Еast European Discovery – Romania and Moldova’s Transnistria and Gagauzia
Еast European Discovery – Romania and Moldova’s Transnistria and Gagauzia
Еast European Discovery – Romania and Moldova’s Transnistria and Gagauzia
9 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Chi?inau, Moldova
Visiting: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Bran, Lacu Roșu, Voroneț, Suceava, Iași, Chișinău, Tiraspol, Comrat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BLKNORTH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
12-85
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
If you want to follow Count Dracula steps, uncover the secret of one of the least visited countries in Europe and face the truth about communism’s inheritance in East Europe - this trip is a chance to make it all at once. Romania and Moldova invite you to an adventure through past and present. Romania, with its nature, preserved medieval castles, ancient churches and vivid culture is one of the most interesting countries in Europe. The beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and the ancient Dracula’s castle in Transylvania are widely known, but the country has much more to show. Moldova is the least visited European country with less than 12 000 visitors per year. Moldova offers also unspoiled nature and great wine for every taste. Become one of the few travelers stepping into Transnistria - a breakaway republic in eastern Moldova, where Soviet values are still upheld and people fight for independence. Highlights: ? Dracula’s castle - the best-known castle in Transylvania and one of the most popular attractions in Europe ? Peles Castle - an exquisite piece of architecture, served once as Romanian Royal family’s residence ? The Black Church – the biggest church between Istanbul and Vienna ? The city of Brasov – is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Romania. It has a rich mix of history, culture, urban fun, and impressive Carpathians' surroundings. ? The Prejmer fortified church - is a Lutheran fortified church, founded by the Germanic Teutonic Knights, and then was eventually taken over by the Transylvanian Saxon community. ?The Voronet monastery – the jewel of Bucovina, also called “the Sistine Chapel of the East”, listed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. ?The Sucevita monastery - the largest of the monasteries in the Bucovina region, listed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites ? Milestii Mici - the largest wine "underground city" in Europe, which takes place in Guinness World Records ? Tiraspol – the capital of Transnistria a thin strip of land wedged between Moldova and Ukraine ?The Lenin monument in Tiraspol - located in front of Tiraspol's main government building ?Comrat – the national capital of Gagauzia, an autonomous territorial unit of Moldova ? The wine cellars of Cricova - the one of the biggest and one of the most impressive wine cellars in Europe
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov (Romania)
Location: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Meeting our guide in the lobby of our hotel in Bucharest at 09.00 am and drive to Sinaia. We cross the Carpathians toward Sinaia where we visit the fabulous Peles Castle, an exquisite piece of architecture and one of the most spectacular castles in Europe, with its arm and armory collection, unique for its richness and diversity. The Castle served as the summer residence of the Romanian Royal family. Continue to Brasov. Arrival at Brasov, formerly Kronstadt, founded by the Saxon colonists, as the South gate of Transylvania. Walking tour through the old town center, including the Black Church – the biggest church between Istanbul and Vienna; the Council Square, the Hirscher House/16century, - the baroque style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian time and Ekaterina Gate of the Old Citadel. It is also worth mentioning one of the oldest Orthodox Churches in Transylvania, where you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the chapel. Hotel in Brasov. -/-/-
Day 2 : Brasov - Bran - Lacu Rosu
Location: Brașov, Bran, Lacu Roșu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lunch in a local restaurant in Bran and visit to the famous medieval castle (the “Dracula's" Castle) built as a fortress for the citizens of Brasov in 1377, as a defense to the city. Prince Vlad used the Castle as a general headquarters during his incursions in Transylvania. In 1922, Queen Mary of Romania changed the castle into Royal residence, the best known castle in Romania. Stop at Prejmer for visit to the fortified church, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage. B/-/-
Day 3 : Lacu Rosu - Voronet
Location: Lacu Roșu, Voroneț
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit the jewels of Bucovina: Voronet also called “the Sistine Chapel of the East”. Drive through the Moldavian villages, visiting Tarpesti – the home of the delightful “Neculai Popa” Museum, unique in the world, where colorful masks and folk costumes are displayed. Overnight stay. B/-/-
Day 4 : Voronet - Suceava - Iasi
Location: Voroneț, Suceava, Iași
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Bucovina –the “upper land” with the unique painted monasteries, belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage. We include a visit to Sucevita monastery, the largest of the monasteries in the Bucovina region, with massive towers and stone walls protecting the inner buildings, which are decorated with portraits of historical legends and biblical scenes. Arrive Iasi, walking tour to Roznoveanu Palace, Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, Saint Nicholas Church (built by Stephen the Great), Metropolitan Cathedral and Church of the Three Hierarchs/ B/-/-
Day 5 : Crossing Moldova Border To Chisinau (Moldova)
Location: Chișinău
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to the border with Moldova, and continue to Chisinau. If time permits you can enjoy a walking tour of the city's main sights including the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ's Nativity, Presidential Palace, Parliament building and the Holy Gates, which are known as Moldova's 'Arc de Triomphe'. Excursion and wine tasting at Milesti Mici - the largest wine "underground city" in Europe (length - 200 km), which is listed in Guinness World Records. It has more than 200 km of limestone tunnels, 55 km of which are used for storing wine. Overnight hotel in Chisinau. B/-/-
Day 6 : Chisinau - Tiraspol (Transnistria)
Location: Chișinău, Tiraspol
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Transnistrian “capital” - Tiraspol. Stop at Bender Fortress on the way. Continue to Tiraspol where you will have the opportunity to travel back in time to USSR. Transnistria is a thin strip of land wedged between Moldova and Ukraine. It is home to more than 500,000 people and has a parliamentary government, a standing army, and its own currency. It has all the trappings of an independent nation—but isn't. you won't find it on many maps, and not a single member of the United Nations recognizes its existence. You will start by visiting the Lenin monument and tanks left from the Second World War. The city seems to be a ghost of the Soviet past. B/-/-
Day 7 : Tiraspol – Comrat (Gagauzia)
Location: Comrat
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a comprehensive USSR-heritage walk we’ll then move southwest past traditional Gagauz and Bulgarian settlements, reaching Comrat, the national capital of Gagauzia. Gagauzia or Gagauz-Yeri, officially the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia is an autonomous territorial unit of Moldova. Its autonomy is intended for the local Gagauz people, a Turkic-speaking, primarily Orthodox ethnic group. Overnight in Comrat. B/-/-
Day 8 : Comrat – Chisinau
Location: Chișinău
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive back to Chisinau. In the afternoon we visit the world-famous wine cellars of Cricova. Cricova is like an underground city with obscure streets that are carrying the names of wines kept here: Aligote, Riesling, Codru, and Feteasca. The wines from this collection have an old history with bottles over 100 years old. Back to Chisinau and enjoy a special dinner with wine tasting. Overnight in Chisinau. B/-/D
Day 9 : Departure From Chisinau (Moldova)
Location: Chișinău
Meals Included: No Meals
Departure from Chisinau (Moldova)
What's Included
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Accommodation
The accommodation of the tour is in standard mid-range hotels, providing all the necessary sanitary conditions and comfort for a day and multi-day stay. Please keep in mind that some of the hotel do not have elevators, and consider the size of your luggage accordingly.
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Fully Guided
Local English-speaking guides during the city tours English-speaking tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min.8people)
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Transport
All transport according to the itinerary in a comfortable tourist A/C minibus
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Wine Tasting
wine tasting on day 5 and wine tasting with dinner on day 8
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Entry fees (to be paid cash on the spot)
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Country Entry Visas
Visas (if applicable)
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tips (5-8 EUR/USD per pers.
/day) -
International Travel
Flight tickets to/from Sofia
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Meals
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
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Personal expenses
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Travel Insurance
Optional Extras
Mode of Transport
AC coach
Accommodation
standard hotels 3*** - rooms with private facilities and breakfast
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, they are
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, they are not included in the price
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There will be Penguin tour leader at min. 8 people
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Saturday - Sunday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.
Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.