Iasi: 2-Day Chisinau and Transnistria Tour

Set out on a captivating journey from Iasi to the vibrant cities of Chisinau and Transnistria. This 2-day tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich history and culture. Discover the socialist architecture of Chisinau, indulge in a wine tasting at the renowned Cricova Winery, and explore the fascinating landscapes and history of the disputed territory of Transnistria. Along the way, an English-speaking guide will provide insightful narratives, allowing you to delve deeper into the complexities that have shaped this intriguing part of the world.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour from Iasi explores the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, and the unrecognized territory of Transnistria, featuring socialist architecture and a visit to Cricova Winery.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, one night’s accommodation in Chisinau, and an English-speaking guide, allowing for a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
• Day 1 focuses on Chisinau’s key landmarks, such as the parliament building and Cathedral Park, followed by a tour and wine tasting at the iconic Cricova Winery.
• On Day 2, the tour ventures into Transnistria, providing insights into the region’s complex geopolitical situation and visiting cities like Bendery and Tiraspol.
• The tour package offers a flexible cancellation policy and is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments, requiring a valid passport or ID.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 2-day trip from Iasi to the Republic of Moldova and Transnistria offers an immersive cultural experience, with prices starting from $547.38 per person and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup, one night’s accommodation in Chisinau, an English-speaking guide, modern transportation, and entry fees to the Cricova Winery, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting.

The 2-day duration allows for a comprehensive exploration, with highlights including the socialist architecture and landmarks of Chisinau, as well as a visit to the unrecognized state of Transnistria.

Travelers can expect a live tour guide, breakfast and lunch in Transnistria, and the convenience of a reserve now, pay later option.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary offers two captivating days of exploration.

Day one begins with meeting the guide at the hotel in Iasi, followed by discovering Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, known for its socialist architecture and landmarks like the parliament and Presidential House.

Afterward, visitors will visit the renowned Cricova Winery, an underground city with 120 kilometers of cellars, where a wine tasting is included before an overnight stay in Chisinau.

On day two, the group will embark on an early morning drive to the unrecognized state of Transnistria, where they’ll explore the cities of Bendery and Tiraspol, learning about the 1992 war against Moldova and the current Russian presence in the region.

Day 1: Exploring Chisinau

On day one, the tour commences with the group meeting their guide at the hotel in Iasi before heading out to explore the capital city of Moldova, Chisinau.

Known for its socialist architecture and landmarks like the parliament building and Presidential House, Chisinau offers a unique glimpse into the country’s history.

The group will wander the city streets, taking in sights like the iconic Cathedral Park and the vibrant outdoor market.

After working up an appetite, they’ll visit the renowned Cricova Winery, an underground city with over 120 kilometers of cellars, where they’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s finest wines.

The day concludes with an overnight stay in Chisinau.

Cricova Winery Adventure

After exploring the vibrant streets of Chisinau, the group ventured to the renowned Cricova Winery, an underground city with over 120 kilometers of cellars extending beneath the Moldovan countryside.

They descended into the cool, dimly lit tunnels, marveling at the endless rows of wine bottles lining the walls. The guide led them through the labyrinth, sharing the winery’s history and offering tastings of their acclaimed vintages.

The group sampled rich, full-bodied reds and crisp, refreshing whites, learning about the unique terroir and traditional production methods. Fully immersed in the winery’s atmosphere, they gained a newfound appreciation for Moldova’s winemaking heritage before returning to Chisinau for the evening.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Overnight Stay in Chisinau

Following an enriching day exploring Chisinau’s architectural gems and sampling Moldovan wine, the group settled into their accommodations for the night in the country’s capital city. The hotel provided a comfortable retreat, catering to the needs of the weary travelers. After a restful night’s sleep, the group awoke refreshed and ready to venture to Transnistria the next morning.

Amenities	Details
Rooms	Spacious, en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi
Dining	Onsite restaurant serving local cuisine
Facilities	24-hour front desk, luggage storage, concierge service

The overnight stay in Chisinau allowed the group to recharge and prepare for the next day’s exploration of the unique region of Transnistria.

Day 2: Discovering Transnistria

Early the next morning, the group departed Chisinau for the unrecognized territory of Transnistria, an intriguing enclave with its own unique history and identity.

Their first stop was the city of Bendery, where they learned about the 1992 war with Moldova and the ongoing Russian presence in the region. The tour then continued to Tiraspol, the de facto capital of Transnistria, home to around 200,000 people.

Highlights of the day included:

• Visiting the Parliament House and iconic Suvorov Monument

• Exploring the Bendery Fortress, a historic landmark dating back to the 16th century

• Learning about the region’s Soviet-influenced architecture and monuments

• Enjoying a traditional Transnistrian lunch and local currency

• Gaining insights into the complex geopolitical situation in this breakaway state.

Bendery and Tiraspol Exploration

Crossing the administrative border into Transnistria, the group encountered a stark contrast to the modern Chisinau they’d explored the previous day, stepping into a realm frozen in time under Soviet influence.

The drive to Bendery and Tiraspol, the region’s two largest cities, revealed a landscape dotted with hammer-and-sickle flags, imposing statues of Lenin, and crumbling architecture from the communist era.

In Bendery, they visited the formidable Bendery Fortress, a 15th-century stronghold that had witnessed the 1992 war between Transnistria and Moldova.

In Tiraspol, the group strolled through the central square, taking in the massive parliament building and the distinctive Transnistrian currency at local shops.

Throughout, the guide provided insights into the complex geopolitical tensions that have defined this unrecognized state.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for participants, from hotel pickup and drop-off to professional English-speaking guides and modern transportation.

Participants will enjoy one night’s accommodation in Chisinau, as well as breakfast and lunch during the Transnistria portion of the tour.

Additional inclusions are:

• Entrance fees and wine tasting at the Cricova Winery
• A local English-speaking guide in Transnistria
• Comfortable vehicle transportation throughout the tour

However, the tour doesn’t cover meals not mentioned in the itinerary, travel insurance, or personal expenses and photography fees.

Participants should also note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments and should bring their passport or ID card and comfortable shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Cities in Moldova?

Yes, the tour can likely be extended to visit other cities in Moldova. Travelers can inquire with the tour provider about customizing the itinerary to include additional destinations within the country, such as Tiraspol or Bender, subject to availability and additional costs.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator generally allows customers to customize the itinerary to suit their preferences. They can add or remove activities, adjust the duration, or focus on specific areas of interest within the tour’s scope.

How Much Local Currency Do I Need to Bring for Personal Expenses?

The amount of local currency needed for personal expenses depends on the individual’s spending habits. It’s recommended to bring some local currency, as it may be difficult to use foreign currencies or cards in certain areas. An estimate of $50-100 USD equivalent is reasonable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments. However, there are no specific age restrictions, and the tour is open to adults and children as long as they can comfortably participate in the activities.

Is There an Option to Add Additional Activities or Excursions?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention any additional activities or excursions that can be added to this 2-day tour. However, travelers may be able to customize the itinerary by requesting extra stops or experiences directly with the tour company.

Recap

This 2-day tour from Iasi to Chisinau and Transnistria offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Travelers will enjoy the vibrant socialist architecture of Chisinau, indulge in a wine tasting at the renowned Cricova Winery, and explore the unique landscapes and history of Transnistria.

With an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and an overnight stay in Chisinau, this tour provides an insightful and engaging experience for those seeking to discover the highlights of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: