Departure from Chișinău between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
After a short introduction to the day, we will set off for Transnistria, or as it is called on the other side of the river – Pridnestrovie! During the journey (about 1 hour), we will retrace the history of Moldova and Transnistria, explaining the events that led to the birth of this de facto state, which is not recognized by the international community.
Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of Bender and Tiraspol, discovering the main sights and some lesser-known spots that are also linked to Italy through history or interesting facts.
The route is of medium intensity: approximately 10 km of walking in total, interspersed with several journeys by car.
At the end of the city tours, tourists can choose one of the following two options, depending on their interests and the time available:
Bender Fortress (Tighina)
One of only two medieval fortresses in Moldova. The guided tour provides insight into the region's strategic role between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire. Ticket: 100 Transnistrian rubles (approximately €5). Duration: 45-60 minutes.
Abandoned school near Tiraspol
This is not just a visit to an abandoned building: the caretaker of the site will also be our guide and, classroom by classroom, will share stories, interesting facts and anecdotes about school life in the Soviet era, helping us to better understand the USSR's education system and everyday life during that period.
Fee for the caretaker: €10 per person. Visiting time: approximately 1 hour.
The choice to visit the fortress or the school is entirely optional.
The tour is available in two versions:
Standard Transnistria Tour:
The ideal solution for those who have only one day and want to get the most out of the experience: history, interesting facts and the main attractions of Bender and Tiraspol. Return to Chișinău between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Authentic Transnistria – Overnight:
A unique two-day experience designed for those who want to go beyond a day trip and wish to spend the night in Transnistria. After the cities of Bender and Tiraspol, the next day we will discover the rural and lesser-known part of the region.
We will visit Chițcani, where the majestic Obelisk of Glory, the largest monastic complex in Moldova, and a monumental head of Lenin are located.
We will then continue to Cioburciu, where local guides will be waiting for us to visit one of the best-preserved Soviet parks in the region, the main headquarters of a kolkhoz, a rare example of the agricultural organization of the USSR, and an evocative House of Culture that also hosted discos during the Soviet era.
Return to Chișinău before dinner.
Participants are free to choose where to stay overnight in Tiraspol.
Lunch and dinner (if applicable) are not included in the price. It is possible to have lunch at the "URSS" wine bar in Bender, with its down-to-earth atmosphere, or at the "Back in USSR" restaurant in Tiraspol.
N.B. Maximum group size: 6 persons.
