Top Chisinau Day Trips

Soviet Era Tour of Transnistria from Chisinau Moldova

(194)

from $119

Best of Moldova: Cricova Winery & Old Orhei Tour including Curchi Monastery

(183)

from $165

If you want to feel the breath of the former Soviet Union, we invite you to visit Transnistria. It will be exciting and interesting. This region was formed after the war in 1992 and is independent from Moldova, although officially it is considered to be part of Moldova. It has its own currency, own president and three official languages. We will visit places and buildings from the former USSR. You will see Lenin monuments, the majestic House of Soviets in the style of Stalinism, the 16th century Bendery fortress. You will visit the USSR canteen, where many old Soviet things are collected . The highlight of your trip will be visit to a private guesthouse "Usadba Acasa" in a Bulgarian village of Parcani,where we will go for lunch. Lunch will be prepared by caring hosts in the best national traditions.Here you will taste delicious homemade wine and take part in a folklore performance,get acguainted with the life of local residents, national traditions

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $78

Dear travellers to Moldova! I would like to greet you warmly in my home country and introduce you to our little country. On the map of Eastern Europe, Moldova is still an unexplored country. On our one-day tour, we visit a place that can surprise Moldova – state within Moldova – tiny Transnistria, which is not found on the world map. We show and tell you about people's everyday lives, our culture and values, typical Moldovan delicacies. Lunch is served at the inn in the Bulgarian village at the locals'. On the tour we visit the fortress of Bendery, on the city walk we learn about the historical events that had shaped this region. We look at the Soviet monuments, Lenin and Suvorov monuments, the majestic building and memorial sites.

One day tour in Transnistria

(190)

from $144

Special Offer

Transnistria Tour from Chisinau Explore Soviet Time Capsule

(52)

from

$139

$143

Special Offer

Highlights of Moldova - Curchi, Old Orhei and Cricova (Optional)

(54)

from

$119

$126

Old Orhei and Butuceni breakfast+sunset

(4)

Unlike rigid group excursions, this tour is flexible and unhurried, allowing you to enjoy each stop at your own pace. It’s designed for small groups, so you’ll have a more intimate experience with plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. A highlight of the day is a delicious lunch at the seaside Chernomorka restaurant, included in the tour — a perfect moment to taste Odessa’s flavors while enjoying views of the Black Sea. With no strict schedule and a friendly guide, you’ll feel more like a guest than a tourist.

from $114

From Chisinau to Odesa: Seafood Lunch by the Black Sea included!

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $479

Dear Guest, This tour perfectly combines Moldova’s rich medieval history with its world-famous wine culture in one unforgettable day. Curchi Monastery – Spiritual Beauty Next, visit the beautiful Curchi Monastery, one of the most impressive monasteries in the country. Old Orhei is the most picturesque and historically significant place in Moldova. Visit the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex and the Medieval Town Museum, where ancient civilizations, dramatic limestone cliffs, and traditional rural life come together. Cave monastery carved into limestone cliffs Ancient fortifications and ruins The local museum Learn about the region’s medieval history while admiring breathtaking views over the Răut River valley. The experience concludes with time for lunch in Butuceni (lunch is optional and paid separately). The final stop Cricova Winery (optional) Over 120 km of underground cellars The unique “underground wine city.”

Tour to Old Orhei &Cave Monastery &Cricova cellar tour (optional)

(18)

from $99

Visit one of the oldest wineries in Moldova and discover rthe ich cultural heritage on this full-day tour. Discover Old Orhei Archeological Complex and Manastirea Curchi (Curchi Monastery) on a full-day small-group tour from Chisinau. Combining the two Orthodox sites offers a fascinating look at Moldova’s tradition of religious art and architecture. Then, head to the extensive Cricova wine caves, where you can opt to join a tour and wine tasting (additional fee).

1 Day: Old Orhei, Curchi monastery and Cricova Winery (optional)

(16)

from $119

Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries

(22)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $237

Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour INCLUDING Wine tasting

(28)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $126

Step back in time to the Soviet era on this action-packed private tour. Discover the history of the Soviet Union at Transnistria, with preserved Soviet monuments, equipment and historically important places. Visit the Bender Fortress dating back to 1538, the Tighina Military Cemetery, and discover local life at the Green Market Center at Tiraspol. See the Suvorov Monument, Tank Monument and the impressive Palacio Presidential.

Tiraspol and Bender Back in the USSR Tour

(140)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $110

9 May Tiraspol Victory Day and Sherpen Bridgehead

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $144

Experience one of Europe’s most unusual and fascinating regions on a fully guided day trip from Chișinău to Transnistria. Unlike other tours, this itinerary offers a complete cultural immersion, combining Soviet-era history, local life, and iconic landmarks. • See Tiraspol’s Soviet-Era Icons: Explore Suvorov Square, the Lenin Monument, and the House of Soviets, where history feels • Step Back in Time at Bendery Fortress: Walk the grounds of this historic 16th-century fortress and learn its strategic role in regional history. • Hassle-Free Border Crossing: Your guide handles all checkpoint formalities, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without stress. • Unique Cultural Insights: Learn first-hand about Transnistria’s politics, traditions, and lifestyle from a local expert guide. This tour is perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and anyone seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Don’t just see the region—understand it, taste it, and feel it.

Tiraspol - Back in USSR soviet experience

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $150

Discover Gagauzia and Manuc Bei Mansion

(23)

8 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

from $130

Discover a region where the atmosphere of the Soviet Union is still alive and well. Embark on a private tour from Chisinau, Moldova to the Republic of Transnistria and visit the cities of Bender and Tiraspol to learn more about the history and heritage of this unique region. See highlights like the 16th-century Bender Fortress built by the Ottomans and the Noul Neamt Monastery in Tiraspol.

Accessible and Interesting Tour in Transnistria

(2)

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $128

Transnistria - Discover Soviet style and inspiration

(2)

3 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $136

Experience life in the countryside on this private farmhouse tour. Hike through the limestone outcroppings, and along the valley carved by the river. Discover Old Orhei, the medieval cave monastery hidden on the cliff - an archaeologically, culturally and historically significant site. Feel like a farmer for a day at Ferma Veche guesthouse - feeding the animals and enjoying the picturesque countryside.

Half-Day Private Guided Tour of Orheiul Vechi and a Farmhouse

(24)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $89

Located on the banks of the Dniester River, Tipova Monastery stands out as a remarkable rock-hewn monastic complex, arguably the most impressive in Moldova and one of the largest in Europe. With multiple levels spread over a generous area, this monastery once housed over 700 monks in its hermitages, and today, there are hundreds of monk cells in the surrounding area. The origin of the monastic community dates back long before the establishment of the Moldovan feudal state. It is said that some cells were carved into the rocks along the banks of the Dniester as early as the 10th-12th centuries, serving as protection against barbarian invasions. The landscape in this area is simply stunning: the tranquil waters of the Dniester, steep cliffs concealing hundreds of cells and caves, the beauty of nature, and waterfalls. After exploring Tipova reservation we will continue our tour in a very picturesque village - Lalova, where wwe will take a lunch in a nice guesthouse - Hanul lui Hanganu.

Full-Day Hiking Trip to Tipova Cave Monastery and Lalova Village

(6)

from $120

Cricova Winery - Old Orhei & Cave Monastery

(4)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $265

Embark on a captivating 6-hour journey through time to Transnistria and Bender Fortresses from Moldova. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you explore the fascinating cities of Bender, Tiraspol, and Odessa. Marvel at the impressive Soviet architecture, the Suvorov Monument, and Bender Fortress. This delightful tour of Odessa kicks off with a leisurely stroll around Theatre Square. Don't miss the chance to view the beauty of its renowned Opera and Ballet Theater.

1 Day Moldova: Tour To Transnistria, Bender Fortresses

(10)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $130

GROUP- Milestii Mici Winery, Transnistria and Bender Fortress

3.0

(4)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $177

Our tour stands out for a more authentic, comfortable and personalized approach than the classic excursions. Offered in private format, it allows you to discover Curchi and Orheiul Vechi in very good conditions, with more flexibility, more attention and an experience better adapted to the Traveler’s pace. We offer not only a visit of sites, but a real introduction to the soul of Moldova: its religious heritage, landscapes, history and rural atmosphere. This tour is for travelers who want to understand, feel and discover the country in more depth.

Authentic Moldova - Excursion to Orhei Vechi

(20)

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $119

One day tour in Transnistria

1 2 3

What are people saying about Chisinau

Matthew_H, Apr 2026

Head back to the USSR before 1989!

What an experience, I was a Soviet Studies major at University and this felt like a time warp to pre-1989. The tour is well paced, transport great and you see the uniqueness of a breakaway region inside a country. Passing armed Russian Soldiers on the road is an unique experience. Head back to the USSR on this Tour!

Best of Moldova: Cricova Winery & Old Orhei Tour including Curchi Monastery

Frances_J, Mar 2026

More than its description especially with Nicolai showing us these sights.

A great tour and the guide Nicolai was fantastic giving us a real overview of Moldova. We not only learned the political side of this interesting country but he took us through small villages showing us how they actually live. The wine tasting was superb and the vast quantities and different varieties is amazing. Thank you for such a great day.

Discover Gagauzia and Manuc Bei Mansion

Lauren_H, Mar 2026

Fun day with new friends

Had a really amazing day exploring a region I knew very little about. Ecaterina, the guide was an absolute joy to hang out with all day. Even though I had just met them, it felt like I was hanging out with friends all day long. They did a great job of making everyone comfortable and having a really lovely time especially since we spent 11 hours together or so. The tour itself was very informative, and she had deep knowledge of the area. Well, worth the cost.

Highlights of Moldova - Curchi, Old Orhei and Cricova (Optional)

Elisa_P, Mar 2026

Great experience!

We had an amazing day discovering some very cool places in Moldova. Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova are definitely worth to visit! We also enjoyed the lunch at a tradicional restaurant in Butuceni. Our guide Marina was very friendly and passionate about her job. She shared with us many interesting informations and stories about Moldova and we really had a great time in her company!

Soviet Era Tour of Transnistria from Chisinau Moldova

Lennard_K, Feb 2026

Unique experience with a great guide

If you are hesitating to book a this tour, don’t! It was a rare opportunity and a unique insight into the local culture. Our guide, Natalia, was extremely knowledgable and very considered. She took great care to give us the best experience, taking into consideration our personal interests. Would absolutely recommend this tour woth Natalia as your guide, we had a lovely day!

Travel to Pridnestrovie with Anton Dendemarchenko - day tour

Brigid_F, Oct 2025

The Best Way to Experience Pridnestrovie!

This is the only tour you need to book in PMR! Anton is a fantastic guide and tailors each ‘tour’ (more of a day spent with a local than a traditional tour) to what guests are most interested in learning and experiencing in PMR. We hugely appreciated the conversations we had with Anton throughout the day as he showed us both the main sites and hidden gems. Anton also facilitated/translated for us to have discussions with locals on their feelings about Pridnestrovie’s independence and lack of recognition, Soviet history, and current geopolitics. We learned so much. It’s one thing to read about a place and another thing to experience it and hear from locals firsthand. A few other quick things: •Anton’s English is great. •If you book the option to be picked up outside PMR rather than driving yourself, you’ll likely be picked up by Dima (he’s great too, but doesn’t speak much English). •We were two female travelers and felt completely safe the entire time. •We had a great lunch at Back in the USSR (would recommend), but Anton can suggest other places based on your preferences. We had a great day with Anton and would definitely book again if we come back!

Transnistria Tour from Chisinau Explore Soviet Time Capsule

Lee_H, Aug 2025

Was picked up from...

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

Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour INCLUDING Wine tasting

Indira_H, May 2025

Great if you like caves, great if you like wine, even better if you like both!

Pickup was very prompt and easy. Our driver knew a lot about Chișinău and the winery, giving us information and pointing out interesting things on the drive. Once we arrived and hopped on the electric trains to drive through the tunnels, the guide was very interesting and knowledgable about both the wine and the history. When we stopped for the wine tasting only 4 from our group stayed, the rest went to the gift shop and the exit. The 4 of us that remained were taken through to an underground restaurant where the wine and nibbles were waiting for us. They are very generous with the pours so don’t do this on an empty stomach! After we finished, our driver took us back into Chișinău, but stopped on the way to show us the oldest Church in Moldova, which is definitely also worth a visit!