Moldova & Transnistria Explorer: 4 Days Soviet & Wine

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Chisinau

Transfer to hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Chisinau — the Nativity Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and Stefan cel Mare Park. Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Chisinau.

Day 2: Transnistria — Back in the USSR

Cross into Transnistria, the breakaway republic where the USSR lives on. Visit the 15th-century Bender (Tighina) Fortress, an Ottoman stronghold commanding the Dniester. Continue to Tiraspol — see Lenin’s statue outside the Parliament, the Soviet tank monument, and streets named after Marx and Engels. Lunch at a classic Soviet canteen (stolovaya). Afternoon return to Chisinau.

Day 3: Cricova Winery & Orheiul Vechi

Morning underground tour of Cricova — 120km of wine tunnels, the presidential collection, and a tasting of Moldova’s finest wines including champagne-method sparklings. Afternoon at Orheiul Vechi, the cave monastery complex overlooking the Raut River. Climb to the cliffside church, explore the archaeological site. Farewell dinner.

Day 4: Depart Chisinau

Morning at the central market for local specialties. Transfer to airport.

Inclusions

• 3 nights (4-star hotel)
• Daily breakfast + 2 dinners
• Cricova winery tour with tasting
• Transnistria day trip
• Orheiul Vechi guided tour
• All transport

Why This Short Break

• Cricova — an underground wine city
• Transnistria — the country that doesn’t exist but has its own border control
• Orheiul Vechi — cave monastery in a stunning setting
• See two “countries” in 4 days
• Rated 5.0 on TourRadar — the highest quality

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses