“Gagauzia”. This little-known region is located in the south of Moldova. It is populated by the Gagauz, a Turkish-speaking population largely Russified and historically close to the Turks of Anatolia. They thus speak a Turkish dialect (but also Russian) and they are Orthodox Christians (and not Muslims). Historically, the Turkish-speaking Christians of Bulgaria, the “Gök-oğuz” or Gagauz, were established here in 1812, among the Moldovans, when the Russian Empire annexed Bessarabia.
Embark on a cultural journey to the heart of Gagauzia, a region in Moldova with a rich history and unique traditions. Visit the Manuc Bei Mansion, the Gagauz National Museum, and a horse farm. Enjoy a cooking class with a local family and a traditional Gagauz feast.
Begin your cultural journey at the magnificent Manuc Bei Mansion in Hîncești, an architectural masterpiece that blends Moldovan, Ottoman, and French influences. Stroll through its historic halls, learning about the fascinating life of Manuc Bei and the estate’s role in local history.
Next, travel to Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, where you’ll dive into the region’s culture at the Gagauz National Museum. Discover exhibits on traditional crafts, winemaking, and the Gagauz people’s unique history. Visit the city’s beautiful cathedral, a serene and spiritual landmark.
From there, head to Ceadîr-Lunga, where you’ll stop at a horse farm. Meet the graceful Gagauzian horses and enjoy a tranquil ride through the scenic countryside. A short drive will take you to a secret spot, a hidden gem offering panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings.
Afterward, enjoy an authentic experience meeting a warm and welcoming local family. They’ll guide you through a hands-on cooking masterclass, teaching you how to prepare traditional dishes like gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and kiirma (a hearty meat and vegetable dish). This intimate experience will give you a true taste of Gagauzian hospitality.
Conclude your journey in Kongaz, the heart of Gagauzia’s wine culture. Visit Gagauz Sofrası, a cultural and culinary complex, where you’ll indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines. Enjoy lively folklore performances that showcase the vibrant music and dance traditions of the region.
Includes
Visit to the Gagauz National Museum in Comrat
Cathedral visit in Comrat
Horse farm visit in Ceadîr-Lunga
Cooking masterclass and wine-tasting with a local family
Traditional Gagauz feast at Gagauz Sofrası in Kongaz
Stop At: Manuc Bey, Mitropolit Varlaam, 51, Hincesti 3401 Moldova
Rendezvous in the region of Hincești for new discoveries and sensations of Moldova. Manuc Bey Mansion is located in the city of Hincești, in the west-central part of the Republic of Moldova. The mansion itself is a French chateau, with a winter garden, guard towers and a park. It also includes the following buildings: the house of the judicial officers, the house of the countess, the castle of the Hunt with the museum of ethnography and natural history of the city, and others.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Comrat, Comrat, Gagauzia
The city of Comrat – a locality that combines the present with the Soviet past. Visit of the city and the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Besalma, Besalma, Gagauzia
The National Museum of History and Ethnography of Gagauz in the village of Balsalma is a real foray into the colorful wedding ceremonies, customs and traditions of the Gagauz people.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ceadir-Lunga, Ceadir-Lunga, Gagauzia
Ceadîr-Lunga, is a city in Moldavia, the second largest city in Gagauzia, an autonomous region in the south of the country, with 16,605 inhabitants.
Duration: 1 hour
There is no single supplement surcharge for single travellers as this is a private tour. The more travelers in your private group the bigger the discount for the private tour.
Cancellation fees – Cancellation fees may apply to any cancellations by the traveller of a service provided by Get-Locals.com. Unless otherwise specified, the cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations for custom itineraries (“Create Your Own”) are as follows:
In the event of bad weather forecast we will contact you the day before and offer you either a refund or an amended tour for the following day.
We always advice to wear suitable clothing for the day of the tour as not every day is guaranteed sunshine.
The meeting point will be clearly indicated with a map on your tour voucher.
