• Overall

  Spend 15 days exploring the best the Caucasus have on offer. All the highlights of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, combined with some Koryo-special hidden gems we know you'll love.

  This is our first tour to the Caucasus region, and we're so excited to take you along for the journey! 

  Explore the South Caucasus on this group tour combining culture and stunning landscapes with the Soviet-era history of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. We'll be travelling overland as we explore this vast region that has so much on offer. From travelling along old Silk Road routes to sipping sweet Georgian wine, exploring old Soviet landmarks to monasteries, UNESCO Heritage Sites and incredible landscapes. 

  You can expect to travel alongside fellow curious and adventurous travellers, enjoy comfortable accommodation, experience daily cultural highlights, as well as a good mix of guided exploration and free time.

  Let's take a look at what we'll be getting up to in each country... 

  ---

  Azerbaijan

  We'll begin our adventure in the dynamic capital of Baku, a crossroads between east and west.

  The stunning elegance of the modern flame towers is juxtaposed by the historical heart of the old city with its towers and palaces.

  From Baku, we'll venture further afield, leaving behind the coastal capital and into the countryside, making stops at the towns of Sheki and Qakh, home to strongholds that once defended the region from outside invaders, and grand palaces once home to great khans.

  During our trip we'll spend time with local families, explore grand old churches, and get a feel for real traditional life in this incredible country.

  Georgia

  Cross into Georgia to sample Kakheti wine country. Some of the world's best wine!

  Often described as the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a proud cultural heritage. Crossing the Balakan River via the Lagodekhi customs post, we’ll officially enter the Kakheti Region, known as the heart of Georgian wine country.

  Georgia is a paradise for those who love historic churches and cathedrals. And for city lovers, we delve into Tbilisi’s vibrant streets and Soviet landmarks.

  Continue west to the lush forests and mineral springs of Borjomi, the seaside charm of Batumi, and the spiritual calm of Gelati Monastery. 

  From wine to historic buildings to bustling cities to amazing nature - Georgia really has it all. 

  Armenia

  As we cross into Armenia, we'll make sure to stop at a stunning UNESCO-listed monastery. Then take you to a lakeside hotel overlooking the natural beauty of Armenia's Lake Sevan.

  Going deeper into the heart of Armenia, we go from the modern to the historic as we explore cathedral ruins, pagan temples, and abandoned Soviet observatories. All of this to be found as we wander the cosy streets of the Armenian capital, Yerevan!

  From the rock formation of the Symphony of Stones (mysterious yet beautiful) to the hustle and bustle of the capital's covered markets, you'll find something in Armenia to wow you.

  ---

  ---

  Scroll down for an overview of the Caucasus Tour highlights, tour itinerary, transport options, visa information, and extra add-ons.

  Highlights

  • Azerbaijan | Discover the Ancient Capital of Baku and the nearby Zoroastrian Fire Temples, visit local Azerbaijani villages & their ancient fortresses.
  • Georgia | Explore the Soviet Heritage of Tbilisi & visit a picturesque monastery near the coast of the mighty Black Sea.
  • Armenia | Discover the history and legacy of Armenia & its capital Yerevan.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 15

  1. April 17 | Saturday

     Arrival Day in Baku

     • The latest recommended arrival time to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is this morning. Baku's international airport is well-connected to the main hubs in the Gulf, Istanbul, and some European airports, offering convenient connections from all around the World.
        
     • Airport pickups and transfers are included.

     Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

     • Today, we begin our adventure. Meeting before lunch, we’ll have a pre-tour briefing before trying some local cuisine in the heart of the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.
        
     • Baku has an amazing history. Situated on the banks of the Caspian, this city is instrumental in the global oil industry, producing, at one time, nearly half the world’s oil. For this reason, during the Soviet era, Baku took the moniker ‘The Black City’.
        
     • Due to its oil wealth, Baku was able to grow beyond its ancient heritage and is now a city of two halves: the old and the new. Each side sits in a real juxtaposition to the other.

     
     Modern Baku City

     • After a hearty local lunch, we will head out into Baku’s contemporary district in search of the extravagant and modern side of this historical capital.
        
     • Flame Towers of Baku | Our first stop will be the 3-Pointed Skyscrapers (a.k.a. the Flame Towers of Baku), built by Azerbaijan's ruling Aliyev Family.
        
     • The buildings represent flames, linked to Azerbaijan’s nickname ‘The Land of Fire’ due to the natural gas that has traditionally flared from the ground.
        
     • We will also take in the contemporary landmark Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid and famed for its distinctive architecture incorporating a flowing, curved style that abstains from sharp angles.

     Free Evening at your own leisure

     • This evening is free to allow for further exploration of the modern heart of Azerbaijan, or join your tour leader for a first meal in one of the delicious restaurants located throughout the city.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baku
     Included Meals | Lunch

  2. April 18 | Sunday

     Baku City Tour

     • Baku Old City | Today, we’ll begin our journey with a trip back in time to Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher). We’ll enter through the famed Paired Fortress Gates known by some as the ‘Shamaxi Gate’.
        
     • Maiden Tower | Our trip into the old city will begin with a visit to the imposing Maiden Tower, one of the most distinctive landmarks in the city, dating back to the 12th century, standing at 28 metres tall.
        
     • Interestingly, standing at the top of the tower, you’ll find yourself at sea level! The tower is home to a museum dedicated to the ever-changing history of Baku.
        
     • Palace of the Shirvanshahs | From towers to palaces, we’ll head to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
        
     • This 15th-century marvel is considered the Pearl of Azerbaijan's Architecture. Inside the complex, we’ll visit the residence, the burial-vaults, the Shah's mosque with a minaret and the Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Mausoleum (the so-called "mausoleum of the dervish").
        
     • Baku's Jewish Quarter | After we’ve finished our palace exploration, we’ll head to the Juhud Zeynallilar (Jewish Quarter).
        
     • This district was built early in the 19th century, with the Mountain Jewish, Kurdish, Georgian, Ashkenazi, and even Chassidic communities adding their own touches to the area.
        
     • Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre | Once housed the first synagogue in Baku. Today, it is home to a theatre staging a variety of national musical concerts and performances.
        
     • Ateshgah Fire Temple | After some free time for lunch, we’ll regroup for the drive out to the Ateshgah Fire Temple. This ancient fire temple was once a significant site for Zoroastrian and Hindu Fire Worshippers, attracting both local and foreign believers.
        
     • Yanar Dag | As the afternoon darkens and makes way for evening, we’ll make our final stop at the Fire Mountain Yanar Dag. Azerbaijan’s history is greatly related to fire, and Yanar Dag is a symbol of this ancient union.
        
     • In centuries past, the natural gas vents that caused these fires were seen as sacred by the followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions and understandably one that evolved from this region.  

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baku
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Dinner

  3. April 19 | Monday

     Baku to Sheki

     • Departing Baku | This morning, we’ll bid farewell to Baku and head into the Caucasus region. Making our drive inland, our first place to stop today is Samaxi, home to the Juma Mosque of Shamakhi and the second biggest in the Trans-Caspian region.
        
     • Juma Mosque | The Juma Mosque has been through many reconstructions and repairs over the centuries, as it has been damaged by successive earthquakes and battles.
        
     • We’ll also enjoy a local lunch in this city before heading out on the road again to the City of Sheki, located in the northwestern reaches of Azerbaijan. This beautiful settlement is home to the stunning Palace of the Sheki Khans. 
        
     • Along the way, we will pass through lush forests, charming villages, and historic caravan routes once part of the Great Silk Road.
        
     • Palace of the Sheki Khans | The Palace of Shaki Khans, as the name suggests, was the residence of the Shaki Khanate, a Khanate that existed from 1743 till 1822 and ruled the town of Shakia and the surrounding area.
        
     • The palace is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site built without the use of a single nail. It’s home to some exquisite wooden and stained-glass windows, captivating painted ceilings, and a fascinating roof built in the design of a Persian carpet. It’s said by many that the lavish blend of Azerbaijani, Persian, and Ottoman styles is some of the best in the world.
        
     • Drive to the Hotel | Following our visit, we’ll head to the hotel for some well-deserved rest and a delicious evening meal.

     
     Accommodation | Hotel in Sheki
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. April 20 | Tuesday

     Sheki to Gakh

     • Sheki Fortress | After another hearty breakfast, we’ll leave the hotel and begin our day with a visit to the Sheki Fortress, an 18th-century stronghold that once protected the city from invaders.
        
     • We will walk along its ancient stone walls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
        
     • Stained Glass Family | After our historic morning, we’ll visit a local artisan whose family have been working to produce Azerbaijani Shebeke (stained glass) for generations.
        
     • Not only will you have the chance to see how these stunning stained glass decorations are produced, but everyone will have the chance to make their own.
        
     • Qakh | After stopping at a local family to experience true Azerbaijani hospitality over a traditional lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to another city as we make our way onwards into the surrounding countryside. We’ll drive to the small village of Qakh, stopping to visit the Kurmukhi Church located on the outskirts of the village. This Georgian-style church offers beautiful views over the surrounding rolling green hills.
        
     • Gakh | Later we’ll head to the village of Gakh, a hidden gem in Azerbaijan, complete with breathtaking forests, waterfalls, and historic churches.
        
     • Our accommodation tonight offers us the chance for some optional pampering with an en-suite spa, swimming pool, and sauna.
        

     Accommodation | Hotel in Gakh
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. April 21 | Wednesday

     Azerbaijan to Georgia

     • Crossing into Georgia | Today, we set off early as we bid farewell to Azerbaijan and cross the border into Georgia. This is our second country on this South Caucasus journey.
        
     • Our destination is the charming town of Telavi, first mentioned as early as the 2nd century and famous today for its historic landmarks and the warmth of its people.
        
     • Nekresi Monastery | Before reaching Telavi, we’ll stop at the peaceful hilltop Nekresi Monastery. Surrounded by dense woodlands and overlooking the Alazani Valley, this complex is one of the most significant examples of early and medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture.
        
     • Once a thriving religious and cultural centre, the monastery played a major role in the spread of Christianity throughout the region.
        
     • Gremi Church | Continuing, we’ll visit the impressive Gremi Church of the Archangels and the Royal Tower Complex.
        
     • Sitting high above the village of Gremi, this hilltop fortress served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th century. With its well-preserved battlements, medieval church, and hidden passageways, it offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Georgia’s royal past.
        
     • Traditional Georgian Dinner | This evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Georgian dinner hosted by a local family in Telavi. Our first taste of Georgia’s legendary hospitality!

     Accommodation | Hotel in Telavi
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. April 22 | Thursday

     Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia

     • Telavi Farmer's Market | This morning, we’ll begin with a stroll through the lively farmer’s market in Telavi. This is a great chance to take in the everyday life of the region and perhaps sample some of the local produce.
        
     • Before leaving, we’ll also stop by the town’s iconic farmer’s statue, dedicated to the local agricultural industry.
        
     • Drive to Tbilisi | We’ll then head west, through the scenic Georgian countryside, as we make our way to the nation’s capital, Tbilisi. On arrival, we’ll begin an in-depth city tour of the Old Town, winding through cobbled streets, leafy courtyards, and atmospheric alleyways.
        
     • Holy Trinity Church | Our first stop is the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
        
     • Narikala Fortress | From there, we’ll make our way to the Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century citadel that offers panoramic views over the old town and the Mtkvari River.
        
     • Anchiskhati Basilica | Continuing our city tour, we’ll visit the Anchiskhati Basilica. This is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.
        
     • Followed by the charming Sharden Street area, a bustling cultural hub filled with cafés, galleries, and shops. A chance to mix with local people going about their day. From here, we’ll hop on the Tbilisi Funicular for a scenic ride up Mtatsminda Park, offering some of the best views of the capital.
        
     • Tbilisi Museum of Modern Art | Our final visit is to the Tbilisi Museum of Modern Art, showcasing an intriguing mix of local and international contemporary works.
        
     • Free Evening | This evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of Tbilisi’s many restaurants or to explore the city at your own pace.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Tbilisi
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  7. April 23 | Friday

     Georgian Military Highway

     • Depart Tbilisi | Today, we leave the Georgian capital behind and head north into the mountains as we begin our journey along the Georgian Military Highway. One of the most scenic routes in the entire Caucasus.
        
     • Ananuri Fortress | Our first stop is the magnificent Ananuri Fortress, an impressive 17th-century complex perched on the banks of the Aragvi River.
        
     • Once home to the powerful Aragvi feudal dynasty, the fortress is a blend of medieval military architecture and more traditional religious design. We’ll explore its towers, churches, and fortified walls, all while taking in sweeping views of the Zhinvali Reservoir below.
        
     • The Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument | From Ananuri, we’ll continue our drive through the Caucasus Mountains to the iconic Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument.
        
     • Built in 1983, this enormous semi-circular structure was constructed to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk. Covered in colourful Soviet-era mosaics and set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s both a historical monument and an outstanding photo opportunity.
        
     • Return to Tbilisi | After taking time to soak in the views, we return to Tbilisi in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening in the city.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Tbilisi
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  8. April 24 | Saturday

     Soviet Georgia

     • Soviet Georgia | This morning, we’ll dive into a different side of Tbilisi as we explore the city’s Soviet-era legacy.
        
     • Georgia played a central role in the USSR, as the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic and remains one of the best places to see striking examples of Soviet modernism.
        
     • Archaeological Museum | We’ll begin at the Archaeological Museum before heading to some of Tbilisi’s most iconic Soviet buildings. This includes the gravity-defying former Ministry of Highways building, the dramatic Auditorium of the Industrial Technology College, and the Palace of Ceremonies and Rituals. 
        
     • These unique structures offer an insight into the Soviet period in Georgia, along with a glimpse at the architectural style which made the USSR so distinctive.
        
     • Tbilisi Housing Complex | We’ll also visit the Tbilisi Housing Complex, a bold example of socialist-era urban planning, and finish our tour at Stalin’s underground printing museum. A secretive site once used to produce revolutionary materials, set up by Stalin himself!
        
     • Gori & Stalin Museum | This afternoon, we’ll hit the road for a 90-minute drive to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. We’ll visit the Gori Fortress and the Stalin Museum Complex, including his preserved childhood home and the personal railway carriage he used during his time as Soviet leader.
        
     • Drive to Borjomi | After exploring Gori, we continue to the spa town of Borjomi, nestled in the forested hills of central Georgia. We’ll arrive in time for a late dinner and a well-earned rest.
        

     Accommodation | Hotel in Borjomi
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. April 25 | Sunday

     Borjomi to Batumi

     • Walking in Borjomi | This morning begins with a walk through Borjomi Central Park, the heart of Georgia’s famous spa town. 
        
     • Known for its mineral-rich waters, Borjomi has been a destination for healing and relaxation since Tsarist times. We’ll visit the original spring to sample the naturally carbonated water straight from the source, believed by many to hold many great health benefits.
        
     • Kutaisi | From here, we’ll continue west through the Lesser Caucasus, arriving in the historic city of Kutaisi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe.
        
     • Gelati Monastery | Our main stop is the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once one of Georgia’s great spiritual and intellectual centres.
        
     • Founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder, the monastery's architecture is also remarkable, featuring intricate stone carvings, frescoes, and mosaics that showcase the artistic achievements of the Georgian Golden Age.
        
     • Batumi Black Sea Coast Town | After lunch, we press on toward the Black Sea coast, arriving in the port city of Batumi by early evening. A striking contrast to the rest of the Caucasus, Batumi blends modern high-rises with old-world charm and offers a subtropical setting unlike anywhere else on the trip.
        
     • Seaside Dinner | We’ll enjoy a seaside dinner and settle into our hotel overlooking the sea, ready to explore more of Batumi tomorrow.

     
     Accommodation | Hotel in Batumi
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. April 26 | Monday

      Batumi

      • Explore Batumi | This morning, we’ll take our time to explore Batumi. This is Georgia’s vibrant Black Sea resort city. Known for its unique mix of old and new, Batumi blends Belle Époque Architecture with bold modern design, giving it a distinct coastal charm unlike anywhere else in the region.
         
      • Walking through Batumi | We’ll begin with a walk along Batumi Boulevard, a palm-lined promenade stretching beside the sea. Along the way, we’ll see striking landmarks such as the Alphabet Tower, symbolising the Georgian script, and the Statue of Medea, a nod to the region’s ancient mythological connections.
         
      • We’ll also wander through Old Batumi, where narrow cobbled streets are flanked by colourful 19th-century buildings, cafes, and small shops that reflect the city’s multicultural past.
         
      • Free Afternoon | After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You may choose to relax by the beach, explore the local markets, or visit one of Batumi’s museums or botanical gardens.
         
      • Train to Tbilisi | In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer to the train station for our return journey to Tbilisi. The scenic rail route takes us through the mountains and valleys of western Georgia, arriving back in the capital in time for a free evening to find dinner at one of the capital’s many wonderful restaurants.
         

      Accommodation | Hotel in Tbilisi
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  11. April 27 | Tuesday

      Georgia to Armenia

      • Crossing into Armenia | Today, we bid farewell to Georgia and continue our adventure as we cross into the third and final country of our journey... Armenia. 
         
      • After breakfast, we’ll drive south toward the Sadakhlo Border Crossing, where we’ll meet our Armenian guide and complete formalities before entering this ancient land of highland monasteries and rugged beauty.
         
      • Haghpat Monastery | Our first destination is Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century. This medieval monastic complex is one of Armenia’s architectural masterpieces, built during the height of the Bagratid Kingdom.
         
      • Set atop a verdant hill overlooking the Debed Gorge, Haghpat combines a serene spiritual ambience with intricate stone carvings and centuries of history. Uniquely, its floor contains holes that were once used to cool and store wine — an echo of Armenia’s ancient viniculture.
         
      • Lake Sevan | Following a local lunch, we continue through the Tavush region to Lake Sevan, known as the "Jewel of Armenia." Sitting at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres, it’s one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. We’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery, perched on a rocky peninsula with panoramic views across the lake’s vivid blue waters and the surrounding mountains.
         
      • Arrive at Lakeside Hotel | Tonight, we’ll settle into our lakeside hotel for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Sevan.
         

      Accommodation | Hotel in Sevan
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  12. April 28 | Wednesday

      Lake Sevan to Yerevan

      • Depart Lake Sevan | This morning, we’ll depart Lake Sevan and make our way toward some of Armenia’s most iconic historic sites.
         
      • Geghard Monastery | Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Geghard Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the rock face of the Azat River Gorge.
         
      • Also known as Ayrivank (“Monastery of the Cave”), this sacred site dates back to the 4th century and is famed for its acoustics, stunning rock-hewn chapels, and the healing spring said to cure ailments. With its mystical atmosphere and mountain backdrop, Geghard is one of Armenia’s true spiritual treasures.
         
      • Symphony of Stones | On the way to our next site, we’ll pause to see the Symphony of Stones. A striking natural formation of vertical basalt columns lining the gorge, resembling a giant pipe organ carved by nature.
         
      • Garni Temple | From there, we continue to Garni Temple, the only standing Greco-Roman collonaded building in the former Soviet Union. Built in the 1st century and dedicated to the sun god Mihr, Garni is a rare example of Armenia’s pre-Christian heritage.
         
      • With its classical design and stunning mountain views, it remains one of the country’s most photographed landmarks, so we’ll be sure to stop for photos!
         
      • Arrive in Yerevan | In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital. Before our day is over, we’ll pay a visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory to learn how traditional Armenian Brandy is made (and maybe even try some ourselves!).

      Accommodation | Hotel in Yerevan
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. April 29 | Thursday

      Yerevan, the capital of Armenia

      • Explore Yerevan | Today, we’ll set out to explore Yerevan, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and Armenia’s bustling, cultural heart.
         
      • Republic Square | Our day begins with a city tour, taking in the highlights of this vibrant capital. We’ll start at Republic Square, the city's central hub, known for its pink tuff stone buildings and musical fountains.
         
      • Cascade Monument | From there, we ascend the Cascade Monument, a massive stairway adorned with contemporary sculptures and fountains. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city and, on a clear day, the majestic silhouette of Mount Ararat rising in the distance.
         
      • Ejmiatsin | After soaking in the cityscape, we continue to Ejmiatsin. This is the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and often referred to as the “Vatican of Armenia.” We’ll visit the Ejmiatsin Cathedral, believed to be the world’s oldest cathedral, built in the early 4th century. According to legend, the site was divinely revealed to Saint Gregory the Illuminator in a vision.
         
      • Svarnots Cathedral Ruins | On our return to Yerevan, we’ll stop at the Zvartnots Cathedral ruins, a magnificent 7th-century structure once considered one of the finest examples of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Today, the UNESCO-listed site offers striking views and fascinating archaeological insight.
         
      • Free Evening | This evening, relax back in Yerevan or explore the city’s cafés, galleries, or local markets, or enjoy an optional visit to the Mordechai Navi Synagogue.

      Accommodation | Hotel in Yerevan
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  14. April 30 | Friday

      Soviet Armenia

      • Soviet Armenia | Today, we’ll shift focus away from the medieval cathedrals to Armenia’s more recent past with a deep dive into its Soviet-era heritage — a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in the country’s history.
         
      • Lernamerdz | We begin with a visit to Lernamerdz, home to one of the few remaining Lenin statues still standing in Armenia. Once commonplace throughout the Soviet Union, most Lenin monuments were removed following independence, making this a rare and striking remnant of the USSR.
         
      • Orgov Radio Telescope | From there, we’ll continue into the mountains to explore the Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope, a Cold War-era scientific installation hidden in the mountains. Built in the 1980s, this enormous and futuristic observatory once served cutting-edge research purposes and remains one of the largest of its kind. We have special permission to head inside this marvel of Soviet ambition and explore what remains of the scientific legacy of the USSR.
         
      • Shopping in Yerevan | Returning to Yerevan in the afternoon, we’ll explore two of the city’s most atmospheric markets. First, the GUM Shuka, a Soviet-style covered market where stalls are piled high with dried fruits, spices, cheeses, and cured meats — perfect for those looking to soak up a taste of local life. Then, we’ll browse the Vernissage Market, Yerevan’s famous open-air bazaar, where you’ll find everything from Soviet memorabilia to handcrafted Armenian souvenirs.
         
      • Farewell Dinner | Tonight, we gather for our final group dinner in Armenia, reflecting on our journey through the Caucasus, recounting stories and memories from our two-week adventure and sharing photos of our exploits!

       

      Accommodation | Hotel in Yerevan
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. May 1 | Saturday

      Departure Day From Armenia

      • We hope you’ll leave the region with a head filled with happy memories and a phone full of amazing photos!
         
      • Airport transfers are available to Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). Yerevan's international airport has a selection of flights to major hubs in Europe and the Gulf, offering connections to the rest of the World.
         
      • Alternatively, we can arrange additional hotel bookings for those looking to stay a bit longer, and even organise extensions for those intrepid travellers keen to venture further into the region.

      Included Meals | Breakfast

      END OF TOUR

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Airport Transfers (only on the tour beginning/end dates)
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Local Tour Guides
  • Drivers
  • A Western Tour Leader
  • All Transportation on the Itinerary
  • All entry fees for attractions and sights

  NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Single room supplement unless otherwise specified (US$50 per night)
  • Early check-in
  • Spending money on drinks and souvenirs
  • Any required visa fees
  • Tips for local guides
  • Some meals (we will make recommendations)
  • Airport transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) - US$30

• Notes

  IMPORTANT NOTE TO TOURISTS

  This is a busy, active group tour covering 3 countries over 2 weeks. There will be plenty of exploration, city walks, sightseeing, and long drives, so please come prepared for a fast-paced adventure.

  In some capital cities, there will be free afternoons or evenings where you can explore independently, enjoy dinner away from the group, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax at a café. You are also very welcome to join the tour leader and other group members if you prefer.

  Please note that we will be driving relatively long distances at times, and vehicle seats can be firm. We recommend bringing a travel pillow or neck support for extra comfort. The incredible scenery and experiences along the way more than make up for a little discomfort.

  Please be punctual for all departures and ensure you return to the hotel on time in the evenings.

  Most Western tourists will likely need a visa to enter Azerbaijan, although requirements vary by nationality and country. Please check the requirements for all countries on the itinerary before travel. We are happy to assist with visa information and support if needed.

Please apply by 1st March, 2027.

• Overall

  Perfect for those looking for a Moldova and Transnistria tour with a difference. Koryo Tours brings you to the fascinating and complex, least-visited part of Europe with this combo tour of Moldova, the semi-autonomous region of Gagauzia, and the breakaway state of Transnistria (PMR). Just in time for its Victory Day celebrations.

  More than merely a trip to the twin capitals, we spend 3 nights in Moldova and 4 nights in Transnistria to go deep into and through both of these countries to learn and experience what makes them special. The shared and unshared histories and narratives, and the depth and breadth of the cultures contained in this small area that is too often overlooked.

  We will start and finish in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova and a city visually defined by the range of architectural periods on display, as well as being the seat of power in the republic. We will take in the highlights of the city on foot, and get through monuments, museums, parks, boulevards, and more. A perfect introduction to this kind of trip.

  We will also see what Moldova is known in much of the world for: wine production. With vast wineries and miles of underground caverns for storage and processing. The industry here is unlike those elsewhere and has long been crucial to the economy. 

  Gagauzia is a crucial semi-autonomous region of Moldova, with distinct ethnicity, history, and characteristics. We travel here to experience and learn, and visit the capital city of Comrat as well as some villages and distinctive sites.

  Transnistria is known as Europe's oddity. A breakaway state that wrestled itself into existence after armed conflict with Moldova in the early 90s. It is a highly complex geopolitical entity which is often passed off as merely some kind of Soviet Union theme park.

  Far more than that, the PMR (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, as it prefers to be known) is a fascinating and unusual place, with a deliberate throwback aesthetic, its own systems and society, and a place worthy of a deeper look. We will visit all over this remarkable place, north and south Transnistria, and of course the capital city of Tiraspol.

  Be prepared for something quite different!

  Like with any Koryo Tours adventure, this Moldova and Transnistria trip promises more than just following a generic itinerary. We have been visiting the area since the early 90s and find it fascinating, and we always add as much as we can to any trip, as well as making the best local connections to maximise the journey for all of our travellers.

  You'll make memories for a lifetime, and we look forward to being there with you.

  ---

  ---

  Scroll down for more information on highlights, inclusions & exclusions, and the full itinerary. 

  Highlights

  • Chisinau | Capital city of Moldova with its amazing architectural mix, as well as wineries and villages outside the city.
  • Gagauzia | The semi-autonomous region of Gagauzia, with its distinct traditions, characteristics, and charm.
  • Transnistria | Visiting the north and south of this breakaway state of Transnistria as well as the capital city of Tiraspol. The most complete experience you will find in this highly unusual state

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 8

  1. May 4 | Tuesday

     Arrival Day & Chisinau City Tour

     • The adventure begins! | Arrival at Chisinau Airport and then transfer to the city centre.
        
     • 2.5-hour walking tour of Chisinau guided by a local specialist | This will show us the most beautiful parks, Soviet-era architecture, monuments of imperial architecture of Bessarabia, and several notable churches.
        
     • Many major historic sites were constructed in the 19th century from local white limestone, and this walk will show the development of styles as well as the juxtaposition of architectural models from imperial style through socialist modernism to the present day.
        
     • Parks and Architecture of Chisinau | In the centre we will see many administrative buildings, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliament and the City Administration, which are located on Stephen the Great Boulevard.
        
     • We visit different cultural centres such as the M. Eminescu National Theatre, the Organ Hall, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
        
     • In the historical zone, there are hundreds of houses from the 19th century, many old churches and the Cathedral of the Nativity.
        
     • The Arch of Triumph is, of course, included, along with church visits, the monument to Stephen the Great, Cathedral Park, Chisinau City Hall, and other significant landmarks.

     Accommodation | Bristol Hotel, Chisinau (Moldova)

     Included Meals | Lunch

  2. May 5 | Wednesday

     Journey to Gagauzia

     • Manuc Bey Mansion | We leave the capital and drive to the town of Hancesti for a visit to the stunning Manuc Bey Mansion. Built in 1816, this architectural monument stands as one of the most remarkable historical estates in the country, offering an insight into the life and legacy of the renowned Armenian merchant and diplomat Manuc Bey. 
        
     • Journey into Gagauzia | Next, we continue by road into Gagauzia, a unique autonomous region of Moldova. The Gagauz people are ethnically Turkic, follow the Orthodox Church, and write their own language in Cyrillic. They are distinct culturally and historically from Moldovans, and their history and the key place they hold in the destiny of modern Moldova are very much worth learning about.
        
     • Our next stop is Besalma village, and the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum - the world's first museum of Gagauz Culture and Life - for lessons on history, ethnography, culture, and folk music too! 
        
     • Gagauzia and the local capital city, Comrat | We will stop at Congaz, a Gagauz settlement claimed as one of the largest villages in Europe, for a late lunch and a visit to the ethno-tourist complex Gagauz Sofrasi, and then head to the Gagauz capital of Comrat.
        
     • Check into our hotel and enjoy free time to wander this welcoming and small city. 

     Accommodation | Altin Palace Hotel, Comrat (Gagauzia)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. May 6 | Thursday

     Comrat, Wine, and Chisinau

     • Comrat, Capital of Gagauzia | We start the day with a guided tour of Comrat.
        
     • The city has a population of around 25,000, and 70% are ethnic Gagauz. We will cover it on foot, including the cathedral, parks, notable monuments (there are many here), and learn about what makes this region autonomous, their unique traditions, warm hospitality, and rural charm
        
     • Villages & Vineyards | Next, we depart for Avdarma village to visit one of the most well-preserved villages in Moldova and see the modern local museum.
        
     • We then visit Gagauzia’s most famous winery, Vinuri de Comrat. We will have lunch here too and time to enjoy a little of what they make in this lovely place.

     Chisinau

     • Head for the Capital | Time to head back to Chisinau. A scenic drive from Gagauzia back to Moldova proper brings us to the capital, where a free evening to sample restaurants, nightlife, or more exploring awaits. 

     Accommodation | Bristol Hotel, Chisinau (Moldova)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  4. May 7 | Friday

     Wine Tunnels & entering Transnistria! 

     Cricova Winery

     • Subterranean Wine City | We depart to Cricova Winery, one of the largest wine cellars in Moldova. Boasting 128 km of labyrinthine roadways and tunnels, which have existed under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was dug out to help build the city of Chisinau.
        
     • These were converted into an underground wine emporium in the 1950s. Tunnels go down over 340 feet below ground and hold 1.25 million bottles of wine, some dating back more than a century. There will be a tasting as well as a tour.

     Bessarabia

     • A little rural & religious life | Next, we head to a local village for a rustic lunch, and then on to Curchi Monastery, one of the most important architectural monuments of Bessarabia.
        
     • One of the most beautiful and famous monasteries of the region, it is located in a valley in Orhei forest, surrounded by orchards, trees, and on the banks of a river; a peaceful and serene place.

     Transnistria

     • Enter Transnistria | We take to the road again and cross the border into Transnistria/Pridnestrovia/PMR.
        
     • Dubasari town is our destination, and here we spend our first night in the PMR, ready for more adventures in this most unique of nations. 

     Accommodation | Dnestrovskii Sad Hotel, Dubasari (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  5. May 8 | Saturday

     Northern Transnistria and arrival in Tiraspol 

     • Exploring the north of the PMR | Today we explore the northern Transnistrian region.

     Rabnita

     • Starting with Rabnita, the third-largest settlement in Transnistria and an industrial Soviet looking town.
        
     • We see parts of the local steel mill, the Lenin monument, soviet mosaics on the House of Culture, the Memorial of Glory for the Great Patriotic War, and Archangel Michael Cathedral.

     Rascov Village

     • Next we go to Rascov village to see the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union Fiodor Zharchinskiy, another Lenin monument, Polish Saint Caietan Cathedral from the 18th century, synagogue walls from the 18th century, and more.

     Camenca Town

     • Continue the northern tour | Next stop is Camenca town.
        
     • Here we visit yet another Lenin monument in the city centre.
        
     • Wittgenstein Park, Memorial of Glory for the Great Patriotic War - all as part of exploring these little-seen corners of the PMR. 
        
     • From Camenca we move south back to Dubasari. Naturally, there is a Lenin monument, Memorial of Glory, Soviet stadium, and a Hydroelectric Dam.
        
     • This day will take us to a broad range of the kinds of settlements the PMR is made up of places rarely seen by visitors. 

     Tiraspol

     • Tiraspol | We then head to the capital city of Tiraspol for our overnight stay and free time in the evening. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  6. May 9 | Sunday (National Holiday: Victory Day)

     Tiraspol, Bender, and Victory Day

     • A Day of Celebration in Tiraspol | Today is Victory Day, a major annual holiday throughout the former USSR (anniversary of the defeat of fascism in 1945).
        
     • We will take a city tour of Tiraspol, the administrative centre of the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. 
        
     • Feel the atmosphere of this disputed territory, which has long been a battlefield between the major powers of the region.
        
     • We will explore Soviet-era buildings, an epic monument to General Suvorov, A WWII tank and other period vehicles, parks, busts, the Central Market, a huge Lenin monument in front of the main government building, House of the Soviets, and so much more.
        
     • Tiraspol is known to be something of a time capsule from the Soviet era, and we will see in what ways this is and is not an accurate depiction of the city. We will also have lunch in a Soviet-themed restaurant. 

     Transnistria Victory Day Celebrations

     • Victory Day events | Being in Tiraspol for Victory Day on May 9th is a unique opportunity to experience one of the region's most important commemorative events.
        
     • The city comes alive with militaria, patriotic music, traditional performances, and public ceremonies honouring the sacrifices made during World War II. Streets are decorated with flags and flowers, while veterans and local residents gather to pay tribute at memorials and monuments.

     Bender Fortress

     • Bender Fortress | We will visit Bender Fortress, in the frontier city of Bender just a short drive from Tiraspol.
        
     • This dates from the 16th century, built initially by the Moldavian ruler Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great) as a part of a defensive chain on the Nistria (Dniester) River. In 1538, as the city became part of the Ottoman Empire, the sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, rebuilt the fortress in stone and renamed the city as Bender.
        
     • Bender Fortress is well-preserved and houses a museum, torture chamber, and various info boards and monuments. We will also explore soviet architecture in Bender, such as the Tighina Military Cemetery, train station, Gorky cinema, local mosaics, etc.
        
     • At the end of an epic day, we transfer back to Tiraspol for a free Victory Day evening. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  7. May 10 | Monday

     Southern Transnistria

     • Experience the Industrial  | Today we focus on the southern part of Transnistria, starting with the Aquatir Sturgeon complex, for breeding fish and producing black caviar.
        
     • We will tour the facility and do some tasing too.

     Slobozia

     • Next, we depart to visit Slobozia for a short walk through the town center of Slobozia, getting to know the architecture and atmosphere of the region.

     Dnestrovsc

     • In another town, Dnestrovsc, we see a familiar face in the local Lenin monument, the monument ‘Power Man ’-a Promethean statue in the city center, see mosaics on the Palace of Culture, have a few more appearances of Lenin, and also visit the Cuciurgan Lake. It’s not just monuments though. We take the time to get a sense of life in this little-known and little-visited area too. 

     Cioburciu

     • More of the south | After a local lunch, we depart to Cioburciu, located on the banks of the Dniester River in the Lower Dniester National Park and offering stunning views.
        
     • One of the region's most famous parks is here, a place to relax, stroll, and recharge before the next stage of the route: Chobruchi Park, the House of Culture, and Soviet-era buildings.

     Noul Neamt Monastery

     • Religious History | On the way back to Tiraspol, we visit the Noul Neamt Monastery complex in Chitcani village, which was one of the largest cultural and educational centres of medieval Moldova.
        
     • When the monks were forbidden to worship in the Slavonic language, they fled to the present Chitcani village, where they founded the Noul Neamt Monastery in 1859.
        
     • Return to Tiraspol | After a big day in the south, we return to Tiraspol for a final evening of the tour and a last chance to sample some of the city’s nightlife. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  8. May 11 | Tuesday

     Leave Transnistria & Departure Day

     • Departing Transnistria | We leave the PMR and head back on the 90-minute drive to Chisinau. 
        
     • End of the trip, or continue your adventures and experiences | This amazing trip ends today, and we can transfer you to the airport to fly away, to the train station to ride the rails onward, or you can of course extend your adventure in Moldova by staying longer, heading on to another neighbouring country. (The train to Romania is a convenient and interesting way to continue travels from here, too!)
        

     Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room (international tours)

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Meals as per the itinerary. Usually breakfast and lunch each day.
  • Bottled water throughout the day.
  • Accommodation as per itinerary. Various hotels of various standards. Twin bedrooms unless a single room is requested (extra fee). 
  • All transportation in Moldova and Transnistria.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Chisinau.
  • Entry fees, cultural programs, and activities as indicated on the itinerary.
  • English-speaking local guide.
  • Koryo Tours Tour Leader.

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Visa fee (if required - most visitors do not need a visa for either Moldova or Transnistria)
  • Flights to start/finish the tour. You can also arrive/depart by train, road, etc. 
  • Optional tips for the local guide and the drivers (Recommend 20 EUR per day per traveller, i.e. 140 EUR in total).
  • Single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
  • Personal expenses and beverages, apart from water
  • Insurance

• Notes

  Throughout the tour, we will stay in quality accommodation, include free evenings and time to explore, and arrange meals in characteristic and interesting places. Transportation and local expertise are included, as well as the company of a Koryo Tours tour leader. All to get you the maximum value and experience on this adventure. 

Please apply by 12th April, 2027.

• Overall

  A whole Timor Island adventure starting in Timor-Leste, timed for the 25th anniversary of independence, and travelling through to the enclave of Oecusse and 'Boti'; the last kingdom of Timor. 

  Travel 2 countries - Timor-Leste and Indonesia. 

  East Timor (Timor-Leste) and West Timor share one island, the same mountains, and much of the same culture. Yet, there is a certain uniqueness about both. After Portuguese and Dutch colonisation, then 24 years of Indonesian occupation, Timor Island was split into an independent nation and an Indonesian province. On this tour, we travel through the history and culture of both of these countries. 

   

  East Timor (Timor-Leste)

  
  We start in East Timor with 6 days in and around Dili, hearing the story of the resistance from the people who lived it. A conversation with a resistance survivor in the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room, the Chega! exhibition in a former prison, and Santa Cruz Cemetery, where the 1991 massacre turned the world's attention to Timor.

  We meet the women's and youth organisations rebuilding the country, and cross to Atauro Island for a night beside some of the most biodiverse reefs on earth.

  On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste became the first new country of the twenty-first century. In 2027, it turns twenty-five, and we'll be in Dili for it. We will take part in the Independence Eve Mass, the flag-raising ceremony with FALINTIL veterans, the parade, and a city that turns out in the thousands to celebrate.

   

  Oecusse East Timor Enclave

  
  The day after Independence Day, we take a small charter flight to Oecusse. This is a pocket of Timor-Leste entirely surrounded by Indonesia and the site of the first Portuguese landing on the island in 1515.

   

  Indonesia

  
  From Oecusse, we cross overland at the Wini border into West Timor of Indonesia. Here, we drive up into the highlands to spend a night in Boti, often called the last kingdom of Timor, where the king and his people still follow their ancestral Halaika belief.

  We finish in Kupang, once the capital of Dutch Timor, with its 1653 VOC fort, a glowing cave pool and a farewell dinner at a café run by the city's deaf community.

  Two countries, one enclave, a land border few tourists cross, and a national birthday party twenty-five years in the making.
   

  ---

  ---

   

  Only have a week or looking for a shorter East Timor tour?
  Join our Independence Day in East Timor Short Tour (May 15 - 21), which covers the same 6 days in Dili and Atauro Island without the extension. 

  Highlights

  • Independence Day | Witness the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's independence in Dili, from the Independence Eve Mass to the flag-raising and parade.
  • Chartered Flight | Fly into the Oecusse enclave and cross overland at Wini into Indonesian West Timor, a border few tourists cross.
  • Boti Village | Spend a night in Boti Village, the last kingdom of Timor, with the king and his people.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 12

  1. 15th May | Saturday

     Arrival in Dili

     Dili

     We fly into Dili independently, and we're picked up from Dili International Airport and taken straight to the hotel to settle in and meet the rest of the group. The mandatory briefing follows tonight after dinner.

     The latest recommended arrival time is 4 pm.

     • Hotel Check-In, Welcome Dinner and Briefing | We transfer to the group's beachfront hotel, checking in and meeting our tour leader and fellow travellers. We finish the day with a welcome dinner, followed by the tour briefing.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Dinner

  2. 16th May | Sunday

     Dili — Cristo Rei and the Road to Independence

     Dili

     We start above the city at sunrise, escape the afternoon heat in the hills at Dare, then follow the route of the 1991 march in the cool of the late afternoon.

     • Cristo Rei Hike | We set off early to hike up to Cristo Rei, Dili’s defining landmark. It’s 570 steps up the hill to the 27-metre-high Christ statue, roughly 45 minutes each way, and we reach the top soon after sunrise, before the heat sets in. From the top, we’re rewarded with panoramic views over the Banda Sea and the city we’ll spend the next few days exploring. Back down by 08:00 for breakfast.
     • Tais Market | After breakfast, we browse the hand-woven tais textiles that are central to Timorese identity, a good place to buy directly from the weavers.

     Lunch, then rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • Dare Memorial | In the mid-afternoon, we drive up into the cooler hills above Dili to the Dare Memorial, which honours the Timorese who supported Australian soldiers against the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, with views back over the city and the sea.
     • Motael Church & Santa Cruz Cemetery | In the late afternoon, we visit Motael Church, the oldest church in Dili and the site where a young independence activist was shot in 1991, an event that triggered the march to Santa Cruz Cemetery. We then follow the route of that march to Santa Cruz, where it ended in the massacre of 12 November 1991.
     • Sunset walk | We close the day with a sunset walk along the Dili waterfront, taking in the coastal scenery and soaking up a local favourite pastime, hanging out by the water. Dinner option of local street food with locals.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. 17th May | Monday

     Dili — The Resistance and Community Visits

     Dili

     A morning with the history of the resistance, heard first from someone who lived through it, then Chega! and two of the most important community visits on the whole tour.

     • Xanana Gusmão Reading Room | We take part in a 75-minute structured dialogue with a documented resistance survivor, held in the very room where the independence movement was once coordinated, a rare and direct way to hear this history firsthand. 
     • Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum | We continue indoors through the late morning at the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum, which documents the clandestine Timorese resistance movement through personal testimonies, photographs, objects and documents from the occupation period.

     
     Rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • Chega! Exhibition | After the midday rest, we visit the Chega! Exhibition at the former Balide prison to learn about the country’s path through occupation and resistance in raw detail.
     • Alola Foundation | Next, we visit the Alola Foundation for a 45-minute programme briefing. It is one of Timor-Leste's most important women's organisations, working across women's economic empowerment, tais weaving cooperatives, and maternal health advocacy. They also run the Alola Esperansa craft shop on site, a good place to pick up local souvenirs while supporting the organisation's work directly.
     • Ba Futuru | We finish the day at Ba Futuru, a peacebuilding organisation working with at-risk youth through theatre, film, and photography. Creative tools are used to help process trauma and build practical skills. A chance to see the work up close and hear directly from some of the young people involved.

     An early night is recommended, as tomorrow requires port departure for the 09:00 barge boat to Atauro Island.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast

  4. 18th May | Tuesday

     Atauro Island

     Dili · Atauro Island

     We catch the 09:00 barge boat from Dili port to Atauro Island, a crossing of up to three hours, depending on the weather, to one of the most biodiverse reef systems anywhere in the world.

     • Barge Boat to Atauro Island | The barge departs Dili port at 09:00 and arrives at Atauro around midday, depending on the weather.
     • Conservation International Reef Briefing | After settling in at the local homestay and lunch, a marine scientist from Conservation International joins us for a briefing on the island's coral biodiversity and tara bandu, the traditional marine law protecting these waters, preparing us for tomorrow's snorkelling.

     Rest at the homestay through peak heat.

     • Atauro Village - Tuk-Tuk Tour and Social Enterprise Visit | In the late afternoon (around 15:30), we take a tuk-tuk through the village, stopping at two women's cooperatives that produce some of the most distinctive craft work in Timor-Leste. Biojoia de Atauro is run by a group of hearing-impaired women who make jewellery from local materials including coconut shells, seeds and wood. Boneca de Atauro produces handmade embroidery and textile products, from dolls to bags to homeware. Both cooperatives are worth supporting directly, and the work is simply beautiful.
     • Beach BBQ Dinner | We close the evening with a proper beach BBQ, fresh seafood on the grill, cold drinks, and the sunset settling in over the water.

     Accommodation | Homestay, Atauro Island

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. 19th May | Wednesday

     Atauro Island — Reef, Market and Return to Dili

     Atauro Island · Dili

     A full morning on the reef, followed by the local market and a village walk, then the return ferry to Dili in time for the Independence Eve mass and a group dinner.

     • Dawn Snorkelling | We head out at dawn for a guided snorkelling tour across Atauro's reefs, home to over 400 coral species and some of the calmest water and best visibility of the day. Marine life here is at its most active in these early hours, and the guides know the reefs well enough to put us in the right spot at the right time. What turns up is never guaranteed; dugongs, dolphins, reef sharks, and whale sharks all pass through these waters, and on the right morning, whales too.

     Atauro is regarded as one of the world's great marine biodiversity destinations, and its reputation isn't overstated. For anyone keen to go further than snorkelling, a scuba diving half-day trip can be arranged separately today, not included as part of the tour.

     • Local Seafood and Vegetable Market | Back on land, we visit the local market: a small, lively gathering of fishermen and farmers selling the morning's catch alongside fresh vegetables and local produce. A good 30 minutes to wander, buy, and get a sense of the everyday economy of the island.
     • Village Walk | Before the heat builds, we detour out to the old airstrip north of Vila Maumeta, built during the Indonesian occupation and unused since, a quiet, overgrown stretch of tarmac tied to the island's history as a detention site for thousands of Timorese families. From there, a local guide leads us into the village itself, a relaxed walk that gives a proper sense of daily life on Atauro away from the reefs.

     We rest at the homestay on Atauro Island. Lunch is prepared by the host family.

     • 15:00 - Return Ferry to Dili | The ferry departs Atauro at 15:00 and arrives back in Dili by around 18:00, depending on the weather. We check into the hotel for the night
     • Independence Eve Mass | Tonight is Independence Eve, marked with masses across Dili's churches. We walk from the hotel to one of the evening services, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Motael Church, depending on the official programme, which we confirm in advance. Services are conducted in Tetum and Portuguese, with thousands in attendance.
     • Group Dinner and Independence Day Briefing | After mass, we sit down together for a group dinner, where our tour leader runs through what to expect tomorrow: the flag-raising ceremony, the parade, the crowds, and how the day will run.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. 20th May | Thursday

     INDEPENDENCE DAY

     Dili

     Today, 20 May 2027, is the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's formal restoration of independence.

     • Flag-Raising Ceremony and Military Parade | The national flag-raising ceremony has been held at Tasi-Tolu Square for recent anniversaries, though the exact location for 2027 will be confirmed closer to the date and communicated in the pre-departure booklet. We join the public to watch the FALINTIL veterans stand alongside the national defence forces in a formal ceremony. The President and Prime Minister both deliver speeches. We view the military parade and other activities as scheduled.

     Rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • The Streets of Dili | The formal ceremonies give way to the city in the late afternoon. Traditional dance performances fill the squares, including likurai, historically performed by women welcoming home warriors returning from conflict. Tais weavings are on display, food stalls sell traditional Timorese dishes, and the national flag is on everything and everyone, worn, waved, and painted onto faces. Music and community gatherings run into the evening across the city.
     • Celebration Dinner | After the full day of Independence Day celebrations in Dili, we close the evening with a celebratory dinner, doubling as a farewell for those on the short tour, whose Timor-Leste experience concludes here. For everyone continuing on the long tour, the trip picks up again in the morning.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Dinner

  7. 21st May | Friday

     Dili → Oecusse Enclave

     Dili · Oecusse, Timor-Leste

     This morning, we fly to the enclave of Oecusse on a charter flight from Dili, and spend the rest of the day in Pante Makassar, the main town in Oecusse.

     • Charter Flight Dili → Oecusse | We fly early this morning from Dili International Airport on a 45-minute charter flight to Oecusse, the pocket of Timor-Leste surrounded by Indonesian territory. Depending on group size, we fly in one or two small aircraft, departing between around 07:30 and 08:30. Luggage is limited to 20 kg per person on this flight (see Notes).

     Lunch at a waterfront restaurant in Pante Makassar, then rest through the peak heat. 

     • Lifau Monument | We visit Lifau, the site where the Portuguese first landed on the island of Timor in 1515. A monument marks the spot, the starting point of nearly five centuries of Portuguese presence on the island.
     • Colonial Quarter Walk and Waterfront | We explore Oecusse's colonial quarter to take in the legacy of the Portuguese era. The waterfront is just beyond, where we may catch the sunset as the evening sets in.

     Accommodation | Royal Rao Hotel (or equivalent), Pante Makassar, Oecusse

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. 22nd May | Saturday

     Oecusse — Full Day in the Enclave

     Oecusse Enclave

     We spend a full day exploring the enclave, one of the least-visited corners of Southeast Asia. The road infrastructure is basic, rough and unpaved in stretches, but the landscape more than makes up for it, extraordinary, rugged, and largely untouched.

     • Oesilo Mud Volcanoes | We depart early for Oesilo, around an hour and a half south of Pante Makassar on rough roads through the hills, close to the Indonesian border. Just outside the town, mud and gas bubble up from a cluster of small mud volcanoes in a strange grey landscape dotted with casuarina trees. It’s a rough, remote spot, and well worth the early start. We’re back in Pante Makassar by late morning.

     Lunch, then rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • Pante Makassar Beach and ZEESM Buildings | The beach here makes for good swimming. Nearby, we take a detour through the abandoned buildings from the ZEESM (Zona Especial de Economia Social de Mercado, or Special Zone of Social Market Economy in English) era, the remnants of a special economic zone project that was announced with great ambition and never completed. Half-built structures now sit empty and overgrown, an eerie, faintly surreal counterpoint to the beach just down the road.

     Accommodation | Royal Rao Hotel (or equivalent), Pante Makassar, Oecusse

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. 23rd May | Sunday

     Overland to West Timor and Boti Village

     Oecusse → Wini Border (Indonesia) → Kefamenanu → Niki Niki → Boti Village

     We leave Pante Makassar early, cross overland at Wini into Indonesian West Timor, and drive through the highlands of South Central Timor to Boti, where we spend the night in the village.

     • Wini Border Crossing, Indonesia | This morning we cross from Timor-Leste into Indonesia at the Wini border post, roughly 20km east of Pante Makassar. Our local partner handles the exit paperwork on our behalf. On the Indonesian side, most nationalities obtain a Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000 / approximately USD $35) at the crossing, and all guests are required to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card, a digital customs and immigration form, before entering Indonesia. We recommend filling this in the evening before.
     • Drive to Niki Niki | From the border, we drive south through Kefamenanu to Niki Niki for lunch.
     • Into Boti Village | After lunch, we continue by 4WD through Oinlasi and up into the hills to Boti, just over four hours' driving from Wini in total. Often called the last kingdom of Timor, Boti is led by its king and still follows Halaika, the Timorese ancestral belief that most of the island left behind.
     • Evening in Boti | We present a traditional gift to the king and settle into the village homestay, where our hosts cook a simple dinner of rice, vegetables and meat.

     Accommodation | Homestay, Boti Village (basic, shared facilities)

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. 24th May | Monday

      Boti Village to Kupang

      Boti Village → Niki Niki → Soe → Kupang

      A morning in Boti, then the drive down from the highlands to Kupang, with a couple of stops along the way.

      • Boti Village | After a village breakfast, in the cool of the early morning, we meet the king and walk through the inner village, with its thatched ume kbubu houses and the royal compound at its centre. Boti's weavers still colour their cloth with plant dyes, and there is usually a chance to buy directly.
      • Drive to Soe | We leave Boti by 4WD and drive back through Niki Niki to Soe for lunch.
      • Camplong and Oebelo | On the way to Kupang, we stop at Camplong's shaded spring pool, then at Oebelo, where local families make and play the sasando, a string instrument made from lontar palm leaves.
      • Arrival in Kupang | We reach Kupang in the late afternoon and check in to settle in after two days on the road.
      • Night Market, Dinner on Your Own | Tonight we have dinner at Kupang's waterfront night market, with stalls selling grilled fish, prawns, squid, and crab cooked to order over charcoal. Try local delicacies such as se'i, meat slow-smoked over coconut husks, alongside jagung bose, a corn and bean porridge. Dinner comes to around $3 to $6 per person.

      Accommodation | Swiss-Belcourt Hotel (or equivalent), Kupang

      Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  11. 25th May | Tuesday

      Kupang

      Kupang

      We spend a full day in the city that was once the administrative capital of Dutch Timor.

      • Crystal Cave (Goa Kristal) | We start the day with a visit to a freshwater cave pool roughly 30 minutes south of Kupang, timed for the morning light. Natural light filters down into the cave from above, catching the water in a way that makes the whole pool glow. Swimming here is possible.
      • Kupang Museum | We spend the late morning at the provincial museum, a good excuse to get out of the heat and into the air conditioning for a while. The collection covers East Nusa Tenggara's cultural history in some depth, with ikat textiles from across the province, colonial-era fossils, and a blue whale skeleton among the highlights.

      Rest at the hotel at midday. Lunch is independent, with plenty of good local Indonesian food near the waterfront.

      • Roslin Orphanage | A short drive from the city, Roslin Orphanage was founded in the aftermath of the East Timorese refugee crisis of 1999, when thousands of families fled across the border into West Timor. If you would like to bring a small gift for the children, we will advise in the pre-departure booklet.
      • Fort Concordia | As the afternoon cools, we visit the ruins of Fort Concordia, the Dutch VOC fort built in 1653 and the oldest European building on the island of Timor, built more than a century after the Portuguese had established themselves at Oecusse.
      • Cafe Inklusi, Farewell Dinner | Dinner at Cafe Inklusi, a social enterprise restaurant run entirely by Kupang's deaf community, including deaf baristas, deaf cooks and deaf hosts.

      Accommodation | Swiss-Belcourt Hotel (or equivalent), Kupang

      Meals | Breakfast, Dinner

  12. 26th May | Wednesday

      Tour Ends

      Kupang

      The tour ends today. El Tari Airport connects to Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and beyond. Airport transfers are available throughout the day. Where you go next is entirely your own. Koryo is happy to advise on onward options if needed.

      Accommodation | N/A

      Meals | Breakfast

      [end of tour]

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room (international tours)

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Accommodation (hotels, a homestay on Atauro Island and a village homestay in Boti)
  • Charter flight from Dili to Oecusse
  • Barge and ferry between Dili and Atauro Island
  • All ground transport, including 4WD in West Timor, and airport transfers
  • Local guides in Timor-Leste and West Timor
  • Koryo Tours tour leader
  • Entrance fees and activities as listed
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Traditional gift for the King of Boti

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Dili and onward travel from Kupang
  • Visas for Timor-Leste and Indonesia
  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks
  • Optional scuba diving on Atauro Island

• Notes

  Upon booking confirmation, you will receive a complete pre-departure booklet with full activity details, hotel information for all locations, practical guidance on the Timor-Leste entry requirements and the overland border crossing to Indonesia at Wini, and a pre-tour briefing schedule.

  This tour covers two countries - Indonesia and East Timor. Please check your visa requirements for both countries.

  Entry into Timor-Leste is by Visa on Arrival (USD $30) at Dili International Airport for most nationalities, and standard Indonesian entry requirements apply for the West Timor leg.

  The early-morning Cristo Rei hike (570 steps) and snorkelling at Atauro Island require a reasonable level of physical fitness. Please inform us of any medical conditions at the time of booking.

  Day 9 is a long day, with the border crossing and over four hours on highland roads, the last stretch by 4WD into Boti. The night in Boti is in a basic village homestay with shared facilities and little electricity. Rooms in Boti have two or three beds, so single rooms are not available that night. Day 10 is a full travel day to Kupang.

  The charter is weather-dependent. Departure times are confirmed closer to the date and may change for weather or emergency medical flights. Before the tour, we’ll ask for each guest’s full name, body weight and luggage weight, as the flight is planned by weight.

  Luggage on the Dili–Oecusse charter flight (Day 7) is limited to 20 kg per person. The charter is a small aircraft with a strict weight limit for passengers and luggage combined. If your luggage is over 20 kg, please let us know before booking, as other arrangements must be made before the tour begins.

Please apply by 9th April, 2027.

• Overall

  One week in East Timor for the 25th anniversary of independence.

  On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste became the first new country of the twenty-first century. On 20 May 2027, it turns twenty-five, and we'll be in Dili for it, taking part in the celebrations. 

  During our week in East Timor, we'll see some of this young country's highlights while learning how independence was won, and at what cost. We'll speak with a resistance survivor in the room where the movement was once coordinated. We'll visit the former prison that now holds the Chega! exhibition. And we'll take a trip to the Santa Cruz Cemetery, where the massacre of 1991 turned the world's attention to Timor.

  We meet the women's and youth organisations rebuilding the country today, hike up to Cristo Rei at sunrise, and spend a night on Atauro Island, beside some of the richest reefs on earth. On Atauro, we'll have the opportunity to visit two women's cooperatives as well as have a briefing by an expert on the coral biodiversity, and learn about the tara bandu - the traditional law protecting these waters. 

  We're back in Dili in time for the Independence Eve mass, and on the day itself, we join the flag-raising, the parade and a city that turns out in the thousands to celebrate.

  ---

  ---

  Want to see more of the island?
  Join our Travel East & West Timor Long Tour (May 15 - 26), which continues after Independence Day by charter flight to the Oecusse enclave and overland into Indonesian West Timor.

  Highlights

  • Independence Day | Witness the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's independence in Dili, from the Independence Eve Mass to the flag-raising and parade.
  • Local Stories | Hear the story of the resistance from a survivor, then visit the Chega! exhibition and Santa Cruz Cemetery.
  • Atauro Island | Spend a night on Atauro Island, snorkelling at dawn and meeting the women's cooperatives behind its craftwork.

   

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. 15th May | Saturday

     Arrival in Dili

     Dili

     We fly into Dili independently, and we're picked up from Dili International Airport and taken straight to the hotel to settle in and meet the rest of the group. The mandatory briefing follows tonight after dinner.

     The latest recommended arrival time is 4 pm.

     • Hotel Check-In, Welcome Dinner and Briefing | We transfer to the group's beachfront hotel, checking in and meeting our tour leader and fellow travellers. We finish the day with a welcome dinner, followed by the tour briefing.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Dinner

  2. 16th May | Sunday

     Dili — Cristo Rei and the Road to Independence

     Dili

     We start above the city at sunrise, escape the afternoon heat in the hills at Dare, then follow the route of the 1991 march in the cool of the late afternoon.

     • Cristo Rei Hike | We set off early to hike up to Cristo Rei, Dili’s defining landmark. It’s 570 steps up the hill to the 27-metre-high Christ statue, roughly 45 minutes each way, and we reach the top soon after sunrise, before the heat sets in. From the top, we’re rewarded with panoramic views over the Banda Sea and the city we’ll spend the next few days exploring. Back down by 08:00 for breakfast.
     • Tais Market | After breakfast, we browse the hand-woven tais textiles that are central to Timorese identity, a good place to buy directly from the weavers.

     Lunch, then rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • Dare Memorial | In the mid-afternoon, we drive up into the cooler hills above Dili to the Dare Memorial, which honours the Timorese who supported Australian soldiers against the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, with views back over the city and the sea.
     • Motael Church & Santa Cruz Cemetery | In the late afternoon, we visit Motael Church, the oldest church in Dili and the site where a young independence activist was shot in 1991, an event that triggered the march to Santa Cruz Cemetery. We then follow the route of that march to Santa Cruz, where it ended in the massacre of 12 November 1991.
     • Sunset walk | We close the day with a sunset walk along the Dili waterfront, taking in the coastal scenery and soaking up a local favourite pastime, hanging out by the water. Dinner option of local street food with locals.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. 17th May | Monday

     Dili — The Resistance and Community Visits

     Dili

     A morning with the history of the resistance, heard first from someone who lived through it, then Chega! and two of the most important community visits on the whole tour.

     • Xanana Gusmão Reading Room | We take part in a 75-minute structured dialogue with a documented resistance survivor, held in the very room where the independence movement was once coordinated, a rare and direct way to hear this history firsthand. 
     • Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum | We continue indoors through the late morning at the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum, which documents the clandestine Timorese resistance movement through personal testimonies, photographs, objects and documents from the occupation period.

     
     Rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • Chega! Exhibition | After the midday rest, we visit the Chega! Exhibition at the former Balide prison to learn about the country’s path through occupation and resistance in raw detail.
     • Alola Foundation | Next, we visit the Alola Foundation for a 45-minute programme briefing. It is one of Timor-Leste's most important women's organisations, working across women's economic empowerment, tais weaving cooperatives, and maternal health advocacy. They also run the Alola Esperansa craft shop on site, a good place to pick up local souvenirs while supporting the organisation's work directly.
     • Ba Futuru | We finish the day at Ba Futuru, a peacebuilding organisation working with at-risk youth through theatre, film, and photography. Creative tools are used to help process trauma and build practical skills. A chance to see the work up close and hear directly from some of the young people involved.

     An early night is recommended, as tomorrow requires port departure for the 09:00 barge boat to Atauro Island.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast

  4. 18th May | Tuesday

     Atauro Island

     Dili · Atauro Island

     We catch the 09:00 barge boat from Dili port to Atauro Island, a crossing of up to three hours, depending on the weather, to one of the most biodiverse reef systems anywhere in the world.

     • Barge Boat to Atauro Island | The barge departs Dili port at 09:00 and arrives at Atauro around midday, depending on the weather.
     • Conservation International Reef Briefing | After settling in at the local homestay and lunch, a marine scientist from Conservation International joins us for a briefing on the island's coral biodiversity and tara bandu, the traditional marine law protecting these waters, preparing us for tomorrow's snorkelling.

     Rest at the homestay through peak heat.

     • Atauro Village - Tuk-Tuk Tour and Social Enterprise Visit | In the late afternoon (around 15:30), we take a tuk-tuk through the village, stopping at two women's cooperatives that produce some of the most distinctive craft work in Timor-Leste. Biojoia de Atauro is run by a group of hearing-impaired women who make jewellery from local materials including coconut shells, seeds and wood. Boneca de Atauro produces handmade embroidery and textile products, from dolls to bags to homeware. Both cooperatives are worth supporting directly, and the work is simply beautiful.
     • Beach BBQ Dinner | We close the evening with a proper beach BBQ, fresh seafood on the grill, cold drinks, and the sunset settling in over the water.

     Accommodation | Homestay, Atauro Island

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. 19th May | Wednesday

     Atauro Island — Reef, Market and Return to Dili

     Atauro Island · Dili

     A full morning on the reef, followed by the local market and a village walk, then the return ferry to Dili in time for the Independence Eve mass and a group dinner.

     • Dawn Snorkelling | We head out at dawn for a guided snorkelling tour across Atauro's reefs, home to over 400 coral species and some of the calmest water and best visibility of the day. Marine life here is at its most active in these early hours, and the guides know the reefs well enough to put us in the right spot at the right time. What turns up is never guaranteed; dugongs, dolphins, reef sharks, and whale sharks all pass through these waters, and on the right morning, whales too.

     Atauro is regarded as one of the world's great marine biodiversity destinations, and its reputation isn't overstated. For anyone keen to go further than snorkelling, a scuba diving half-day trip can be arranged separately today, not included as part of the tour.

     • Local Seafood and Vegetable Market | Back on land, we visit the local market: a small, lively gathering of fishermen and farmers selling the morning's catch alongside fresh vegetables and local produce. A good 30 minutes to wander, buy, and get a sense of the everyday economy of the island.
     • Village Walk | Before the heat builds, we detour out to the old airstrip north of Vila Maumeta, built during the Indonesian occupation and unused since, a quiet, overgrown stretch of tarmac tied to the island's history as a detention site for thousands of Timorese families. From there, a local guide leads us into the village itself, a relaxed walk that gives a proper sense of daily life on Atauro away from the reefs.

     We rest at the homestay on Atauro Island. Lunch is prepared by the host family.

     • 15:00 - Return Ferry to Dili | The ferry departs Atauro at 15:00 and arrives back in Dili by around 18:00, depending on the weather. We check into the hotel for the night
     • Independence Eve Mass | Tonight is Independence Eve, marked with masses across Dili's churches. We walk from the hotel to one of the evening services, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Motael Church, depending on the official programme, which we confirm in advance. Services are conducted in Tetum and Portuguese, with thousands in attendance.
     • Group Dinner and Independence Day Briefing | After mass, we sit down together for a group dinner, where our tour leader runs through what to expect tomorrow: the flag-raising ceremony, the parade, the crowds, and how the day will run.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. 20th May | Thursday

     INDEPENDENCE DAY

     Dili

     Today, 20 May 2027, is the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's formal restoration of independence.

     • Flag-Raising Ceremony and Military Parade | The national flag-raising ceremony has been held at Tasi-Tolu Square for recent anniversaries, though the exact location for 2027 will be confirmed closer to the date and communicated in the pre-departure booklet. We join the public to watch the FALINTIL veterans stand alongside the national defence forces in a formal ceremony. The President and Prime Minister both deliver speeches. We view the military parade and other activities as scheduled.

     Rest at the hotel through peak heat.

     • The Streets of Dili | The formal ceremonies give way to the city in the late afternoon. Traditional dance performances fill the squares, including likurai, historically performed by women welcoming home warriors returning from conflict. Tais weavings are on display, food stalls sell traditional Timorese dishes, and the national flag is on everything and everyone, worn, waved, and painted onto faces. Music and community gatherings run into the evening across the city.
     • Celebration Dinner | After the full day of Independence Day celebrations in Dili, we close the evening with a celebratory dinner, doubling as a farewell for those on the short tour, whose Timor-Leste experience concludes here. For everyone continuing on the long tour, the trip picks up again in the morning.

     Accommodation | Hotel Esplanada (or equivalent), Dili

     Meals | Breakfast, Dinner

  7. 21st May | Friday

     Dili → Oecusse Enclave

     Dili

     Tour Ends

     Kupang

     The tour ends today, with a transfer to Dili International Airport this morning. Dili connects to Bali and Darwin, and Koryo Tours is happy to advise on onward options if needed.

     Accommodation | N/A

     Meals | Breakfast

     [end of tour]

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Accommodation (hotel in Dili and a homestay on Atauro Island)
  • Barge and ferry between Dili and Atauro Island
  • All ground transport, including arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Local guides
  • Koryo Tours tour leader
  • Entrance fees and activities as listed
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to and from Dili
  • Visa for Timor-Leste
  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks
  • Optional scuba diving on Atauro Island

• Notes

  Most nationalities get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. Please check your visa requirements before travelling.

  The crossings to and from Atauro Island are by barge and ferry, and can take up to three hours depending on the weather. The night on Atauro is in a local homestay.

  The sunrise Cristo Rei hike (570 steps) and snorkelling on Atauro require a reasonable level of fitness.

  The venue and programme for Independence Day are confirmed by the government closer to the date.

• Overall

  Perfect for those looking for a Moldova and Transnistria tour with a difference. Koryo Tours brings you to the fascinating and complex, least-visited part of Europe with this combo tour of Moldova, the semi-autonomous region of Gagauzia, and the breakaway state of Transnistria (PMR). Just in time for its Victory Day celebrations.

  More than merely a trip to the twin capitals, we spend 3 nights in Moldova and 4 nights in Transnistria to go deep into and through both of these countries to learn and experience what makes them special. The shared and unshared histories and narratives, and the depth and breadth of the cultures contained in this small area that is too often overlooked.

  We will start and finish in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova and a city visually defined by the range of architectural periods on display, as well as being the seat of power in the republic. We will take in the highlights of the city on foot, and get through monuments, museums, parks, boulevards, and more. A perfect introduction to this kind of trip.

  We will also see what Moldova is known in much of the world for: wine production. With vast wineries and miles of underground caverns for storage and processing. The industry here is unlike those elsewhere and has long been crucial to the economy. 

  Gagauzia is a crucial semi-autonomous region of Moldova, with distinct ethnicity, history, and characteristics. We travel here to experience and learn, and visit the capital city of Comrat as well as some villages and distinctive sites.

  Transnistria is known as Europe's oddity. A breakaway state that wrestled itself into existence after armed conflict with Moldova in the early 90s. It is a highly complex geopolitical entity which is often passed off as merely some kind of Soviet Union theme park.

  Far more than that, the PMR (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, as it prefers to be known) is a fascinating and unusual place, with a deliberate throwback aesthetic, its own systems and society, and a place worthy of a deeper look. We will visit all over this remarkable place, north and south Transnistria, and of course the capital city of Tiraspol.

  Be prepared for something quite different!

  Like with any Koryo Tours adventure, this Moldova and Transnistria trip promises more than just following a generic itinerary. We have been visiting the area since the early 90s and find it fascinating, and we always add as much as we can to any trip, as well as making the best local connections to maximise the journey for all of our travellers.

  You'll make memories for a lifetime, and we look forward to being there with you.

  ---

  ---

  Scroll down for more information on highlights, inclusions & exclusions, and the full itinerary. 

  Highlights

  • Chisinau | Capital city of Moldova with its amazing architectural mix, as well as wineries and villages outside the city.
  • Gagauzia | The semi-autonomous region of Gagauzia, with its distinct traditions, characteristics, and charm.
  • Transnistria | Visiting the north and south of this breakaway state of Transnistria as well as the capital city of Tiraspol. The most complete experience you will find in this highly unusual state

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 8

  1. May 4 | Thursday

     Arrival Day & Chisinau City Tour

     • The adventure begins! | Arrival at Chisinau Airport and then transfer to the city centre.
        
     • 2.5-hour walking tour of Chisinau guided by a local specialist | This will show us the most beautiful parks, Soviet-era architecture, monuments of imperial architecture of Bessarabia, and several notable churches.
        
     • Many major historic sites were constructed in the 19th century from local white limestone, and this walk will show the development of styles as well as the juxtaposition of architectural models from imperial style through socialist modernism to the present day.
        
     • Parks and Architecture of Chisinau | In the centre we will see many administrative buildings, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliament and the City Administration, which are located on Stephen the Great Boulevard.
        
     • We visit different cultural centres such as the M. Eminescu National Theatre, the Organ Hall, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
        
     • In the historical zone, there are hundreds of houses from the 19th century, many old churches and the Cathedral of the Nativity.
        
     • The Arch of Triumph is, of course, included, along with church visits, the monument to Stephen the Great, Cathedral Park, Chisinau City Hall, and other significant landmarks.

     Accommodation | Bristol Hotel, Chisinau (Moldova)

     Included Meals | Lunch

  2. May 5 | Friday

     Journey to Gagauzia

     • Manuc Bey Mansion | We leave the capital and drive to the town of Hancesti for a visit to the stunning Manuc Bey Mansion. Built in 1816, this architectural monument stands as one of the most remarkable historical estates in the country, offering an insight into the life and legacy of the renowned Armenian merchant and diplomat Manuc Bey. 
        
     • Journey into Gagauzia | Next, we continue by road into Gagauzia, a unique autonomous region of Moldova. The Gagauz people are ethnically Turkic, follow the Orthodox Church, and write their own language in Cyrillic. They are distinct culturally and historically from Moldovans, and their history and the key place they hold in the destiny of modern Moldova are very much worth learning about.
        
     • Our next stop is Besalma village, and the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum - the world's first museum of Gagauz Culture and Life - for lessons on history, ethnography, culture, and folk music too! 
        
     • Gagauzia and the local capital city, Comrat | We will stop at Congaz, a Gagauz settlement claimed as one of the largest villages in Europe, for a late lunch and a visit to the ethno-tourist complex Gagauz Sofrasi, and then head to the Gagauz capital of Comrat.
        
     • Check into our hotel and enjoy free time to wander this welcoming and small city. 

     Accommodation | Altin Palace Hotel, Comrat (Gagauzia)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. May 6 | Saturday

     Comrat, Wine, and Chisinau

     • Comrat, Capital of Gagauzia | We start the day with a guided tour of Comrat.
        
     • The city has a population of around 25,000, and 70% are ethnic Gagauz. We will cover it on foot, including the cathedral, parks, notable monuments (there are many here), and learn about what makes this region autonomous, their unique traditions, warm hospitality, and rural charm
        
     • Villages & Vineyards | Next, we depart for Avdarma village to visit one of the most well-preserved villages in Moldova and see the modern local museum.
        
     • We then visit Gagauzia’s most famous winery, Vinuri de Comrat. We will have lunch here too and time to enjoy a little of what they make in this lovely place.

     Chisinau

     • Head for the Capital | Time to head back to Chisinau. A scenic drive from Gagauzia back to Moldova proper brings us to the capital, where a free evening to sample restaurants, nightlife, or more exploring awaits. 

     Accommodation | Bristol Hotel, Chisinau (Moldova)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  4. May 7 | Sunday

     Wine Tunnels & entering Transnistria! 

     Cricova Winery

     • Subterranean Wine City | We depart to Cricova Winery, one of the largest wine cellars in Moldova. Boasting 128 km of labyrinthine roadways and tunnels, which have existed under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was dug out to help build the city of Chisinau.
        
     • These were converted into an underground wine emporium in the 1950s. Tunnels go down over 340 feet below ground and hold 1.25 million bottles of wine, some dating back more than a century. There will be a tasting as well as a tour.

     Bessarabia

     • A little rural & religious life | Next, we head to a local village for a rustic lunch, and then on to Curchi Monastery, one of the most important architectural monuments of Bessarabia.
        
     • One of the most beautiful and famous monasteries of the region, it is located in a valley in Orhei forest, surrounded by orchards, trees, and on the banks of a river; a peaceful and serene place.

     Transnistria

     • Enter Transnistria | We take to the road again and cross the border into Transnistria/Pridnestrovia/PMR.
        
     • Dubasari town is our destination, and here we spend our first night in the PMR, ready for more adventures in this most unique of nations. 

     Accommodation | Dnestrovskii Sad Hotel, Dubasari (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  5. May 8 | Monday

     Northern Transnistria and arrival in Tiraspol 

     • Exploring the north of the PMR | Today we explore the northern Transnistrian region.

     Rabnita

     • Starting with Rabnita, the third-largest settlement in Transnistria and an industrial Soviet looking town.
        
     • We see parts of the local steel mill, the Lenin monument, soviet mosaics on the House of Culture, the Memorial of Glory for the Great Patriotic War, and Archangel Michael Cathedral.

     Rascov Village

     • Next we go to Rascov village to see the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union Fiodor Zharchinskiy, another Lenin monument, Polish Saint Caietan Cathedral from the 18th century, synagogue walls from the 18th century, and more.

     Camenca Town

     • Continue the northern tour | Next stop is Camenca town.
        
     • Here we visit yet another Lenin monument in the city centre.
        
     • Wittgenstein Park, Memorial of Glory for the Great Patriotic War - all as part of exploring these little-seen corners of the PMR. 
        
     • From Camenca we move south back to Dubasari. Naturally, there is a Lenin monument, Memorial of Glory, Soviet stadium, and a Hydroelectric Dam.
        
     • This day will take us to a broad range of the kinds of settlements the PMR is made up of places rarely seen by visitors. 

     Tiraspol

     • Tiraspol | We then head to the capital city of Tiraspol for our overnight stay and free time in the evening. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  6. May 9 | Tuesday (National Holiday: Victory Day)

     Tiraspol, Bender, and Victory Day

     • A Day of Celebration in Tiraspol | Today is Victory Day, a major annual holiday throughout the former USSR (anniversary of the defeat of fascism in 1945).
        
     • We will take a city tour of Tiraspol, the administrative centre of the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. 
        
     • Feel the atmosphere of this disputed territory, which has long been a battlefield between the major powers of the region.
        
     • We will explore Soviet-era buildings, an epic monument to General Suvorov, A WWII tank and other period vehicles, parks, busts, the Central Market, a huge Lenin monument in front of the main government building, House of the Soviets, and so much more.
        
     • Tiraspol is known to be something of a time capsule from the Soviet era, and we will see in what ways this is and is not an accurate depiction of the city. We will also have lunch in a Soviet-themed restaurant. 

     Transnistria Victory Day Celebrations

     • Victory Day events | Being in Tiraspol for Victory Day on May 9th is a unique opportunity to experience one of the region's most important commemorative events.
        
     • The city comes alive with militaria, patriotic music, traditional performances, and public ceremonies honouring the sacrifices made during World War II. Streets are decorated with flags and flowers, while veterans and local residents gather to pay tribute at memorials and monuments.

     Bender Fortress

     • Bender Fortress | We will visit Bender Fortress, in the frontier city of Bender just a short drive from Tiraspol.
        
     • This dates from the 16th century, built initially by the Moldavian ruler Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great) as a part of a defensive chain on the Nistria (Dniester) River. In 1538, as the city became part of the Ottoman Empire, the sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, rebuilt the fortress in stone and renamed the city as Bender.
        
     • Bender Fortress is well-preserved and houses a museum, torture chamber, and various info boards and monuments. We will also explore soviet architecture in Bender, such as the Tighina Military Cemetery, train station, Gorky cinema, local mosaics, etc.
        
     • At the end of an epic day, we transfer back to Tiraspol for a free Victory Day evening. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  7. May 10 | Wednesday

     Southern Transnistria

     • Experience the Industrial  | Today we focus on the southern part of Transnistria, starting with the Aquatir Sturgeon complex, for breeding fish and producing black caviar.
        
     • We will tour the facility and do some tasing too.

     Slobozia

     • Next, we depart to visit Slobozia for a short walk through the town center of Slobozia, getting to know the architecture and atmosphere of the region.

     Dnestrovsc

     • In another town, Dnestrovsc, we see a familiar face in the local Lenin monument, the monument ‘Power Man ’-a Promethean statue in the city center, see mosaics on the Palace of Culture, have a few more appearances of Lenin, and also visit the Cuciurgan Lake. It’s not just monuments though. We take the time to get a sense of life in this little-known and little-visited area too. 

     Cioburciu

     • More of the south | After a local lunch, we depart to Cioburciu, located on the banks of the Dniester River in the Lower Dniester National Park and offering stunning views.
        
     • One of the region's most famous parks is here, a place to relax, stroll, and recharge before the next stage of the route: Chobruchi Park, the House of Culture, and Soviet-era buildings.

     Noul Neamt Monastery

     • Religious History | On the way back to Tiraspol, we visit the Noul Neamt Monastery complex in Chitcani village, which was one of the largest cultural and educational centres of medieval Moldova.
        
     • When the monks were forbidden to worship in the Slavonic language, they fled to the present Chitcani village, where they founded the Noul Neamt Monastery in 1859.
        
     • Return to Tiraspol | After a big day in the south, we return to Tiraspol for a final evening of the tour and a last chance to sample some of the city’s nightlife. 

     Accommodation |  Russia Hotel, Tiraspol (Transnistria/PMR)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  8. May 11 | Thursday

     Leave Transnistria & Departure Day

     • Departing Transnistria | We leave the PMR and head back on the 90-minute drive to Chisinau. 
        
     • End of the trip, or continue your adventures and experiences | This amazing trip ends today, and we can transfer you to the airport to fly away, to the train station to ride the rails onward, or you can of course extend your adventure in Moldova by staying longer, heading on to another neighbouring country. (The train to Romania is a convenient and interesting way to continue travels from here, too!)
        

     Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room (international tours)

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Meals as per the itinerary. Usually breakfast and lunch each day.
  • Bottled water throughout the day.
  • Accommodation as per itinerary. Various hotels of various standards. Twin bedrooms unless a single room is requested (extra fee). 
  • All transportation in Moldova and Transnistria.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Chisinau.
  • Entry fees, cultural programs, and activities as indicated on the itinerary.
  • English-speaking local guide.
  • Koryo Tours Tour Leader.

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Visa fee (if required - most visitors do not need a visa for either Moldova or Transnistria)
  • Flights to start/finish the tour. You can also arrive/depart by train, road, etc. 
  • Optional tips for the local guide and the drivers (Recommend 20 EUR per day per traveller, i.e. 140 EUR in total).
  • Single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
  • Personal expenses and beverages, apart from water
  • Insurance

• Notes

  Throughout the tour, we will stay in quality accommodation, include free evenings and time to explore, and arrange meals in characteristic and interesting places. Transportation and local expertise are included, as well as the company of a Koryo Tours tour leader. All to get you the maximum value and experience on this adventure. 

Please apply by 12th April, 2028.