Tour of Transnistria: Uncover the Essence of Former Soviet Union

Embark on a captivating tour of Transnistria, a region that encapsulates the essence of the former Soviet Union. Explore its unique history, architecture, and the daily lives of its residents.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tighina Fortress - During our exploration, we will have the opportunity to tour the historical Bender Fortress, situated on the eastern bank of the Dniester River in Bender city. This fortress, dating back to the 16th century, holds significant architectural value and stands as a testament to the town’s integration into the Ottoman Empire. The construction of this remarkable stronghold commenced in 1538, marking an important era in its history.
What's Included
  • Entrance to the Bendery fortress
  • Services of an interpreter guide
What's Not Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Lunch
Additional Information

If you want to experience the essence of the former Soviet Union, we invite you to explore Transnistria. This journey promises to be both thrilling and fascinating. Established after the 1992 war, this region operates independently from Moldova, despite being officially recognized as part of it. Transnistria boasts its own currency, president, and three official languages. Our tour will take you to various sites and structures from the USSR era. You’ll encounter Lenin monuments, the grand House of Soviets built in Stalinist style, and the 16th-century Bendery fortress. We’ll also visit a Soviet-era canteen, showcasing numerous relics from that time. A highlight of your trip will be a visit to the private guesthouse “Usadba Acasa” in the Bulgarian village of Parcani, where we’ll enjoy lunch. Prepared by gracious hosts, the meal will reflect the finest national traditions. You’ll savor delicious homemade wine, participate in a folklore performance, and gain insight into the local residents’ lives and traditions.

Location
Bender
You get off the minibus at the Bendery bus station,where your guide will be waiting for you.We can tell you how to get to Transnistria easier.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(7 Ratings)
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Arjunbh
Sep 11, 2024
Go for it! - It was such an enriching experience to do this tour with Tatiana, who is so thoughtful, considerate and knowledgable. She was patient with questions and provided a great overview of Pridnestrovie in Moldova. I appreciate the historical background that she provided. It was also special because we got to enjoy a wonderful home cooked meal by her parents. At the end, we managed to do a fantastic "bottle tour" with Stas. I was in awe when I saw the collection. Stas pointed out the main highlights from the six floors of liquor bottles, which seemed to include rare bottles from several countries! You must do the tour with Tatiana when you visit Moldova!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I4756zpadamc
Aug 11, 2024
What a great experience! I would definitely recommend! - Tatiana was an amazing guide, she does a great job explaining the nuances of all sides of Transnistrian independence. It was an extensive, but not exhausting day tour full of incredible hospitality. After a home cooked meal I was offered a kitten that I desperately wish I could take home with me. Her father Dimitri(?) was very charming even through the language barrier. He sent us home with some "natural medicine" for our friend who was feeling sick (fresh watermelon and homemade brandy) and both were very good. Also our friend is feeling better, I know Dimitri wanted an update on that. All together couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
148jannikm
Jul 2, 2024
Best tour in Europe - I recommend everyone to do this great tour to get to know Transnistria . The tour can be done in German or English. The hostess makes the very best and cheapest tours Her father also makes the world's best wine. Don’t miss this 😍. 10/10 points 🔥🔥👏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lukeo455
Oct 26, 2023
A special day in Transnistria! - Wow, where to start. What a fantastic day and experience. Our guide Tatiana was amazing and very knowledgeable. I’ve wanted to visit Transnistria for a number of years and this was the perfect way to do it. We started off in the city of Bender which has got a rich history and an impressive fortress, all explained by our wonderful guide Tatiana. We got to experience local culture, including a vegetable market and a dairy market, before going on to an old Soviet themed cafe, which is a great experience and atmosphere. And then onto something I wasn’t expecting, a visit to Tatiania’s village where we invited into the family home, and was served an absolutely outstanding home made and home cooked three course meal. The food was amazing and we got to drink home made wine, which was very good quality. After that we spent time with the family playing traditional Moldovan music and instruments which was a humbling and special experience. After this we went to the capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol and learnt about the history of the city, the important figures who were born in Tiraspol and monuments to the brave people who lost their lives during past conflicts. We got to sample the Soviet architecture, experience another Soviet themed cafe and then buy some souvenirs to take home with us. All in all, I couldn’t rate this trip any higher and would highly recommend it for anyone who is travelling to the region. Tatiana and her family are very welcoming and it truly is an experience I will never forget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
George_r
Oct 26, 2023
Fantastic English guide, authentic Transnistrian experience. 5* - This tour is a MUST for any English speaker desiring a truly authentic visit to Transnistria! Our tour guide, Tatiana was fantastic and communicated with us prior to the trip to arrange transport to collect us from Chisinau. Tatianas knowledge of the history and politics of this region was second to non. Our host guided us with ease to cross the border into Transnistria where we first stopped by to visit the Bender fortress before walking into the town centre passing by the historic monuments. We visited the Soviet style cafe which was a true time capsule of Soviet times. Perhaps the highlight of our day was being welcomed into our hosts family home, where we were served the most delicious food and wine! Before indulging in a wonderful Moldovan musical performance with father Dimitri. We finished the day in Tiraspol a visit to another Soviet style cafe, also stopping to collect souviniours, coins and to take pictures of the famous house of Soviet. Finally our wonderful hosts returned us to Chisinau I could not recommend this trip higher for any English speaker looking to visit transnistria. George
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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