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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
The 7-hour Moldova Tour to Transnistria and Bender Fortress is a one-of-a-kind experience, ideal for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a deeper understanding of Eastern European history and culture.
Step Back in Time
Transnistria feels like a living time capsule of the Soviet era, with Lenin statues, Soviet emblems, and traditions that have remained unchanged for decades.
Discover Transnistria – A Journey Through History and Culture
Transnistria is a self-proclaimed breakaway region of Moldova, existing separately since 1992.
Explore Bender Fortress
Visit the Bender Fortress, a 16th-century Ottoman
A Journey of Contrasts
This tour perfectly juxtaposes Transnistria’s striking Soviet-style towns, creating a truly memorable and immersive adventure.
More Than Sightseeing
This journey is more than just visiting landmarks—it’s an opportunity to connect with a unique region where the past and present coexist, gaining rare insights for unforgettable memories.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Yes, you will need a passport to enter Transnistria. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
Border Crossing:
Transnistria is a self-proclaimed republic and has its own border control. Your passport will be checked at the entry point.
Registration:
Upon entry, you’ll typically be issued a temporary registration slip, which serves as your visa to stay in Transnistria for a limited period (often up to 24 hours or as permitted by the authorities). Keep this slip with you as you’ll need it when exiting.
Itinerary
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1Chisinau
Meet your tour guide and begin the tour. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes as you head toward Transnistria. Along the way, you will cross the border, where Russian peacekeepers are stationed. Please have your passport with you, as it is required for the border formalities. Your guide will assist you and provide information about the region during the journey.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Bender
We stop at a Soviet-era war tank memorial, dedicated to the events of the 1990–1992 conflict between Moldova and Transnistria. This monument commemorates the fighters and civilians affected by the conflict and serves as a reminder of the region’s recent and complex history. Your guide will explain the background of the conflict, its causes, and its impact on everyday life in Transnistria and Moldova, helping bring this important period of history to life.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Tiraspol
Transnistria Tour – A Rare Journey into a Soviet-Era Enclave Discover one of Europe’s most unusual destinations on this unforgettable journey to Transnistria, a breakaway republic in eastern Moldova where Soviet values, symbols, and traditions are still very much alive. Separated from Moldova since 1992 and unrecognized by the international community, Transnistria offers a rare glimpse into a world that feels frozen in time. Travel from Chișinău to the region’s main cities, Tiraspol and Bender, where wide boulevards, Lenin statues, Soviet architecture, and memorials tell the story of a complex and ongoing struggle for identity and independence.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Tiraspol
Green Market Stop – Tiraspol We make a stop at the local Green Market, one of Tiraspol’s city landmarks and among the most comfortable and well-equipped markets in the region. Here you will have the opportunity to taste local Transnistrian products, including traditional cheese, fresh vegetables, and homemade pickles. The Green Market has a history of over 220 years. While its infrastructure has changed significantly over time, it remains an important part of everyday life in Tiraspol. Today, it is a lively place where locals shop daily and visitors can experience authentic flavours and local culture.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5The Tank Monument
Across from the central square, see a Soviet T-34 tank and monuments commemorating World War II, the Soviet war in Afghanistan, and the Transnistria conflict. Stroll along 25th October Street to view the columned House of Soviets and Lenin’s imposing bust.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Bendery Fortress
Bender Fortress is an architectural ensemble of an irregular quadrilateral plan, surrounded by wide walls, 2-3 meters thick, made of limestone and brick. Step Into History: Explore the 15th-century fortress, a significant site in Moldovan and regional history. Learn From Our Guides: Hear captivating stories about the fortress’s role in battles and as a symbol of Moldova's resilience.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
7
Lunch Stop – Tiraspol Enjoy a traditional borsh at a local restaurant in Tiraspol. Other dishes and drinks are available at your own expense.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8Chisinau
At the end of the tour, relax as your guide drives you safely back to Chișinău.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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