Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Style: Private Guided Tour in a comfortable vehicle
Highlights: Capital City Sights, World’s Largest Wine Cellar, Step into the Unrecognized Republic of Transnistria.
Brief Description:
Embark on an intense, fascinating day that covers the essence of modern Moldova. Explore the peaceful heart of Chisinau, descend into the incredible underground city of wine at Milestii Mici, and cross into the Soviet-era time capsule of Transnistria—a breakaway region frozen in time. This tour is perfect for curious travelers seeking culture, history, and unique geopolitical insights.
Booking: Must be booked in advance due to private guide logistics and potential winery reservation requirements.
Passport Required: Mandatory for all participants for the Transnistria border crossing.
Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The temperature in the Milestii Mici cellars is a constant 12-14°C (54-57°F), so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Included: Private vehicle & driver, professional English-speaking guide, all tour guiding, Milestii Mici tasting fees, assistance at the border.
Not Included: Lunch, optional gratuities, any personal purchases in Transnistria.
Note: This is a packed itinerary covering significant ground. It offers a profound and efficient overview of Moldova’s complex identity.
What is included
08:30 – Pickup from your Chisinau accommodation
Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel/apartment. Receive a brief overview of the day’s adventures.
09:00 – 11:00: Chisinau City Guided Tour
What to Expect: A comprehensive drive and walk through Moldova’s capital. See the mix of Soviet architecture, modern developments, and green parks.
Key Sights: The monumental Great National Assembly Square, the Nativity Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Stephen the Great Monument. Stroll along the main boulevard, Stefan cel Mare, and hear the stories of Moldova’s past and present from your knowledgeable guide.
11:00 – 11:45: Scenic Drive to Milestii Mici
Relax in your vehicle as you travel through the picturesque Moldovan countryside towards the famous wine cellars.
12:00 – 14:30: Milestii Mici Winery Tour & Tasting
What to Expect: Enter the Guinness World Record-holding largest wine collection on earth! Travel by car deep into the limestone tunnels (over 200 km long). Learn about Moldova’s prized winemaking tradition, see the immense underground barrels and storage galleries, and enjoy a guided tasting of 3-4 premium wines. (Optional lunch can be arranged here for an extra fee – we recommend booking this in advance).
14:30 – 15:30: Drive to the Transnistrian Border (Tighina/Bendery)
The journey east heads towards the de facto border of the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria).
15:30 – 16:00: Border Crossing Procedure
What to Expect: A unique process. Your guide will handle all formalities. You will need your passport (EU citizens can use ID). The Transnistrian authorities will issue a paper entry slip – guard this, as you must surrender it upon exit. The process is usually straightforward for tourists.
16:00 – 18:00: Transnistria Exploration – Tiraspol
What to Expect: A step back into the Soviet 1970s. Your tour will focus on the capital, Tiraspol. See the towering Lenin Statue, the House of Soviets, the Suvorov Monument, and the unique Sheriff Stadium. Walk along the main October 25th Street, notice the Soviet symbols, and hear about daily life here. You’ll have time to pay in Transnistrian Rubles (guide will assist) for a coffee or iconic KVINT brandy (if interested).
18:00 – 18:30: Return Border Crossing to Moldova
Exit Transnistria, surrendering your entry slip, and re-enter Moldovan territory.
18:30 – 19:30: Return Drive to Chisinau
Unwind and reflect on an unforgettable day as you are driven back to the capital.
19:30: Drop-off at your accommodation in Chisinau
Your tour concludes at your hotel.
Booking: Must be booked in advance due to private guide logistics and potential winery reservation requirements.
Passport Required: Mandatory for all participants for the Transnistria border crossing.
Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The temperature in the Milestii Mici cellars is a constant 12-14°C (54-57°F), so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Included: Private vehicle & driver, professional English-speaking guide, all tour guiding, Milestii Mici tasting fees, assistance at the border.
Not Included: Lunch, optional gratuities, any personal purchases in Transnistria.
Note: This is a packed itinerary covering significant ground. It offers a profound and efficient overview of Moldova’s complex identity.
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
