Transnistria tour & Cricova Cellar with tasting

Meet your tour guide at your hotel lobby in Chisinau. Your guide will greet you there at the scheduled time and accompany you throughout the day.

On this one-day tour in Transnistria, we take you on a journey through history, culture, and everyday life in this unique region.

We begin with a visit to the Bendery Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold that has witnessed centuries of battles and changing empires. During our city walk, we explore the streets of Tiraspol and Bender, learning about the historical events that shaped this fascinating corner of Europe.

You’ll see Soviet-era monuments, including statues of Lenin and Suvorov, alongside majestic government buildings, memorials, and even an abandoned amusement park — a haunting reminder of the past.

Along the way, your guide will share stories and insights into the region’s history, culture, and daily life, making this an unforgettable experience for those who love to venture off the beaten path.

Tiraspol

We discover the capital of Transnistria — Tiraspol. The city was founded in 1792 by Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov on the orders of Russian Empress Ekaterina II. Tiraspol is a small, clean, and magnificent city on the left bank of the Dniester River. The townspeople are always friendly and happy to talk to guests from abroad.

In Tiraspol, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase plastic coins, the unique and still-recognized local currency. At a bookstore, you can also buy Soviet, Russian, or Transnistrian flags as souvenirs.

Highlights of Tiraspol:

Lenin Monument
The Lenin Statue in Tiraspol is known as the “younger brother” of the Lenin Monument in Berlin. This statue, standing since 1987, is a striking reminder of the Soviet past.
🕒 Duration: 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

"Back in the USSR" Restaurant
Enjoy a cup of coffee in a nostalgic Soviet-style restaurant. Here you can take photos of authentic Soviet-era items: furniture, portraits of Lenin and Stalin, vintage radios and TVs, old plates, refrigerators, and more.
🕒 Duration: 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Suvorov Monument
This 9-meter-high equestrian statue stands in the center of Tiraspol, honoring Russian General Alexander Suvorov, the city’s founder. Your guide will share why Suvorov is one of Russia’s most celebrated generals.
🕒 Duration: 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Tank Monument
Visit the famous tank monument on a memorial site in the city center. You can even climb onto the tank for a photo. Nearby you’ll see the government building and other important local monuments.
🕒 Duration: 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

House of Soviets
Admire the iconic ‘House of Soviets,’ a building in grand Empire style. On nearby Gagarin Avenue, see the huge portrait of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.
🕒 Duration: 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Green Market Center
Wander through the lively vegetable market, where farmers sell their fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy products, and spices — all grown in their own gardens.
🕒 Duration: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bender

Our visit to Bender begins at the abandoned amusement park, a haunting reminder of happier times when children played here. Today, all that remains are rusted attractions and a silent, motionless Ferris wheel — a poignant snapshot of the past.

We then explore the ancient city of Bender, which is over 615 years old. One of its most important landmarks is the Bendery Fortress, a sprawling castle complex built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire. This impressive site bears witness to the fierce battles fought here 250 years ago between the Russian and Ottoman Empires.

Today, Bendery Fortress stands as a monument to Turkish military architecture, with thick walls, towers, and a commanding view over the surrounding area. Inside, we also visit the beautiful 19th-century Orthodox church, the fascinating torture museum, and climb to the highest tower for a panoramic view.

At the fortress, you’ll also encounter the whimsical story of Münchhausen’s “Ride on the Cannonball”, and even have the chance to “fly” on a cannon yourself! You’ll also learn about the Swedish King Charles XII, who lived here for three years in the 19th century — and find out what became of him after his stay!

🕒 Duration: Approx. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Memorial of Military Glory

Next, we take a city walk through Bender to visit sacred sites that honor the city’s fallen soldiers. At the Memorial of Military Glory, you’ll see an eternal flame, a combat vehicle, and a solemn bell tower. The names of the soldiers who gave their lives for their homeland are engraved on the walls — a moving tribute to sacrifice and remembrance.
🕒 Duration: 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Bender City Walk

Finally, we continue our walk through the streets of Bender, located on the right bank of the Dniester River, discovering its everyday life and atmosphere.

The military-historical memorial complex in the city of Bendery was opened on October 7, 2008.

It was erected on the site of an old military cemetery, where the remains of many soldiers of the Russian Imperial Army who died in the wars of the 18-20th centuries were laid to rest.

On our way back to Chisinau, we stop for a completely different experience — a journey into Moldova’s legendary wine culture.

We visit the world-famous Cricova Winery, often called “the underground city of wine.”

• Drive through more than 120 kilometers of limestone tunnels, where millions of bottles are stored in perfect conditions.
• Visit elegant tasting halls, themed after Moldova’s rich history and traditions.
• Learn about Moldova’s centuries-old winemaking heritage.
• Enjoy a guided wine tasting, sampling some of the finest wines Cricova has to offer.

Alternatively, you may choose to visit Milestii Mici — holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest wine cellar in the world, with over 200 kilometers of tunnels and more than 2 million bottles in storage.