Transnistria Tour from Chisinau Explore Soviet Time Capsule

Overview

Available languages

Russian

English

Romanian

Mobile ticket

Experience a one-of-a-kind journey that takes you back in time to the USSR era. On this unique tour, you’ll explore Tiraspol, a city that feels frozen in a Soviet past.

Experience one of the most unique destinations in Europe—Transnistria, a self-declared republic that functions like a country, even though it is not officially recognized by any nation. Often described as a country that doesn’t exist, Transnistria offers an atmosphere found nowhere else, making it a true hidden gem for curious travelers.

Despite its unrecognized status, Tiraspol is peaceful, safe, and welcoming, making your journey both comfortable and culturally fascinating.

Join us for an extraordinary adventure in a place where the past still breathes, and discover a world that exists in reality—but not on any official map.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Gratuities

Coffee and/or Tea

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Chisinau

Meet and Greet in Chisinau with Transfer to Transnistria Welcome to Chisinau! Your journey begins with a personalized meet and greet at your hotel, where our friendly guide will ensure a smooth start to your adventure. Once we’re ready, we’ll embark on a scenic 1-hour drive through the rolling countryside of Moldova, heading towards the border with Transnistria, a fascinating region with a rich Soviet heritage and a unique cultural atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Moldova’s tranquil landscapes—fields, vineyards, and charming villages—while our guide provides interesting insights about the region’s history, culture, and current situation. As we approach the border, you’ll notice subtle changes in the surroundings, reflecting the transition into this self-declared republic. Crossing the border into Transnistria is a unique experience, with its own checkpoints and procedures. Don’t worry—our team will handle everything, ensuring a hassle-free border crossing.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Bendery Fortress

Upon arriving in Bender (Bendery), one of the most historically significant cities in Transnistria, you'll step into a unique blend of cultures, architecture, and history. Located on the right bank of the Dniester River, Bender is a city that reflects its diverse past, shaped by the Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire, and Soviet Union. One of the city's key highlights, the Bender Fortress dates back to the early 16th century when it was built by the Ottoman Turks. Lenin Monuments Like many cities in Transnistria, Bender still proudly displays its Soviet heritage. One of the most notable sights is the monument of Lenin standing prominently in front of key government buildings, symbolizing the city’s enduring connection to the Soviet era. T

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Lunch in a soviet canteen

Duration: 6 hours
Lenin canteen: Experience lunch in a classic Soviet-era "Lenin Canteen," where the atmosphere immerses you in the spirit of bygone times.
Pickup included

Private tour

Car
Pickup included

transnistria small group

car: comfortable car
Pickup included

Reviews

4.84

50 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Transnistria, an interesting day in the country that does not exist
valeria v,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting journey in a region still unknown to most that gives the emotion of a blast from the Soviet past. Marcelo was a competent, helpful and empathetic guide who helped us understand the history and everyday life of Transnistria.
Great day tour--could have been better with a better driver
778natashat,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fascinating tour to a country that doesn't exist. We bought the lunch included option, the other couple didn't so there was confusion as to what was included in the lunch and what wasn't. Found out they joined us at the last minute so could have been avoided. Driver was soooo grouchy. Did not want to stop even though all the places we stopped were on the itinerary. Yelled at the tour guide and was aggressive with the border patrol officers which made us really uncomfortable. Would not recommend Nicolai as a driver.
Fascinating tour but delayed tour pickup and drop off
Murali K,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The real reason I visited Moldova was to visit Chisinau and Transinistria, and the day tour to Transinistria was fascinating. We visited Tiraspol, Binderi fortress, central market, war memorials, and various other sites we visited were interesting. I appreciated the tour leader, Nathalia, was enthusiastic and patient in answering everyone's questions. When I booked the tour, I was told that the hotel pickup would be at 8 am and as the hotel breakfast started at 8 am, I requested them to make a sandwich "to go", but then the morning of the tour, I received a message from the tour company that the tour pick up would be at 9:20 am and no explanation was given. So, I waited in the hotel lobby and there was no pick up at 9:20 am, and there was another person was also waiting at the hotel lobby for this tour. I texted the tour company why there was no pick up and the reply I received was "Are you serious?"! Finally, the tour van pick me and the other person at 9:50 am and still there was no explanation about the delay. It would have been really helpful, if the tour pick up time posted on the booking site was followed or at least an explanation was given for the delay. I was told we would be back in Chisinau around 6:30 or 7 pm but we made it back around 8 pm. Overall, the places we visited on this tour were interesting and it would have been better if the tour schedule had been followed.
Marcel is the best
Zoltan L,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Marcel made this trip very special. I can highly recommend this company to all solo travellers and groups as well. Thank you!
Unbelievable experience!...
Collin E,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Unbelievable experience! Our guide was awesome and took care of us every step of the way! Definitely the tour to take if you are curious about this place!
Unfortunately, ECatharina did not speak German as it is in the description.
Stephanie B,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Unlike the description, the guide did not speak German. The German speaking guide has long left the Enterprise. Ecaterina told us in an air-conditioned Mercedes. There were 3 guests on board. She was very attuned to our wishes and also adapted the tour to us in time. She answered all the questions. Ultimately it was a nice trip with pleasant guide and mega interesting spots.
Was picked up from...
Lee H,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Was picked up from outside my hotel in a comfortable car with AC (it was a very hot day) My guide was very friendly and had very detailed answers to all my questions. On the way to transnistra he was showing us local sites and stopped off at an old Romanian Orthodox Church which was really impressive and a highlight for me. Once in transnistra we made many stops to several different sites along with another car with his female colleague who was also very informative. They were both very outgoing and fun. After the tour I was dropped back off outside my hotel
Amazing trip along the path less traveled
Cormac M,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This trip with Liliya into Transnistria was absolutely amazing. Liliya was very knowledgeable and answered any questions I had. It actually exceeded my expectations, I cannot recommend enough.
640sindrea,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Totally recommended if you're interested in history and/or Eastern Europe. Transnistria is a unique place, and we got to see monuments, architecture, an Ottoman fortress and glimpses of everyday life. Good guide and good lunch.
Eventful and intense tour
markkxldor,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very unique tour and Marcel was a very experienced and fun superhost! It was a small group tour, with great company, Marcel made sure that he leads a way to form us a co-traveler group! We have seen and heard so lot about the historical times and the background of all around, and visited so lot just in a couple of hours. We had a really tasty lunch too, in the canteen. Borsch is highly recommended. We were very luck to see the fortress too, as Marcel thankfully knew when to go there, just before the closure before the festival. Important to mention: this is one of the few really 'zero scam' tour. You get what you paid for and even more and no stress to buy anything (such as honey which would anyways be just confiscated at the airport...), neither at the market. People were very friendly, allover, there too.