Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
Style: Private Guided Tour with Expert Driver-Guide
Highlights: Explore the unrecognized state of Transnistria and taste world-record-holding wines in the world’s largest underground cellar.
Brief Description: Experience the stark contrasts of Moldova in one intense day. Journey east to the Soviet-era frozen-in-time breakaway region of Transnistria, exploring its capital Tiraspol. Then, return to Moldova for a luxurious finale deep within the legendary underground city of wine at Milestii Mici. A tour for the culturally curious and the wine connoisseur.
Mandatory: Valid passport is required for all participants for the Transnistria border crossing. EU citizens can use an ID card, but a passport is strongly recommended for all others.
Booking: Must be booked in advance. Your guide needs to submit passenger details to Transnistrian authorities prior to arrival, and Milestii Mici requires reservations.
Cellar Temperature: The underground tunnels are a constant 12-14°C (54-57°F). Bring a jacket or sweater.
Included: Private vehicle & driver-guide, all border formalities assistance, Milestii Mici entrance & tasting fees (standard package), guiding in Tiraspol.
Not Included: Lunch costs, any personal purchases in Transnistria, optional gratuities.
Important Note: Transnistria is a breakaway territory not recognized by any UN member state. This visit is for cultural and historical interest. Follow your guide’s instructions at all times, especially regarding photography of military/police installations. The tour is safe for tourists and offers a unique perspective.
What is included
08:30 – Pickup from your Chișinău accommodation
Meet your guide. A briefing on the day and the unique border crossing process.
09:00 – 10:00: Scenic Drive & Border Crossing to Transnistria
Travel east towards the Dniester River. Your guide will handle all formalities at the Tighina/Bendery checkpoint. You’ll need your passport (EU citizens can use ID) to receive a paper entry slip—guard this carefully.
10:00 – 12:00: Tiraspol, Capital of Transnistria
What to Expect: A step back into the Soviet 1970s. Your walking/driving tour includes:
Main 25 October Street: The central artery lined with Soviet-era architecture.
The Tank Monument & Suvorov Statue: Symbols of military pride and the 1992 conflict.
The Supreme Soviet Building: The seat of government of the unrecognized republic.
The Vladimir Lenin Statue: One of the last prominent Lenin statues still standing in a capital city.
The Sheriff Complex: See the sports empire (stadium, sports complex) built by the influential company that dominates the local economy.
You’ll have time to use the local Transnistrian Ruble (your guide can help exchange) for a coffee or to purchase a souvenir.
12:00 – 12:45: Border Crossing back to Moldova
Exit Transnistria (surrender your entry slip) and re-enter Moldova.
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch in a Traditional Moldovan Restaurant
Your guide will take you to a recommended restaurant en route to the winery for a well-deserved lunch of local cuisine.
14:15 – 15:00: Drive to Milestii Mici
A short journey through the vineyards and hills south of Chișinău.
15:00 – 17:30: Milestii Mici Winery Tour & Tasting
What to Expect: Enter the Guinness World Record-holding “Golden Collection” cellars. This is not a walkway; you’ll explore the 200km+ limestone tunnels by car, passing endless rows of giant barrels and priceless bottles. Learn about Moldova’s winemaking history and the unique underground conditions. The experience culminates in a guided tasting of 3-4 premium wines in one of the elegant underground tasting halls.
17:30 – 18:15: Return Drive to Chișinău
Relax after your tasting and reflect on a day of profound contrasts.
18:15 – 18:30: Drop-off at your accommodation
Your tour concludes at your hotel in Chișinău.
Mandatory: Valid passport is required for all participants for the Transnistria border crossing. EU citizens can use an ID card, but a passport is strongly recommended for all others.
Booking: Must be booked well in advance. Your guide needs to submit passenger details to Transnistrian authorities prior to arrival, and Milestii Mici requires reservations.
Cellar Temperature: The underground tunnels are a constant 12-14°C (54-57°F). Bring a jacket or sweater.
Included: Private vehicle & driver-guide, all border formalities assistance, Milestii Mici entrance & tasting fees (standard package), guiding in Tiraspol.
Not Included: Lunch costs, any personal purchases in Transnistria, optional gratuities.
Important Note: Transnistria is a breakaway territory not recognized by any UN member state. This visit is for cultural and historical interest. Follow your guide’s instructions at all times, especially regarding photography of military/police installations. The tour is safe for tourists and offers a unique perspective.
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
