Step back into the USSR era with a unique tour of Transnistria from Chisinau. Visit museums, monuments, parks, and experience the old version of the Soviet Union in Tiraspol.
Step back into the USSR era with a unique tour of Transnistria from Chisinau. Visit museums, monuments, parks, and experience the old version of the Soviet Union in Tiraspol.
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Chisinau - Meet and Greet in Chisinau with Transfer to Transnistria
Welcome to Chisinau! Begin your adventure with a personalized meet and greet at your hotel, where a friendly guide will ensure a seamless start to your journey. Once ready, embark on a picturesque 1-hour drive through Moldova’s rolling countryside, heading towards the…
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Chisinau - Meet and Greet in Chisinau with Transfer to Transnistria
Welcome to Chisinau! Begin your adventure with a personalized meet and greet at your hotel, where a friendly guide will ensure a seamless start to your journey. Once ready, embark on a picturesque 1-hour drive through Moldova’s rolling countryside, heading towards the Transnistria border, a region rich in Soviet heritage and unique cultural atmosphere.
Along the way, enjoy views of Moldova’s serene landscapes—fields, vineyards, and charming villages—while the guide shares fascinating insights about the region’s history, culture, and current situation. As the border approaches, notice subtle changes in the surroundings, reflecting the transition into this self-declared republic.
Crossing into Transnistria is a distinctive experience, with its own checkpoints and procedures. Rest assured, the team will handle everything, ensuring a smooth border crossing.
- Bendery Fortress - Upon arriving in Bender (Bendery), one of Transnistria’s most historically significant cities, experience a unique blend of cultures, architecture, and history. Located on the right bank of the Dniester River, Bender reflects its diverse past, shaped by the Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire, and Soviet Union.
One of the city’s key highlights, the Bender Fortress, dates back to the early 16th century when it was constructed by the Ottoman Turks.
Lenin Monuments
Like many cities in Transnistria, Bender proudly displays its Soviet heritage. One of the most notable sights is the Lenin monument standing prominently in front of key government buildings, symbolizing the city’s enduring connection to the Soviet era.
- Столовка СССР Тирасполь - A stolovka in the USSR referred to a simple, affordable canteen or cafeteria that provided meals to workers, students, and the general public. In Tiraspol, as in other Soviet cities, stolovkas were an essential part of daily life during the Soviet era. These dining establishments were known for their no-frills environment, standardized menus, and efficient service aimed at serving a large number of people quickly.
Typical Stolovka Atmosphere
Interior: The decor was basic, with long communal tables, wooden or metal chairs, and minimalistic design. Walls were often painted in neutral tones, and decorations, if any, might include Soviet posters or slogans about productivity and unity.
Self-Service: Most stolovkas operated on a self-service model. Patrons would grab a tray and slide it along a metal or wooden counter, picking up dishes displayed behind glass panels.
- Tiraspol - Tiraspol is not the capital of a recognized country. It is the largest city and de facto capital of Transnistria, a self-proclaimed, unrecognized breakaway region located in Moldova. While Transnistria declared independence in 1990 and has its own government, military, and currency, it is not recognized as a sovereign state by any member of the United Nations, including Moldova, which claims the territory as part of its own sovereign land.
- The Tank Monument - The Tank Monument in Tiraspol, the capital of the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria), is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It features a World War II-era Soviet T-34 tank, mounted on a pedestal, serving as a memorial to the Soviet soldiers who fought and died during the Second World War. The monument symbolizes the city’s gratitude toward those who contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany and commemorates the liberation of Tiraspol by Soviet forces in April 1944.
- The Suvorov Monument - The Suvorov Monument in Tiraspol is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, commemorating Alexander Suvorov, a legendary Russian military commander who founded Tiraspol in 1792.
- The Christmas Cathedral - The Christmas Cathedral, also known as the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, is the largest and most significant Orthodox church in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. This magnificent structure serves as a religious, architectural, and cultural landmark in the city, symbolizing the deep-rooted Christian Orthodox faith of the local population.
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House of Soviets - The House of Soviets in Tiraspol, the administrative center of Transnistria, is an imposing structure that serves as the headquarters of the region’s government. Built during the Soviet era, the building remains a prominent example of Stalinist and Socialist Realist architecture, reflecting the city’s deep ties to its Soviet past.
While the building itself is not open to the public, its exterior and the Lenin statue are popular photo spots for visitors exploring Tiraspol. The square in front of the building is a key part of any walking tour of the city, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a place where time seems to have frozen in the Soviet era. - Chisinau - As the journey through Transnistria concludes, travelers will be driven back to Chisinau.
- Private transportation
- Gratuities are included
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Private transportation
- Gratuities are included
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Lunch
- Lunch
Join us on an unparalleled journey that lets you experience a bygone era – the time of the USSR. Explore stunning sites, engaging museums, historic monuments, lush parks, and more. The city of Tiraspol, a relic of the old Soviet Union era, waits for your visit. With a population of 130,000, it’s only a fifteen-minute drive from the Transnistria border. Welcome to this unforgettable tour.
Join us on an unparalleled journey that lets you experience a bygone era – the time of the USSR. Explore stunning sites, engaging museums, historic monuments, lush parks, and more. The city of Tiraspol, a relic of the old Soviet Union era, waits for your visit. With a population of 130,000, it’s only a fifteen-minute drive from the Transnistria border. Welcome to this unforgettable tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.