Forgotten Neighbour | Long Weekend in Moldova

The Republic of Moldova is a small country located between Romania and Ukraine. Little known in Europe, it blends the charms of unspoiled nature with unique history and even more intriguing present. Often referred as a hidden gem of Europe, proves its unique character on every corner. Hundreds of kilometers of cellars filled to the ceiling with millions of wine bottles, cave monasteries, Transnistria – the soviet era stronghold are just a few curiosities awaiting travelers here.

A short distance outside Chisinau is two of the countries most unique gems. Milestii Mici is a vineyard with the world’s largest underground wine cellar, with literally millions of bottles and more like an underground city with endless kilometers of tunnels best explored on a bike! And the ancient city of Orheiul Vechi between the narrow bend of the Raut River with eroded limestone rocks and the archaeological vestiges of the Trypillian civilization. You’ll find cultural layers of different epochs from the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age. Inhabited since ancient times to this day, Orthodox monks still guard the churches and grottos of this natural fortress.

Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, is a breakaway state, unrecognized internationally part of Moldova, under military occupation by Russia. It’s territory is a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. To enter Transnistria is to take a time-machine back to Soviet era, you’ll think you were still in a cold-war geopolitical no-man’s land, with strange flags, statues of Lenin, vodka for a dollar, and more hammers and sickles than you’ll see anywhere else!

Let’s go!!

DAY 1 // Chisinau
We reach Chisinau in the afternoon and first we’ll stretch our legs on a walk through the greenest capital in Europe! Pass by Cathedral Park and Bell Tower, Victory Arc, neoclassical monuments and quaint bookstores. Time for dinner and first taste of Moldovan cuisine. Check in to hotel for overnight.

Day 2 // Transnistria
After early breakfast of brânzoaice and strong coffee, we start our journey to Transnistria, the self-proclaimed independent republic with its own currency, border guards, and government. First stop will be the 16th century Tighina Fortress on our way to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, founded by the Russian general Alexandr Suvorov in 1792. We’ll pass by his statue in the square as we walk around the city, with stops at monuments, theatres, parliament houses and all manner of curiosities. In the evening you can check local nightlife.

Day 3 // Kayaking on Nistru + Mimi Castle
Today we get up close with Moldovan nature. We’ll leave the city behind and head out on a relaxing kayak trip along the Nistru River, paddling toward the peaceful village of Corjova. It’s a great way to disconnect and take in the scenery. Keep an eye out for birds, wild horses, and maybe even a boar or two! The river makes a beautiful U-turn at the end of our route, perfect for photos.
After lunch, we’ll visit Mimi Castle, which is also home to a working winery. There will be an optional wine tasting paired with light snacks for those who’d like to try some local flavors.

Mimi Castle is more than just a winery, it’s a place filled with history. Founded by Constantin Mimi, one of the pioneers of winemaking in Bessarabia, the castle had been hidden under layers of concrete until it was finally restored and reopened to the public in 2016. Mimi introduced more productive, disease-resistant European grape varieties like Aligote, helping modernize Moldovan viticulture.

Day 4 // Orheiul Vechi + Milestii Mici
After breakfast we’ll head to Orheiul Vechi and discover the countryside. We’ll explore the ancient monasteries and cave complexes filled with grottos, churches, and hermitages in this open-air museum. Within a small area, you can see here many typical elements of this country: traditional rural culture, picturesque churches, meandering river, white cliffs, and lush green steppes. In the afternoon, we’ll hit the road to Milestii Mici for an underground bike ride through the world’s largest wine cellar! With a few tastings along the way, we’ll head for leisurely lunch before return to Chisinau airport for our flight back home.

Grade: easy, available to everyone.
Duration: Weekend
Activities: sightseeing, leisure cycling, immersion in Soviet era (Transnistria).
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel, double sharing rooms, meals excluded.

Cost: 3250 AED excl. flights from Abu Dhabi Wizz Air, until JULY 23rd.

Specifically excluded: visa (Schengen grants entry), insurance, meals except breakfasts, optional wine tasting.

Visa: In addition to Schengen visa, some passports require additional permit (or simplified visa) to enter Moldova, details here.

It is participant sole responsibility to assure admission to country of destination.

See yah in Moldova x

Trekkup Crew
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