2 Excursions in One Day – Cricova Winery,Tiraspol City and Bender Fortress!

Uncovering the rich tapestry of Moldova’s cultural heritage and winemaking prowess, this one-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Explore the vast underground cellars of Cricova Winery, indulge in curated wine tastings, and discover the unique Soviet-era architecture of Tiraspol, the de facto capital of the breakaway region of Transnistria. Venture further to the historic Bender Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s turbulent past. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking an immersive cultural adventure, this tour guarantees a captivating blend of sights, flavors, and insights that will leave you eager to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best City Tours In Chisinau.

Key Points

• This full-day adventure from Chisinau, Moldova, combines visits to the renowned Cricova winery, the historic city of Tiraspol, and the impressive Bender Fortress.
• Guided tastings in Cricova’s underground wine cellars, one of the world’s largest wine collections, provide an unforgettable experience.
• Explore the Soviet-era architecture and cultural heritage of Tiraspol, the second-largest city in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
• Visit the Bender Fortress, a 16th-century military stronghold that offers panoramic views and insights into Moldova’s history.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience with a professional guide and local driver.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Offering a full-day adventure from Chisinau, Moldova, this tour showcases the renowned Cricova winery and the historic Tiraspol, the second-largest city and unofficial capital of Transnistria.

Visitors will explore the underground wine cellars of Cricova and enjoy guided tastings of Moldovan wines.

The tour then ventures to Tiraspol, where travelers can discover the Bender Fortress, a significant historical site.

Hassle-free hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a professional guide are included, ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.

With a maximum of 7 travelers, this small-group tour provides an intimate and engaging exploration of Moldova’s hidden gems.

Tour Logistics

The tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Chisinau, providing a convenient and stress-free experience for travelers.

The small-group tour is limited to a maximum of 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. A professional guide and local driver are included, guiding travelers through the day’s activities.

Confirmation is received at booking, and a passport is required for the Transnistria border crossing.

The tour is priced starting at $212.00 per person, with flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour agency, BestMoldova, is praised for its excellent organization and flexibility during the tours.

Pricing and Availability

The tour is priced starting at $212.00 per person, with flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The price may vary depending on the group size, with a maximum of 7 travelers for a personalized experience.

Some key points about the pricing and availability:

1. Children can join the tour, with child rates available when sharing with a paying adult.
2. The tour can be booked with confidence, as the local tour agency, BestMoldova, is praised for excellent organization and flexibility.
3. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a valid passport is required for the Transnistria border crossing.
4. Travelers can reserve the tour now, taking advantage of the flexible payment options.

Tour Experience and Reviews

According to traveler reviews, the Cricova Winery and Tiraspol City Excursion tour delivers an exceptional experience. With a 4.5-star rating and 90% recommendation, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and safe transportation. The highlights of the tour include the underground wine cellars at Cricova, the engaging historical insights, and the opportunity to explore the unique city of Tiraspol. The tour’s organization and flexibility are also noted as key strengths. To further illustrate the tour’s merits, consider the following table:

Reviewer Feedback	Percentage
Knowledgeable Guides	90%
Safe Transportation	85%
Historical Insights	80%
Excellent Organization	75%
Flexible Arrangements	70%
Overall Satisfaction	90%

Important Information

A few important details to note about this tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, with child rates applying when sharing with a paying adult.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is located near public transportation.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase, while lunch is at the traveler’s own expense.

The local tour agency, BestMoldova, is praised for their excellent organization and flexibility during the tours.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Child rates apply when sharing with a paying adult
• Not wheelchair accessible; near public transportation
• Souvenir photos available for purchase, lunch at own expense

Cricova Winery

Nestled deep underground, the Cricova winery is renowned for its extensive network of wine cellars spanning over 120 kilometers.

This underground labyrinth, carved from limestone, houses one of the world’s largest wine collections, with over 1.3 million bottles.

Visitors can explore the maze-like cellars and witness the intricate process of wine production.

The guided wine tasting at Cricova allows travelers to sample the region’s finest vintages, from full-bodied reds to crisp, aromatic whites.

With its unique subterranean setting and rich history, the Cricova winery offers a truly immersive and unforgettable wine experience for visitors to Moldova.

Tiraspol City

After exploring the captivating underground wine cellars of Cricova, the tour proceeds to Tiraspol, the second-largest city and unofficial capital of Transnistria.

This unique destination offers a glimpse into the region’s intriguing history and Soviet-era architecture. Visitors can:

1. Admire the grand Parliament building, a striking example of Soviet constructivism.
2. Stroll along Lenin Street, the main thoroughfare lined with Soviet-era monuments and statues.
3. Visit the Transnistrian State University, a bastion of the region’s academic tradition.
4. Explore the colorful and lively Pobeda Market, offering a diverse array of local goods and produce.

The tour’s exploration of Tiraspol provides a compelling counterpoint to the wine-focused experience at Cricova, offering a comprehensive understanding of Moldova’s cultural tapestry.

Bender Fortress

The tour’s exploration of Tiraspol culminates in a visit to the historic Bender Fortress, a captivating stronghold that has borne witness to centuries of conflict and intrigue.

Built in the 16th century, this impressive citadel has played a pivotal role in the region’s turbulent history, serving as a strategic military outpost and a symbol of regional power struggles.

Visitors can wander through the fortress’s ancient walls, admiring its impressive architecture and learning about its past.

From the top of the tower, they’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a fitting end to a day spent immersing in Moldova’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Visit Transnistria?

While Transnistria is generally safe for visitors, it’s important to exercise caution and follow local laws and customs. Guided tours can provide a secure and informative way to explore this unique region.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview indicates that souvenir photos are available for purchase, suggesting that photography is generally permitted throughout the excursion.

What Should I Bring for the Winery Visit?

You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the impressive underground cellars at the Cricova Winery. Plus, wearing comfortable shoes is recommended for the walking tour. The winery may provide wine glasses for the tasting, but bringing a water bottle can help cleanse your palate.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Purchase?

While there are no strict restrictions on purchases at the Cricova winery, it’s best to check with the tour guide about any regulations or policies regarding the quantity or type of wines you can bring back. The guide can provide helpful advice.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends approximately 2-3 hours at Cricova Winery for the wine tasting, 1-2 hours exploring Tiraspol, and 1 hour visiting the Bender Fortress. The specific time spent at each location may vary based on the group’s pace and interests.

Sum Up

Discover the rich history, culture, and renowned wines of Moldova on this captivating day trip. Explore the vast underground cellars of Cricova Winery, experience the unique Soviet-era charm of Tiraspol, and uncover the storied past of Bender Fortress. This comprehensive excursion offers an unforgettable blend of wine, architecture, and heritage, making it a must-do for any traveler seeking to enjoy the best of Moldova.