Essential Moldova and Transdnistria Tour

Day 1: Chisinau – Bender – Tiraspol

The tour begins with an early departure from Chisinau to Bender, where we visit the Ottoman fortress, an important landmark for Russian, Turkish, and Swedish history. We continue to Chitcani village to explore Holy Ascension New Neamts (Kitskansky) Monastery, a peaceful and self-sufficient religious community supplying Tiraspol’s green market. The village features a Lenin statue and the House of Culture, reflecting its Soviet heritage. Lunch is served at a Soviet-style canteen, offering an authentic taste of the past.

We then cross the Dniester River on a Soviet-era engineless military ferry, a scenic and surreal experience. In Tiraspol, we see all of the main sights, including war memorial, Lenin statues, Supreme Council,  National Bank of PMR, Sheriff supermarket, House of Soviets, University, Drama Theater, and an quirky Transnistrian monument. You will then be checked in to your accommodation.

Guests can have free time or go on a visit to a local family of Soviet mountain climbers, where they can share stories over homemade mamaliga. For another night activity, you can get to ride a fully restored Soviet Kopeika automobile. The ride comes with champagne, photo opportunities, and an option for self-driving. Dinner is at a popular local restaurant that is famous for its filling meat dishes.  The day comes to a close with an overnight at Lenin Street Hostel, which is centrally located in Tiraspol.

Day Summary:

– Visit Chitcani Monastery (Holy Ascension New Neamts Monastery), a peaceful men’s monastery between Tiraspol and Bender
– Explore Chitcani village, its Lenin statue, and self-sufficient monastic life
– Cross the Dniester River on a unique Soviet military engineless ferry (in bad weather conditions, darkness or bad roads not in operation).
– Discover Tiraspol: Lenin statues, war memorials, Parliament, National Bank, Sheriff supermarket, Drama Theater, and an unusual Transnistrian monument
– Lunch at a Soviet-style canteen or a nostalgic “Back to the USSR” restaurant
– Optional evening with a local family of retired Soviet mountaineers, enjoying homemade mamaliga and warm hospitality
– Dinner at a local favorite restaurant for meat lovers
– Overnight in a cozy, quiet Tiraspol luxury Lenin Street Hostel with private rooms.

Day 2: Tiraspol – Dubossari – Old Orhei – Curchi – Chisinau

The second day begins with breakfast at an early-opening café in Tiraspol, followed by a journey to Grigoriopol, a town rich in Soviet-era monuments and local character. Next, we continue to Dubossari, where we explore a Soviet tank monument, the Glory Kurgan, and a strategic hydroelectric power station and soviet beach next to it, offering an optional swimming experience. The town reveals more historical layers with a Lenin statue, old Soviet Music school, an abandoned Soviet cinema, a well-preserved mosaic on a former hotel, and a Jewish Holocaust memorial. A visit to the abandoned Jewish cemetery offers insight into a lesser-known part of regional history.

As an alternative consider to drive from Dubossary to Old Orhei via Malovata village on another Soviet-era ferry across the Dniester River.

During lavender season (June–July), we can stop at the Lavender Festival, where local models compete for Vogue and Men’s Health magazine features. The journey then takes us across the Dniester into Moldova’s historical heart, with a visit to Old Orhei Cave Monastery, an ancient spiritual site carved into the cliffs. Guests will explore the monastery, the ethnographic village, and the surrounding landscapes that have shaped Moldova’s history.

The final stop is Curchi Monastery, a picturesque religious complex reached via a scenic route offering breathtaking views. The monastery’s rich history and architectural beauty make it an ideal location for photography. The tour concludes with a return to Chisinau, with drop-off at the hotel or airport. Over these two days, guests will experience the contrasting landscapes, traditions, and histories of both Transnistria and Moldova.

Day Summary:

– Breakfast at a local cafe in Tiraspol
– Explore Grigoriopol and its Soviet monuments
– Visit Dubasari: tank monument, Soviet beach next to hydroelectric power station, Lenin statue, abandoned cinema, mosaics, Jewish memorial, and old cemetery
– Optional stop at the Lavender Festival for stunning sunset photos (June–July)
– Cross into Moldova to explore Old Orhei Cave Monastery and its ancient villages
– Scenic drive to Curchi Monastery, a historic and picturesque site
– Return to Chisinau or transfer to the airport.