Upon arrival at Chișinău International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the journey begins with a guided tour of Chișinău, a city known for its wide boulevards, lush parks, and a captivating blend of imperial, Soviet, and modern influences.

Often called the “City of White Stone”, Chișinău grew rapidly during the 19th century, with many of its elegant buildings constructed from local limestone. During the city tour, you will explore the historic center and its main landmarks, including the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the elegant Bell Tower, and the iconic Triumphal Arch located in Cathedral Park. Nearby stands the monument to Stephen the Great, Moldova’s most revered medieval ruler. The tour continues along Stephen the Great Boulevard, where important administrative and cultural institutions shape the character of the capital. Along the way, you will see the Presidency, the Parliament, the City Hall, as well as cultural landmarks such as the Mihai Eminescu National Theatre, the Organ Hall, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Depending on time and interests, you may also visit the lively Central Market or the National History Museum, offering a glimpse into local life and Moldova’s rich heritage.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in Chișinău.

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Highlights of the Day:

• City tour of Chișinău – Explore Moldova’s vibrant capital, where history, architecture, and culture blend harmoniously.
• Iconic Landmarks – Visit the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the Bell Tower, the Arch of Triumph, and the Monument of Stephen the Great.

Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~15 km; Transfer from Chisinau Airport; Overnight stay at a hotel in Chisinau (-/-/-)

This morning, leave Chișinău behind and travel into the rolling hills of the Codri region, a landscape of dense forests and quiet villages long considered the spiritual heart of Moldova. Your first stop is the historic Căpriana Monastery, one of the country’s oldest monastic settlements and a significant center of Moldova’s religious and cultural life.

Continue deeper into the forest to reach Condrița Monastery, a peaceful Orthodox monastery founded in the 18th century. Hidden among the trees of the Codri Reserve, the monastery offers a tranquil atmosphere and provides insight into the long-standing monastic traditions of the region.

In the afternoon, the journey leads to one of Moldova’s most remarkable attractions—the Milestii Mici Winery, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest wine cellar in the world. Beneath the vineyards lies an extensive network of underground limestone galleries stretching nearly 200 kilometers, housing millions of bottles of Moldovan wine. During the visit, explore this underground “wine city” and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Later, return to Chișinău in the evening.

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Highlights of the Day:

• Historic Monasteries – Visit Căpriana and Condrița monasteries, two important spiritual landmarks nestled within the forests of the Codri region.
• Milestii Mici Winery – Explore the world’s largest underground wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of Moldova’s celebrated wines.

Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~90 km /~2 hours, round trip; Overnight stay at a hotel in Chisinau (B/L/-)

Today’s journey takes you east across the Dniester River into Transnistria, a self-declared republic where Soviet symbols and traditions remain an integral part of everyday life. This unique region offers a fascinating glimpse into a political and cultural landscape that seems suspended in time.

The first stop is Bender Fortress, a powerful stronghold located on the banks of the Dniester River. Originally part of the Moldavian defensive chain, the fortress was later expanded by the Ottoman Empire and remains one of the best-preserved historical sites in the region. Continue exploring the city of Bender, where Soviet-era architecture and monuments reflect the legacy of the USSR.

From here, travel to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, where wide avenues, Soviet monuments, and statues of Lenin define the cityscape. After some free time for lunch with an option for  a traditional Soviet-style restaurant, visit the famous Kvint Distillery, founded in 1897 and renowned throughout the former Soviet Union for its brandy. During the tour, explore the distillery’s museum, production facilities, and extensive barrel cellars before enjoying a tasting of several varieties of Kvint brandy. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Tiraspol, experiencing the distinctive atmosphere of this unique destination.

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Highlights of the Day:

• Bender Fortress – Explore one of the most important historic fortresses on the Dniester River and learn about its Ottoman and Moldavian past.
• Soviet Heritage of Transnistria – Discover Bender and Tiraspol, cities where Soviet architecture, monuments, and symbols still shape the urban landscape.
• Kvint Distillery – Visit Transnistria’s legendary brandy producer and enjoy a tasting of several varieties of Kvint cognac.

Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~110 km /~ 2 hours; Overnight stay in Tiraspol (B/-/-)

The journey continues south into Gagauzia, a lesser-known region of Moldova where the Gagauz people preserve their distinct Turkic heritage, traditions, and way of life.

Arrive in Comrat, the capital of the region, nestled within the open landscapes of the Budjak steppe. A guided tour introduces the city's main sights and offers insight into the history and identity of this unique community, where local traditions continue to play an important role in everyday life.

Continue to the village of Besalma to visit the Gagauz National Museum of History and Ethnography, where you will explore local customs, traditional lifestyles, and cultural heritage. This visit provides a deeper understanding of the region and its people.

Lunch is served at a traditional Gagauz restaurant, offering a taste of local cuisine and hospitality. For those interested, an optional visit to Vinuri de Comrat Winery—one of the oldest wineries in southern Moldova—can be arranged.

In the evening, return to Chișinău, where you will settle into your hotel after a day exploring the southern regions of the country.

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Highlights of the Day:

• Discover Gagauzia – Explore one of Moldova’s most distinctive regions, shaped by Turkic heritage and strong traditions.
• Comrat & Local Life – Visit the capital and gain insight into the culture and identity of the Gagauz people.
• Gagauz Traditions & Cuisine – Experience local food and hospitality in a traditional setting.

Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~270 km /~ 4h 30 min; Overnight stay at a hotel in Chisinau (B/L/-)

Today’s journey takes you east to Odessa, one of the Black Sea’s most elegant and culturally rich cities, renowned for its 19th-century architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Upon arriving in Odessa, begin a guided exploration of the historic city center. Stroll along the famous Primorsky Boulevard, offering views of the Black Sea, and admire the iconic Potemkin Stairs, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Then, continue to the magnificent Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.

Stroll along Deribasovskaya Street, the vibrant heart of the city, where cafés, gardens, and historic buildings reflect Odessa’s unique character. The city’s blend of cultures, maritime history, and relaxed coastal atmosphere creates a distinctive sense of place that sets it apart from other cities in the region.

In the evening, return to Chișinău after a full day of exploration.

For those who prefer not to cross into Ukraine, the day can be spent at leisure in Chișinău, allowing time to explore the city independently or simply relax.

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Highlights of the Day:

• Discover Odessa – Explore one of the Black Sea’s most iconic cities, known for its elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
• Historic Landmarks – Visit Primorsky Boulevard, the Potemkin Stairs, and the Odessa Opera House.
• Black Sea Atmosphere – Experience the coastal charm, lively streets, and unique character of Odessa.

‍Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~270 km /~ 6h 30 min round trip; Overnight stay at a hotel in Chisinau (B/-/-)

The day begins with a short journey to Hîncești, where you will visit the elegant Manuc Bey Mansion, one of Moldova’s most notable architectural landmarks. Built in the early 19th century, the estate reflects the refined style of the period and provides insight into the region’s historical connections and cultural influences.

Explore the grounds and restored buildings of the complex while learning about the life of Manuc Bey, a prominent merchant and diplomat. The mansion stands as a reminder of a bygone era, blending architectural elegance with a rich and layered history.

After the visit, return to Chișinău. Depending on your departure time, you may have a brief opportunity to relax or take a final stroll through the city before your transfer to Chișinău International Airport.

As your journey comes to an end, take a final glimpse of Moldova—a land of rolling vineyards, historic monasteries, and traces of its Soviet past. Though the tour concludes here, the country’s rich history, culture, and warm hospitality leave a lasting impression.

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‍Highlights of the Day:

• Manuc Bey Mansion – Visit one of Moldova’s most elegant historical estates and learn about its cultural and architectural significance.

Travel Details: Expected Travel distance ~90 km; Airport transfer; Departure from Chișinău (B/-/-)