Back in the USSR - Transnistria.
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet and greet in Chisinau. 1 hour drive till the border of Transnistria. Welcome to Bender - Transnistria
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.
After the the tour of the fortress, we will take you to visit the town of Bender. We will stop at Sheriff market, at the central open air market, the soviet canteen "Stolovka", Soviet Memorials and Monuments etc.
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, Transnistrian Parliament (25 October Ave, Tiraspol), Afghanistan War Memorial, Monument-tank, and more. At the end of the tour we can take you for a lunch in Tiraspol, Back in the USSR Restaurant (The lunch is optional and not included). Possible extensions for this tour: KVINT Distillery (Tiraspol), MIMI Wine Castle, Asconi Winery or Noul Neamt Monastery.
End of the trip. Transfer to Chisinau.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Dear guests, we pick will pick you up from your hotel or apartment. Just let us know the address and name of your hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(66)
This was an excellent day trip to the fascinating country of Transnistria. Diana was an exceptional tour guide with a great knowledge of the history and showed us all of the key spots in the country. I would highly recommend this tour!
I booked the “Back in the USSR” tour while visiting Moldova and it ended up being one of the strangest and most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Crossing into Transnistria genuinely feels like stepping into another era. Soviet symbols are everywhere, Lenin statues still stand proudly, and the atmosphere is completely different from the rest of Europe. It almost feels like a place frozen in time. The guide (Miranda) was knowledgeable, relaxed, and happy to answer questions about the complicated politics and history of the region without turning it into a lecture. I learned a lot about life in Transnistria, the Soviet legacy, and the unusual status of the territory. Highlights included: Seeing Soviet architecture and monuments up close Visiting local markets and streets that feel untouched by mass tourism Trying local food and drink Experiencing the unique atmosphere of Tiraspol The bizarre feeling of being somewhere that officially “doesn’t exist” to many countries What I appreciated most was that the tour didn’t feel gimmicky or exploitative. It gave a real glimpse into everyday life there rather than treating the place like a theme park. A fascinating experience for anyone interested in history, politics, Soviet culture, or just seeing somewhere completely different from the usual tourist destinations. Highly recommended if you want a travel story people will actually remember hearing about.
Easy day in Transnistria. Saw and did enough to get an impression of this most unusual place. Oleg was entertaining and informative.
Natascha was a very experienced and competent tour guide. The driver Ivan on time and safe. The whole day trip was absolutely relaxed and worth seeing, wonderful impressions of a bygone time that still exists there.
Well-organized and distributed tour, a step back in time, which takes you back to a world that no longer exists. It is really worth doing if you have a day available! The Marina guide was kind and attentive to the needs of the group and individuals
Mariana was an excellent guide on our trip to Transnistria. She provided detailed background on history of Moldova and the semi independent region of Transnistria. She was also very accommodating as I had to catch the flight in the evening. Great experience as I was in the time warp of the USSR in the 70s. The only negative is the price of the trip was expensive for a day trip.
An absolutely unique experience, thanks to Natalia! After the start in Chișinău, we headed straight for Transnistria, a place you won’t forget anytime soon. Even crossing the border feels different. Flags, controls, a very special atmosphere. First we went to Tiraspol. Places like the Lenin Statue Tiraspol and the House of Soviets Tiraspol make you feel like time has stopped. Soviet influences, monuments and a very special atmosphere everywhere. We visit markets, walk through quiet streets and get an honest insight into everyday life. That's what makes this tour so special. Finally we head to Bender for the impressive Bender Fortress. A strong finale with history, architecture and views of the Dnister River. Natalia accompanied the day perfectly. Calm, competent and with just the right sense of the special moments. You feel safe at all times and get insights that you would never have on your own. Organizationally, everything went smoothly: Pick-up, air-conditioned vehicle and a relaxed schedule. Lunch was organized flexibly and fit perfectly. For me, one of the most impressive experiences of the trip. No classic sightseeing, but a real immersion in another world. Clear 5 out of 5 stars and a big thank you to Natalia!
Marina was an excellent guide, she told all the exciting information with an enthusiasm and above all with humor that it did not get boring. Everything was organized tiptop and we could get a good insight into the country. They were also flexible with the pick-up location, which I greatly appreciated. I can definitely recommend the tour just as much. Only the communication in advance could be better, since I have not received any more feedback by mail in between.
Natasha's a very prepared guide!
My guide Natalia was excellent from start to finish. Very informative with a great depth of knowledge of both Moldova and Transnistria. The tour itself was fantastic, enjoyed every moment of it with many highlights along the way. As football fans we had a quick added venture round the outside of the stadium of sheriff tirispol which Natalia help us do. All in all a fantastic tour. Would highly recommend. Craig, Scotland
