?
It depends on the tour. What is included and what is not is listed on this page under “Covered”, and confirmed before you book.
Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes. We specialise in tailor-made trips built around your interests, budget and pace, and we can add transfers and accommodation.
How does booking and payment work?
Tours with online booking can be paid in full at booking, with instant confirmation. For private, group and tailor-made trips, send us your request here, by email or on WhatsApp: we confirm availability. A 10% deposit confirms the booking, a further 40% is due one month before and the remaining 50% in the final month. Nothing is charged when you send a request.
What if I need to cancel?
For tours booked online, the cancellation terms are shown before you pay. For private, group and tailor-made trips, you get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 days before the programme; later, a 50% penalty applies. You can also change your itinerary after booking, subject to availability.
Can I bring my pet, and what about children?
Pets are not accepted on our standard excursions; ask us if you plan a private trip. Children are welcome, and infants travel free; child and infant prices and age limits are shown when you choose your date.
Are wine tastings included?
Most wine tours include guided tastings. The number of wines depends on the winery and the package.
Can non-drinkers join a wine tour?
Of course. Wine tours also include architecture, gastronomy, local traditions and cultural visits.
Can I buy wine and take it home?
Yes. Most wineries sell wine and can advise you on the transport rules for your destination.
Is Transnistria safe to visit, and do I need my passport?
Thousands of foreign tourists visit every year without issues. A valid passport is required. Most visitors need no visa for a short visit, but an entry registration procedure applies, and a guide makes the border simple.
Which currency is used, and can I pay by card?
Transnistria uses the Transnistrian ruble. Bring cash, as international cards may not be accepted everywhere.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, but photography of military facilities and some government buildings may be restricted. Your guide will tell you where.
