Discover the most authentic, nostalgic and surreal side of Moldova on a unique tour featuring Soviet architecture, forgotten stories, places that seem to have come straight out of the USSR and, of course, Moldovan wine!
We'll stroll through the heart of Soviet Chișinău among gigantic Brutalist buildings, abandoned hotels with a post-apocalyptic aesthetic, and hidden corners that most tourists will never see. You'll learn about the most influential Soviet architect of all time and how his vision transformed entire cities in the former Soviet Union.
During the tour, we will also enter one of the most iconic Soviet buildings in the capital, where, incredibly, we will find tropical palm trees hidden inside a socialist palace. An absurd and fascinating contrast that seems to have come straight out of a movie.
We'll stop at a small vintage bookstore full of old Soviet books, perfect as original souvenirs.
For lunch, we'll enjoy an even more authentic experience: we'll eat in a genuine state canteen that has remained open since Soviet times. The atmosphere is still very rustic, simple and genuine: an authentic journey back in time where you can enjoy traditional local dishes just as they were served decades ago. Naturally, the portions are generous and the prices are affordable!
And of course, the most ironic aspect of the trip won't be missing: we'll have an aperitif “with Lenin”!
In the afternoon, we'll head out of town to visit incredible Soviet museums off the usual tourist path and hear intriguing, absurd and often little-known stories about life in the former Soviet bloc:
a) Soviet Open-Air Museum in Petru Costin (near Ialoveni/Suruceni): a unique open-air museum with statues, busts of Soviet leaders, monuments, vehicles and military gear from the USSR era.
b) Gallery of Records (Petru Costin Gallery): an eclectic and astonishing collection with thousands of items, including the world's largest collection of horseshoes, maps made of coins, Soviet memorabilia, vintage radios, and much more.
To round off the day in style, we'll visit Mileștii Mici, the largest winery in the world, an immense underground wine city with hundreds of kilometers of tunnels.
Important information:
1) Maximum number of participants – 6 people!
2) The guided tour inside Mileștii Mici is not always available in Italian and is very often conducted in English.
Participation in the wine cellar tour is not mandatory. Guests who have already visited Mileștii Mici or who simply prefer not to participate can go directly to the hotel or enjoy some free time.
If other participants wish to continue the winery tour, a taxi will be arranged and paid for from Mileștii Mici directly to the hotel for those who choose not to take part in the tour.
3) After the tour, I'll take you directly to your hotel!
