Meet the guide at your hotel or private accommodation and let your journey begins. Transferring from Chisinau to Transnistria. Become one of the few travelers to visit Transnistria, a breakaway republic in eastern Moldova, where Soviet values are still upheld and locals continue their fight for independence, Tiraspol and Bender city the main! After lunch, we start to cross the border to Ukraine!!! Our acquaintance with Odessa will start with a pleasant stroll around Theatre Square, located in the historical part of the city. We’ll enjoy its stunning architecture, learn about the history of the square and, of course, see its beautiful Opera and Ballet Theater.
What is included
Stage 1: Departure & The Road to a Frozen Conflict
07:30 – 08:00 | Your Journey Begins: Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel or private accommodation in Chisinau. Settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you receive a brief overview of the day. Enjoy the scenic, rolling hills of the Moldavian countryside as you head east, crossing from the EU’s outer edge into a unique geopolitical space.
Crossing into Transnistria: Your guide will expertly facilitate the formalities at the de-facto border. You’ll receive a 24-hour entry slip—a unique souvenir in itself. This is your passport to a place time forgot.
Stage 2: Transnistria – A Soviet Time Capsule
Morning | Bender (Tighina): Fortress & Memorials: Our first stop is the city of Bender, home to the formidable Bender Fortress. This 16th-century Ottoman citadel has seen rule by the Turks, Russians, and Soviets. Explore its stone walls and learn about the pivotal 18th-century battles between the Russian and Ottoman Empires. A short drive away, we’ll see the sobering Bendery Tragedy Memorial, commemorating the violent clashes of 1992 that cemented Transnistria’s separation.
Late Morning | Tiraspol: The Heart of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic: We then proceed to the capital, Tiraspol. Be prepared for a fascinating step back in time. Your guide will lead you along the main October 25th Street, where you will see:
The Monument to Alexander Suvorov: The revered Russian general who founded the city, gazing over the main square.
The Supreme Soviet Building: The seat of the unrecognized government, flying the distinct green, red, and blue Transnistrian flag.
The Tank Monument: A classic WWII T-34 tank, a ubiquitous symbol of Soviet victory and pride.
The House of Soviets & Government Complex: Imposing Stalinist architecture that houses the state apparatus.
Sheriff Complex: A fascinating insight into the region’s unique economics—a sports, retail, and business empire built by former security officials, featuring a modern soccer stadium amidst Soviet blocks.
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch in Tiraspol: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (included). Savor Moldovan and Eastern European dishes like mămăligă, zeama (chicken soup), or a hearty schnitzel, perhaps accompanied by the excellent local brandy, Kvint, produced in Tiraspol since 1897.
Stage 3: Crossing into Ukraine – The Gateway to Odessa
Afternoon | Border Transition: After lunch, we begin our journey south to Ukraine. Your guide will manage the exit from Transnistria and the entry into Ukraine at the Kuchurhan/Pervomaisk border crossing. Once formalities are complete, we embark on the final leg towards the Black Sea.
Stage 4: Odessa – The Pearl of the Black Sea
Late Afternoon | Arrival & Theatre Square: Your acquaintance with legendary Odessa begins at its cultural heart: Theatre Square. This is not just a square but the soul of the city. Your guide will bring its history to life as you admire:
The Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet: An unparalleled architectural masterpiece. Marvel at its lavish Baroque exterior and learn about its famed acoustics and storied past, from imperial premieres to surviving wartime bombs.
The Monument to Alexander Pushkin: Discover why the great Russian poet has a place of honor here, commemorating his exile in Odessa in the 1820s.
The City Council Building & English Club: Impressive architectural landmarks framing the square, each with tales of merchant wealth and social intrigue.
Evening Exploration | Deribasivska Street & Primorsky Boulevard: From Theatre Square, we’ll take a leisurely stroll down the vibrant, pedestrian-only Deribasivska Street, Odessa’s premier promenade for people-watching, coffee, and street performers. This leads us to the elegant Primorsky Boulevard, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Odessa Bay and the iconic Potemkin Stairs.
The Potemkin Stairs: No visit is complete without descending (or viewing) this world-famous cascade. Your guide will recount its construction, optical illusion, and its immortalization in Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 film Battleship Potemkin.
17:30 – 18:00 | Conclusion & Flexibility: As the day winds down, your guide will offer recommendations for dinner at a classic Odessa seafood restaurant or a vibrant café.
Expert Narrative: Your guide is a historian and storyteller, connecting the dots from Soviet legacy to Odessan myth.
Logistical Ease: We handle all border paperwork, transportation, and planning. You simply immerse yourself in the experience.
Unique Access: Few travelers venture into Transnistria; even fewer combine it seamlessly with the grandeur of Odessa in one insightful day.
Cultural Contrast: Experience the profound contrast between Tiraspol’s solemn, frozen-in-amber Soviet reality and Odessa’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, and maritime energy.
Ready to write a chapter in your travel diary unlike any other? Book this epic journey and traverse the borderlands of history.
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
