Back in the USSR - Transnistria.

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

We invite you to discover Transnistria – the place where the old USSR is still alive and flourishing. It is a breakaway territory within the internationally recognized borders of Moldova. The country’s national coat of arms still includes the traditional hammer and sickle and the Lenin is revered till today.

Our first stop will be the Bender fortress - an architectural monument of the XVI century. It was built on the model of the Western European structure of bastion type. You can walk along the walls enjoying the great views of the Dniester River.

After Bender, we take you to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria and the 2nd largest town of Moldova. We will take you to the major attractions of Tiraspol, such as V. Lenin monument and House of Soviets, the Transnistrian Parliament (25 October Ave, Tiraspol), the Afghanistan War Memorial, Monument-tank, and more.

Possible extensions for this tour: KVINT Distillery (Tiraspol), MIMI Wine Castle, Asconi Winery or Noul Neamt Monastery.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total duration of the tour (8 hours), is including the driving time to Transnistria and back to Chisinau.

Valid passport is required for the customs control

International cards (Visa/Master) are not accepted in Tiraspol / Cash only.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees as per program

Souvenirs

Lunch is not included, but we will be glad to organize it for you and you can pay at the restaurant by card or cash.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Chisinau

Meet and greet in Chisinau. 1 hour drive till the border of Transnistria. Welcome to Bender - Transnistria

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Bendery Fortress

Our first stop will be at Bender Fortress. In 1713, the fortress, the town, and the neighboring village Varniţa were the site of skirmishes (kalabalik) between Charles XII of Sweden, who had taken refuge there with the Cossack Hetman Ivan Mazepa after his defeat in the Battle of Poltava.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Back in the USSR - Small Group

Pickup included

Back in the USSR - Private

Private Tour
Pickup included

Reviews

4.98

52 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent tour
Pablo S,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Cornelious is very friendly and professional, we had a relaxed and fun day with him. The group was small which was also a very good point
Great Way to Spend the Day
Philip S,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent informative day spent in a very unique corner of the world. Friendly guide who was a very skilled driver kept the day rolling along. Don’t miss it!
Interesting and thoughtful
Oskar U,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The route corresponded well with what was informed in advance. Our guide Corneliu was flexible and accommodating. He told us about sights in a way that made it very easy to keep up with, we were a bit uncertain about the safety aspect of going to a contested area but we felt safe all the time. The border crossing went very quickly in both directions. Corneliu was also a very good driver and it never felt like he was going too fast.
Great day exploring an 'unrecognised country'
Lisa G,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great day. Marina was a fantastic guide - full of information and enthusiasm. Long day - we got back to Chisinau at 7.45pm - so it probably won't work if you've got a flight to catch! You'll need to exchange money for lunch - we changed 700 MLD and bought 2x beers; 2x soups; 1x dumplings and 2x puddings for lunch. We had spare for 3x dried caviar and a lot of chocolate! There was an additional opportunity to exchange money after lunch... Please note, you can not change the local currency back!
Had a great tour! Our...
Bryce C,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Had a great tour! Our guide took care of us during this interesting dip into a unique area. I recommend doing the tour while you are in the area.
Outstanding
Iain M,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Incredible experience! Before I was like many I was apprehensive but this was one of the best tours I’ve done! Our guide Oleg was amazing, drove us there safely and effeciently Border crossing was very easy, very safe! The fortress was cool, the soviet cafe was great and the food was nice too! If you have any doubts.. all I can say is DO IT! You want regret it!
Interesting!
Liubov S,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I enjoyed the excursion. Victor is very knowledgable. History of the region is very interesting. Thanks a lot!
Recommended 100
198ClaudioM,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Back to the past. Very interesting to know the history of this self-proclaimed country. A tour success especially for the good know-how of the Guide. The Best, Food in a Propsy Mood from a Cold War Movie. Recommended 100%
Great Tour
Paul D,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a really great tour. Oleg was a perfect and sympatic guide. Who tried to fulfill every wish. We even stopped at the football stadium to buy some souvenirs.
Excellent!
Leilah Hillman,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Exceptional tour with Oleg. He was upbeat, knowledgeable and we had a great time. Bender and Tiraspol were fun to visit and crossing the border was easy. This tour is safe:)