• 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.

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  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.
  • Gaguazia | The semi-autonomous region of Gaguazia, 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 Gaguazia

     • 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 Gaguazia | Next, we continue by road into Gaguazia, a unique autonomous region of Moldova. The Gaguaz 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! 
        
     • Gaguazia and the local capital city, Comrat | We will stop at Congaz, a Gaguaz settlement claimed as one of the largest villages in Europe, for a late lunch and a visit to the ethno-tourist complex Gaguaz Sofrasi, and then head to the Gaguaz capital of Comrat.
        
     • Check into our hotel and enjoy free time to wander this welcoming and small city. 

     Accommodation | Altin Palace Hotel, Comrat (Gaguazia)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. May 6 | Thursday

     Comrat, Wine, and Chisinau

     • Comrat, Capital of Gaguazia | We start the day with a guided tour of Comrat.
        
     • The city has a population of around 25,000, and 70% are ethnic Gaguaz. 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 Gaguazia’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 Gaguazia 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.