TRANSNISTRIA
Highlights
The Soviet monuments of Tiraspol
The abandoned school of Tiraspol
Bendery and the legacies of war
Rural Moldova: Orheiul Vechi and Cricova
Where we stay
3* Hotel in Chișinău, guesthouse in Tiraspol
How we get around
Taxi, minivan with driver
TRIP TYPE
A trip with a relaxed pace that winds through off-the-beaten-path locations. It requires no physical exertion or particular difficulties in terms of adaptation (shared bathrooms are possible in Tiraspol for those opting for shared rooms). In winter, temperatures can be cold, but they do not affect the execution of the program.
For more information about our trips, please consult the FAQ section.
Morning and afternoon: departure from Italy with a flight to Chișinău, the capital of Moldova (depending on the flight schedule, these may be direct or with a layover). Arrival in Chișinău and check-in at the hotel; a walk along the avenues overlooked by government buildings, the Triumphal Arch, and the Cathedral.
Evening: dinner and evening out in the venues of downtown Chișinău.
Morning: travel to Cricova, one of the largest wineries in the world: its underground tunnels span more than 120km of roads—so large they can be navigated by car—hosting one of the world’s biggest bottle collections. Visit to the cellar with a tasting of the best local wines.
Afternoon: departure for Tiraspol with a stop at Orheiul Vechi, an ancient city built in a natural amphitheater and known today for its Orthodox monastery dating back to the 14th-16th century, a symbol of Moldovan culture.
Continue towards Transnistria and, after the border checks, we finally enter the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, the official name of Transnistria! During the collapse of the USSR, Transnistria separated from Moldova following a bloody war in 1992, carrying on the ideals and policies of Soviet socialism.
Evening: arrival in Tiraspol and check-in at the guesthouse; a first look at the city.
Morning: discovery of Tiraspol together with a local guide, followed by a visit to the Akvatir sturgeon farm, among the largest in the world for caviar production: here it can be purchased at a good price
Afternoon: visit to the historic KVINT distillery, the historic flagship of brandy and spirits production in the former USSR, with a guided tour and tasting.
Continuation towards the abandoned railway station, a reminder of the golden age of connections with the entire former USSR. The final part of the afternoon is dedicated to a walk through the city center
Evening: dinner in a traditional restaurant and an evening among the illuminated streets of Tiraspol
Morning: a walk through the center of Tiraspol to take the final photographs of the Soviet monuments along October 25th Avenue, such as the House of Soviets, the large statue of Lenin, and even a curious monument dedicated to Harry Potter!
In the late morning, departure towards the villages of the Căușeni district: visit to the Orthodox church of Hagimus and a stop for an authentic Soviet picnic in the countryside, featuring local products found nowhere else.
Afternoon: accompanied by a local guide, departure for Bendery, the second-largest city in Transnistria, on the border with Moldova. Bendery was the scene of fierce clashes during the 1992 war of independence, and even today, cracks and bullet holes are still visible on the crumbling Soviet-era buildings—sinister legacies of the street fighting. Visit to the railway station, the old cinema with its clear Soviet imprint, and the 16th-century Ottoman fortress.
Following this, the most surreal experience of the trip: exploration of an abandoned Soviet school, perfectly preserved, amidst propaganda posters, chemistry equipment, and period instructions in case of a nuclear attack.
The afternoon concludes at the Parcul Victoriei amusement park, now in ruins but still full of atmosphere.
Evening: a boat ride on the Dniester River, whose valley is known for its picturesque landscapes, gorges, forests, and historic villages. Dinner in downtown Tiraspol and the final evening in the city.
Morning: last morning in Tiraspol amidst Soviet nostalgia and souvenir hunting: visit to the antique market to find vintage posters, pins, and objects, then a stop at the peaceful Pakrovsky Park for a farewell to Transnistria off the beaten track. Departure for central Moldova.
Afternoon: return to Chișinău with a few photo stops along the way. Once in the city, check-in at the hotel and a walk through shopping boulevards, flea markets, and period architecture. Those who wish can visit the imposing railway station or relax in Ștefan cel Mare Park with a drink at a kiosk.
Evening: evening in the heart of the Moldovan capital.
Morning: transfer to Chișinău airport, and direct or layover flight for the return to Italy… And on to the next adventure!
