Home / Europe, Moldova Tours / City Sightseeing
2 day(s)
Private
1-5 people
easy
This two-day tour explores the contrasting worlds of Moldova and Transdnistria, uncovering Soviet history, medieval monasteries, and rural traditions.
Time travel isn’t fiction—it’s reality in Transdnistria! Step into a land where Lenin still watches over city squares, where Soviet relics stand untouched, and where the echoes of the USSR blend with a unique modern-day identity. This tour takes you through Bender and Tiraspol, where history is written on every wall, every statue, and every market stall. Starting in Bender, we have the fantastic Ottoman fortress and Soviet revolutionary train, then on to Tiraspol, the capital of Transdnistria.
Walk through war memorials, Soviet-era streets, and the heart of Transdnistrian life, where old meets new in the most unexpected ways. Along the route, we’ll grab a retro lunch at an authentic Soviet canteen, where time literally stood still. See the monuments of an unrecognized country. Join us for a journey where the past isn’t just remembered—it’s still alive. This tour is the ideal blend of Soviet history, local culture, and what’s trending in contemporary Transdnistria—a complete must for you curious adventurers!
Proceed to a Journey Back in Time & Today’s Vibe.
Duration
2 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-5 people
Tour Code
2DEMATT-
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
City Sightseeing
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99
Chisinau
Chisinau
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 Petru Niamt 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 memorials, Lenin statues, the National Bank, Sheriff supermarket, the Drama Theater, and an quirky Transnistrian monument.
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. Dinner is at a popular local restaurant that is famous for its filling meat dishes. For another night activity, visitors get to ride in a fully restored Soviet Kopeika automobile. The ride comes with champagne, photo opportunities, and an option for self-driving. The day comes to a close with an overnight at Lenin Street Hostel, which is centrally located in Tiraspol.
Day Summary:
– Visit Chitcani Monastery (Petru Niamt 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
– 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.
The second day begins with breakfast at an early-opening cafe 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 power plant beach, offering an optional swimming experience. The town reveals more historical layers with a Lenin statue, 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, 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.
1 Night Accommodation in luxury hostel in separate rooms for 3 and 4 people
Private guide
Lunch in Tiraspol includes a first and second course plus Soviet Kompot soft drink in Tiraspol (100 rubles)
Private transportation
1L of water per person per day
Lunch in Traditional Moldovan village Old Orhei guesthouse (100 MDL)
Original authentic post cards
Domestic or International
Travel Incurance
Extra drinks, food or alcohol on the road and during lunches
Entrance fees (approx. 2-4 EUR)
Tips for guide/driver