Moldova Short Break
Moldova Short Break
Moldova Short Break
5 Days Starting and ending in Chisinau
Visiting: Chișinău, Tiraspol
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Physical rating:
Low, FullOn
Age range:
14-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This short break gives a taste of Moldova, a country that has successfully emerged from behind the Iron Curtain. Along the way, try Moldovan wine, Kvint brandy and traditional hearty cuisine. Tiraspol - Discover the capital of the breakaway territory of Trans-Dniester, which harks back to the days of the USSR Chisinau - Explore Moldova's little known capital with its 1950s Soviet architecture and large parks Orheiul Vechi - See ancient fortresses and unusual rock-carved monasteries overlooking the dramatic Raut River Gorge Festival Departures - Join a departure to visit Tiraspol on Victory Day to see the military parade or on Independence Day to experience the celebrations or be in Chisinau during the Wine Festival
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Moldova's Capital Chisinau
Location: Chișinău
Accommodation: Hotel Best Western Flowers
Our trip begins in Chisinau, which is located in the very heart of Moldova and is the country's capital city. Moldova has a chequered history, which includes the nationalist movement and power struggles of the 1990s, which led to its freedom from the Soviet Union. Most of the city was destroyed during World War II and by an earthquake in 1940, so the architecture is mainly in the 1950s striking Soviet style, but there are also two large parks, which give the city a much greener feel. Moldovans are known to be some of the friendliest people in Eastern Europe, and nowhere is that more obvious than in Chisinau.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Chisinau at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Chisinau International Airport (KIV), which is about 30 minutes' drive from the city centre.
Due to a number of flights arriving into Chisinau later in the evening, our welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two at 8.30am. If you have free time on arrival then the parks are a great place to take a stroll and to relax.
Day 2: Chisinau Walking Tour; Visit To Cricova Or Milestii Mici Cellar And Wine Tasting Dinner
Location: Chișinău
Accommodation: Hotel Best Western Flowers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After our Leader does an initial wlecome meeting, we'll explore the city's main sights on foot. We'll see the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ's Nativity, the exterior facade of the Presidential Palace and the Parliament building and the Holy Gates, which is known as Moldova's 'Arc de Triomphe'. There's the chance to haggle in the local food market and bazaar. Join the locals promenading in the park along the Avenue of the Classics of Moldovan Literature, which is lined with statues and busts of Romanian and Moldovan authors and social figures.
There's the opportunity to visit the emotive Army Museum in the Centre of Culture and Military History. The exhibits here document Soviet-era repression and the crimes perpetrated by Lenin and Stalin. They tell the story of mass deportation, gulag labour camps, manmade famines and other harrowing tales.
After free time for lunch, we will drive to the Cricova or Milestii Mici Wine Cellar, where we will explore their extensive cellars. Moldova is recognised for its good wine and back in the Soviet era the country was known as the 'the vineyard of the USSR'. Cricova and Milestii Mici Wine Cellars make use of tunnels constructed in the building of Chisinau in the 15th century to store their wine. They've been producing wine since the 1950s and have a number that have won prestigious awards.
Returning to Chisinau this evening, dinner, coupled with a variety of excellent local wines, will take place in the Carpe Diem Wine Bar.
Day 3: Visit Bendery Fort; Walking Tour Of Tiraspol And Brandy Tasting
Location: Tiraspol
Accommodation: Hotel Russia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Chisinau this morning , we cross the border to experience one of the most unique places in Europe - Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway state of Trans-Dniester. Unlike the rest of Moldova, Trans-Dniester hadn't wanted to separate from the Soviet Union, so back in 1992 after a short conflict they declared their independence. However, it's not recognised by any of the United Nations as an independent state even though it has its own government, military, postal service, currency, flag and national anthem.
Once the border formalities are complete, our next stop will be the 16th century Ottoman fort at Bendery. After some time to look around and take in the views from the turrets, we set off for Tiraspol. We'll explore on foot to view the numerous war memorials including those commemorating the 1992 Civil War and Trans-Dniester War, and the Supreme Court, Statue of Lenin, De Voln Park and Arch of Bendery.
After a little free time for lunch, it's time to visit the Kvint Brandy Factory for a tour and tasting. Kvint is considered by the locals to be a national symbol of Trans-Dniester and even appears on one of their banknotes. It was founded in 1897, making it the oldest operating commercial enterprise in the region and as well as brandy, the factory produces wine and vodka.
After checking in to the hotel, dinner will be at the home of a local family where there is the opportunity to ask them questions and learn about their lives in this special hidden part of Europe.
Day 4: Visit Tiraspol Market And The Ancient Churches At Orheiul Vechi
Location: Chișinău
Accommodation: Hotel Best Western Flowers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before leaving Tiraspol, we walk to the Central Market and see the cathedral. We depart for Orheiul Vechi in rural Moldova via Dubasari where we visit the Pridnestrovian Babi Yar Holocaust Memorial. We'll also make a stop along the way at a local restaurant to buy lunch.
The visit to the Orheiul Vechi Complex is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. This site is of great historical and archaeological importance and is home to one of the most unusual church complexes in Eastern Europe. Set in a ruggedly beautiful valley gorge, shaped by the Raut River, there are several ancient monuments amongst and carved into the huge limestone outcrops that date from 10th century BC up to 14th century AD. The Cave Monastery was dug into the cliff by Orthodox monks. Above ground there's a church dedicated to the Ascension of Saint Mary and a museum providing a further insight into the area. We take an easy graded walk around the site, which takes around two to three hours and covers five to six kilometres.
Before returning to Chisinau, we will have a traditional Moldovan dinner such as zeama - a tasty chicken soup and mamaliga - a type of polenta with fried meat and fresh seasonal vegetables washed down with homemade wine. During dinner, there's the chance to see and join in with traditional folk songs and dancing.
Please note that if the weather is too poor to do the walk then a visit will be made to the Curchi Monastery instead.
Day 5: Trip Ends In Chisinau
Location: Chișinău
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Chisinau.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Chisinau at any time.
If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Chisinau International Airport (KIV).
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Accommodation
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Meals – Half Board
Breakfast: 4 Dinner: 3
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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