Tour Highlights
Explore Bender Fortress – Walk the stone ramparts of this 16th-century Ottoman stronghold, enjoy panoramic views of the Dniester River, and learn about its layered history from Stephen the Great to Suleiman the Magnificent
Discover Soviet-era Bender – See the Lenin Monument, House of Soviets, and brutalist mosaics that give the city its distinctive “time capsule” atmosphere
Wine tasting at Kislov Family Winery – Visit a boutique family winery with over 100 years of winemaking tradition, sample limited-edition wines in an intimate vineyard setting
Traditional Moldovan lunch – Enjoy homemade placinte, mămăligă, and local dishes paired with Kislov wines among the vineyards
This full-day excursion offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy in one of the most unique regions of Eastern Europe. You’ll cross into Transnistria — a self-declared republic that feels like a Soviet time capsule — and explore the city of Bender, one of the oldest settlements in the region. Expect a day of contrasts: medieval fortress walls standing alongside Soviet-era monuments, and the warm hospitality of a family-run winery nestled among vineyards. Your guide will handle all border formalities, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. The pace is relaxed but full, with moderate walking on uneven terrain at the fortress. Come hungry — the traditional Moldovan lunch at Kislov Winery is a highlight in itself, paired with limited-edition wines you won’t find anywhere else.
What is included
Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Chișinău. Travel approximately 1–1.5 hours by comfortable vehicle to the city of Bender, crossing the Dniester River into Transnistria. Your guide will assist with border formalities at the checkpoint .
Upon arrival in Bender, begin a guided walking tour of the town. Key stops include:
Monument to the Defenders of Bender – A memorial dedicated to those who fought in the early 1990s conflict, offering context on the region’s modern identity
Lenin Monument and Soviet-era architecture – View the iconic statue, the House of Soviets, and vibrant brutalist mosaics that still decorate public buildings
Dniester River Embankment – A scenic stroll along the riverbank, a favorite spot for locals
Continue on foot to the Bender Fortress (Tighina Fortress), the centerpiece of the day. This 16th-century Ottoman fortification has a rich history:
Originally built by Stephen the Great as an earthen and wooden fort to defend the Dniester ford
Rebuilt in stone by Petru Rareș and later conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538, who renamed it Bender
Walk the stone ramparts for panoramic views of the river valley
Explore the Citadel, historical museums, and the small but fascinating Torture Museum
Spend approximately 1.5–2 hours exploring the fortress before departing for the winery .
Depart Bender for the short drive to Kislov Family Winery in Gîsca village. This boutique winery is a hidden gem among Moldova’s wine culture .
Winery Tour:
Begin with a walk among the vineyards, learning about the family’s 100-year winemaking history
Tour the production area and cellar, discovering the artisanal process behind their limited-edition wines
The winery produces fresh young wines alongside aged premium labels, all in small batches
Wine Tasting & Traditional Lunch:
Select from the winery’s tasting packages, which include :
Standard: Tasting of 3 wines with traditional Moldovan placinte (€14–24 per person depending on group size)
Premium: Tasting of 4 wines including a Premium label, cheese platter, and traditional placinte (€22 per person for groups of 8+)
The tasting is accompanied by homemade Moldovan dishes, with the option to order additional items from the menu. The atmosphere is intimate, with reviews describing the wines as “rich, aromatic, with an interesting finish” .
Optional Evening Extension:
During warmer months, Kislov operates an open-air cinema among the vineyards. Guests can enjoy live music in the evening and end the day with a movie under the stars, transforming the winery visit into a full evening experience .
Late Afternoon: Return to Chișinău
After the winery experience, depart for the return journey to Chișinău, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening depending on the time spent at each stop. Your guide will assist with border procedures on the way back .
There is no single supplement surcharge for single travellers as this is a private tour. The more travelers in your private group the bigger the discount for the private tour.
Cancellation fees – Cancellation fees may apply to any cancellations by the traveller of a service provided by Get-Locals.com. Unless otherwise specified, the cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations for custom itineraries (“Create Your Own”) are as follows:
In the event of bad weather forecast we will contact you the day before and offer you either a refund or an amended tour for the following day.
We always advice to wear suitable clothing for the day of the tour as not every day is guaranteed sunshine.
Our guide will meet you in your hotel lobby
