Transnistria tour & Cricova Cellar with tasting

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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. Drive to Transnistria.

   1 h

2. 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. Inside, we also visit the beautiful 19th-century Orthodox church, the fascinating torture museum, and climb to the highest tower for a panoramic view. Memorial of Military Glory Next, we take a city walk through Bender to visit sacred sites that honor the city’s fallen soldiers.

   2 h

3. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Moldova’s rich viticultural history, a visit to Cricova Winery is a must. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of wine! Discover the Largest Underground Wine Cellars in the World: Cricova Winery Just a few kilometers north of Chișinău, lies one of the world's most remarkable wine treasures: the Cricova Winery, home to the largest underground wine cellars on the planet. Underground Exploration: Travel through the tunnels by bus, learning about Cricova’s history, wine production, and significance in Moldova’s wine industry. Wine Tasting: Enjoy an exceptional tasting experience in elegant underground halls, sampling some of Moldova’s finest wines. Cricova’s Famous Collection: View the private wine collections of notable figures and rare, vintage wines stored in the cellars.

   2 hAdmission included

4. 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.

   2 h

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

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Chișinău

• Its from-price is 47% above the median of the 66 day trips we list in Chișinău.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 27 of 66.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Chișinău

Chișinău is the capital of Moldova, a leafy city of wide boulevards, parks and churches, close to vast underground wine cellars.

Chișinău is the capital and largest city of Moldova, laid out on a grid of wide, tree-lined streets and rebuilt after damage in the Second World War and an earthquake in 1940. The Nativity Cathedral, begun in the 1830s, with a white bell tower, stands in a central park near the Triumphal Arch. Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard is the main avenue.

See all 175 experiences in Chișinău