Tour Highlights
Moldova is one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets! Nestled between Romania and the Ukraine is a wonderful blend of rural countryside, magnificent architecture, fascinating history and rural charm. What’s more, Moldova is also the home of some of Europe’s most ancient and fascinating wine culture, home to the biggest underground wine cellar in the world and over 150 wine producers of all shapes and sizes. Moldova’s unspoilt natural beauty, incredible local food and wine alongside world-beating hospitality which makes any visitor feel like a member of the family in a matter of minutes.
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Not Included
Today promises an experience unlike any other on your travels—a profound journey not just across geographic borders, but through layers of recent history and enduring political intrigue. After a fortifying breakfast at your hotel, you will board our private coach and set course for the east. Your destination is the Republic of Transnistria, a slender, self-declared independent state nestled along the Dniester River. This eastern sliver of Moldova operates with its own government, currency, and military, existing in a tense, unrecognized sovereignty supported by Russia. As you approach the border control, you’ll feel the unique atmosphere of crossing into a place that exists in a geopolitical limbo, a living relic of the post-Soviet world.
Your first immersion into Transnistria’s distinctive economy begins at a remarkable sturgeon farm, dedicated to the production of one of the world’s most luxurious delicacies: caviar. Here, you will delve into the fascinating and meticulous process of cultivating the famed “black gold of Russia.” Expert guides will explain the careful husbandry of these ancient fish, the precise harvesting techniques, and the intricate grading system that determines the caviar’s value. You will learn why this region’s aquaculture is so renowned and gain an appreciation for the years of patience required for a single tin of these precious pearls. Following the tour, an optional tasting session (27 EUR) offers a sublime opportunity to sample this exquisite product firsthand. Savor the distinct, buttery flavor profiles on traditional blini, and understand why connoisseurs the world over cherish it. For true caviar lovers, this is an unforgettable chance to experience unparalleled quality and authenticity.
Having awakened your palate, you will continue to a local Transnistrian restaurant for a hearty lunch. This is a chance to sample traditional cuisine that reflects a blend of Moldovan, Ukrainian, and Russian influences—hearty, flavorful dishes prepared with local ingredients, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Refreshed, the afternoon unveils the heart of Transnistria with a comprehensive city tour of Tiraspol, its capital. This is where you will truly grasp the unique character of this unrecognized republic. Stroll along the main boulevards, where you’ll notice the stark, monumentalist architecture of the Soviet era, statues of Lenin still standing with pride, and the ubiquitous presence of the state insignia. Your guide will provide insightful context about daily life here, the local perspectives on identity and independence, and the complex political reality that defines this isolated enclave.
Next, we visit a pillar of Transnistrian pride and industry: the legendary KVINT Cognac Factory. Since 1897, this distillery has been producing spirits of celebrated quality. A guided tour through its hallowed halls and aged cellars will reveal the secrets behind the production of their famous noble drop. Learn about the selection of grapes, the intricate distillation process, and the sacred art of aging in oak barrels. The visit culminates in a guided tasting, allowing you to appreciate the smooth, complex flavors of KVINT’s finest offerings—a toast to Transnistrian resilience and craftsmanship.
Our historical exploration then takes us to the formidable Bender Fortress (Tighina) in the city of Bender. This massive stone citadel, with origins dating back to the 16th century, has witnessed centuries of conflict and conquest. It is also famously woven into literary legend, as it is said to be the very fortress from which the fictional Baron Munchausen launched his legendary cannonball flight. Walking its ramparts offers a powerful sense of the region’s turbulent past.
As we return to Moldova proper in the evening, you will reflect on a day of profound contrasts. Locals often refer to excursions into Transnistria as “a time travel journey to the communist past,” and you will now understand this affectionate description. Today was more than a sightseeing trip; it was an immersive encounter with a place suspended in time, offering unparalleled insight into a unique and stubbornly enduring chapter of European history.
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.
Our guide will meet you in your hotel lobby
I highly recommend it. A very pleasant trip.
Our guide very knowledgable and fun stores. We had a great time in Moldova
Interesting trip
