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

If you’re considering a single-day tour from Chisinau that offers a bit of everything—wine, history, and a dash of the unique Transnistrian vibe—this trip might be just what you need. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it’s clear that it’s made for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Moldova’s diverse appeal.

What we love about this experience is the combination of guided, insider tours—from tasting Moldovan wines in the famous Cricova cellars to exploring the unrecognized but fascinating city of Tiraspol—and the hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup and round-trip transportation. However, a quick heads-up: the price might seem high for some, and it’s a full day packed with activities, so pacing and pre-planning will be key.

This tour looks perfect for curious travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of organizing multiple trips, especially if you’re visiting Moldova for a short time. It’s also well-suited for those interested in wine, history, or simply experiencing a different side of Moldova in a relaxed group setting.

Key Points

• Two major destinations in one day: Cricova Winery and Tiraspol offer a mix of wine culture and unique regional history.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides and a small group ensure a personalized feel.
• Hassle-free logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off remove the stress of navigation.
• Authentic wine tasting: Sample Moldovan wines in the famous underground cellars.
• Border crossing info: You’ll need your passport for crossing into Transnistria.
• Limited group size: A max of 7 travelers makes for a more intimate experience.

Exploring Cricova Winery: A Unique Underground World

Our first stop is the Cricova Winery, founded in 1952, but what makes it stand out is its incredible underground layout. The winery is built within limestone mines, which explains why it’s often called Moldova’s “underground city of wine.”

The tour typically lasts about 3 hours, and the highlight is the guided visit through miles of tunnels and avenues lined with wine bottles. According to reviews, the beauty here is in the scale and the detail—imagine wandering through underground streets, each dedicated to different grape varieties like Cabernet, Aligote, and Sauvignon. It’s not just about tasting wines, but also about seeing how Moldova’s winemaking heritage is preserved and celebrated.

Reviewers have called the experience “fascinating” and “interesting,” especially the way the underground tunnels stretch for 120 km, creating a nearly endless maze of wine cellars. During the guided tasting, you’ll get to sample some of Moldova’s best wines, adding a flavorful layer to your day.

One reviewer pointed out that the tour was “simply enjoyable” with a knowledgeable guide, which makes a big difference when you’re exploring such an extensive underground labyrinth. The admission price, including the tasting, is seen as good value considering the scope and uniqueness of the site.

Moving on to Transnistria: Tiraspol and Bender Fortress

After the winery, the tour heads to Tiraspol, the capital of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic. This part of the trip is particularly interesting because you’re crossing into a region that has declared independence but isn’t widely recognized. It’s a chance to see a region with a distinct identity, separate from Moldova proper.

Tiraspol is about 3 hours of exploration, and guides usually highlight its Soviet-era architecture and the relaxed, almost nostalgic atmosphere. You might find the city’s vibe quite different from Chisinau—more laid-back, with a touch of the Cold War in the air.

The highlight here is generally the Bendery Fortress, a historic site that offers a quick, 45-minute visit. The fortress is a tangible reminder of the region’s turbulent history and offers excellent photo opps as well as some insights into local resilience. Reviewers appreciated the guide’s knowledge, noting that the fortress visit added a valuable historical touch.

It’s important to remember that you’ll need your passport to cross the border into Transnistria, so prepare accordingly. The tour’s inclusion of this border crossing is a big plus for those interested in seeing regions that are off the typical tourist trail, but it’s worth being patient as border procedures can sometimes be slow or unpredictable.

The Experience: What You Can Expect in Detail

Starting around 9:00 am, your day kicks off with hotel pickup in Chisinau, easing any worries about transportation or navigation. The small group size (max 7 people) means you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxed, conversation-rich experience, rather than feeling like part of a large crowd.

Transport is most likely a comfortable minivan, which allows for easy movement between sites and a bit of commentary from your driver. The day’s schedule is well-paced: about 3 hours at Cricova, 3 hours exploring Tiraspol, and a quick stop at Bender Fortress for roughly 45 minutes.

The winery tour is the first stop, where you’ll walk through underground streets formed from limestone mining, with wine stored in hundreds of niches. The guided tasting typically includes Moldovan wines, which the reviews praise highly for their quality. One traveler noted that the experience was “amazing,” highlighting the knowledge of guides like Natalia, who make the story behind the wine come alive.

In Tiraspol, you’ll get a glimpse of everyday life in a city with Soviet-style architecture and a slower pace. The city has a different character, and many find the experience both educational and fascinating. The Bendery Fortress offers a quick snapshot of the region’s past conflicts and resilience. The short visit here allows for photos and a sense of the place’s significance without feeling rushed.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, giving you the flexibility to choose something local or grab a quick snack. This can be a good chance to try Moldovan dishes or simply relax before the afternoon continues.

The Value of the Tour: An Honest Look

At approximately $227 per person, the tour isn’t exactly cheap, especially when considering that it includes guided tours, wine tastings, and transportation. However, when you break down the experience—visiting underground wine cellars, exploring a unique region, and getting expert insights—it’s easy to see the appeal.

Many reviewers feel the guided component adds a lot of value, especially when guides are knowledgeable about local history and wine. The small group size makes it feel intimate, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

One reviewer summed up the experience by saying, “Victor and Natalia were exceptional,” highlighting the quality of the guiding and transportation. Others appreciated the stunning views and interesting stories about Moldova’s wine heritage and Transnistrian history.

Of course, the tour is quite full, beginning early and ending late, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy packed days and are open to a variety of experiences. Note that some reviews mention issues like tour cancellations—always check the latest status before booking, especially if you’re relying on third-party operators.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for curious explorers wanting to see both Moldova’s famous wine cellars and its lesser-known eastern regions in one go. It’s especially recommended if you’re interested in tasting high-quality wines in a unique setting. History buffs will appreciate the visits to Tiraspol and Bender Fortress, which add a layer of regional context.

Since the tour involves border crossing into Transnistria, you’ll need your passport and should be comfortable with potentially longer border procedures. This isn’t a tour for travelers looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day—it’s quite full and energetic.

It’s not necessarily family-friendly unless traveling with older children who can handle a long day and appreciate historical sites. Also, given the nature of the border crossing and the underground tunnels, travelers should be prepared for some walking and exploration.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided introduction to Moldova’s wine culture and a taste of its border regions, this tour offers a rich experience packed into just one day. The combination of underground wine cellars, Soviet-era architecture, and historic sites makes it a varied adventure that provides a genuine sense of Moldova’s unique character.

While the price might seem high, the inclusion of expert guides, transportation, and authentic tastings make it worth considering if you’re keen on getting the most out of a short visit. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Moldova’s heritage, a collection of memorable sights, and hopefully, some new favorite wines.

For those who aren’t in a rush and want a curated experience with minimal planning, this tour is a solid choice. Just keep in mind it’s a full day, so come prepared for an active, engaging day out.

FAQ

Do I need my passport for this tour? Yes, you’ll need your passport to cross into Transnistria during the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is best suited for adults or older children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and border crossing.

What’s included in the price? The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided winery tour with tastings, the visit to Tiraspol and Bender Fortress, and an admission fee at each site.

Can I buy souvenirs or photos? Yes, souvenir photos are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

How long does each part of the tour last? Cricova Winery is around 3 hours, Tiraspol about 3 hours, and the Bender Fortress visit takes roughly 45 minutes.

Do I need to be fluent in English? While the tour is guided in English, guides are generally very knowledgeable and engaging; no fluency needed to enjoy the experience.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

What if the tour gets canceled? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, and your full refund will be issued.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, giving you flexibility to choose what and where to eat during the day.

If you’re curious about Moldova’s wines, history, and regional quirks in a single day, this tour offers a genuine, guided snapshot that’s both informative and fun. Just pack your passport, bring your interest, and prepare for a memorable day.