YPT Tours to Transnistria
Young Pioneer Tours proudly holds the distinction of being the first travel company to arrange Transnistria tours, introducing independent travel in 2009 and leading the first-ever group tour in 2010. Since then, we have remained at the forefront of travel to this fascinating unrecognized republic, offering unparalleled access to one of Europe’s most intriguing destinations.
Over the years, we’ve continued to push boundaries, uncovering hidden gems and expanding our expertise not just in Transnistria, but also throughout Moldova and Gagauzia. From exploring Soviet-era relics and Lenin statues to meeting local officials and experiencing the unique political and cultural identity of this breakaway state, our tours go beyond sightseeing and offer a true immersion into a place that few travelers ever visit.
Group Tours to Transnistria
Young Pioneer Tours always run a number of annual group tours to Transnistria. These tours coincide with the biggest and largest celebrations in Tiraspol. Our tours also go beyond Tiraspol and Bender and explore further afield.
Groups are capped at a strict18 people and tend to sell out quickly, so book your spot fast! We are constantly adding to our Transnistria travel packages, as well offering other great Soviet Europe Tours, which can be combined for extra Wild East charm.
Ultimate Transnistria Victory Day Tour – May 6th – 12th 2025 – €995
Transnistria National Day & Gagauzia Tour – August 31st – September 4th 2025 – €695
Undiscovered Transnistria Tour – October 8th – 13th 2025 – €695
Transnistria & Gagauzia New Year Tour – December 30th 2025 – January 2nd 2026 – €595
Independent Tours to Transnistria
Through our expert Transnistria based tour guides, drivers and fixers Young Pioneer Tours can arrange independent tours of Transnistria from as little as a few days, to a few weeks, depending on just how much of Transnistria you wish to visit.
Essentially whatever it is you want to see in Transnistria, YPT can arrange, simply get in touch and let us arrange a bespoke Transnistrian itinerary for you.
You can see an example 9-day Transnistria itinerary here.
Example of a Transnistria Itinerary (5 days)
Day 1 – Chisinau – Tiraspol
Morning
- Breakfast at our hotel before our schedule ahead.
- Our morning begins at 9:00am in Chisinau where we’ll meet our Transnistria fixer for instructions and guidelines we must follow during our time in the breakaway republic of Transnistria.
- We’ll head off for a 2hour road trip where we’ll stop at a gas station to pick up supplies – please note this will be last time you’ll be able to use your bank cards until we return. Along the way we’ll stop at a Soviet bus stop dedicated to space exploration – these relics are slowly disappearing in former Soviet republics.
- Once we reach the border, we’ll disembark our vehicle for passport control, before we head into Transnistria – please remember it’s prohibited to take photos during immigration control.
- On arrival to Tiraspol, we’ll check into our hotel to quickly freshen up before our walking tour of the de facto state capital city.
- We’ll need to exchange our money for the local currency at the bank. Your guide will be happy to explain the current exchange rate and estimate of what you should exchange – although prices have gone up in recent years it’s still a relatively cheap compared to Western cities.
Afternoon
- Keeping to the Soviet theme, we’ll head to the CCCP café for lunch – a typical stolovka with a selection of hearty cuisine surrounded by USSR memorabilia.
- Once we’re ready we’ll walk into Tiraspol – One thing you’ll notice is how clean, friendly and structured society it is. We’ll start off by the epic statue of Russian General, Alexander Suvorov – who founded the capital in 1792. You’ll be seeing the General throughout your trip, as he features on much of the currency and is considered a national hero.
- We’ll find the numerous flags on flying – the Russian Federation and Transnistrian flags alongside the flags of each district of Transnistria. Opposite are the flags of Transnistria and the breakaway brotherhood states of Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh and South Ossetia. What’s most interesting is the large national emblem – your guides will explain the meaning behind it.
- Like every town and city, we’ll visit Lenin standing outside the government building – this statue is currently the tallest outside Russia. We’ll continue down October Street, visiting the Eternal Flame Memorial complex dedicated to the Soviet-Afghan war, WW2, Transnistrian Civil War and Chernobyl nuclear accident. Opposite the Flame is the battle-damaged T-34 monument from WWII. You’re permitted to climb on it and get an awesome photo.
- On our walk along October Street, we’ll pass the Abkhazia and South Ossetia embassy. We’ll also pass by some beautiful Soviet era architecture and the impressive House of Culture, with a bust of Lenin waiting outside – we’ll take a customary group photo here.
- We’ll visit the University and see the memorial dedicated to the students and teachers who fell during the Great Patriotic War. Something that’s not so Soviet is the statue of Harry Potter and Hedwig, located opposite.
- Our walk will end up at Gagarin Boulevard. Here we’ll see a bust and a massive mural of Yuri Gagarin – pilot, cosmonaut and the first man in space. It’s easy to remember those facts but his achievements were celebrated worldwide, despite the tensions during the past (Cold War) and recent times.
- We’ll then switch it up and board an old Soviet ferry without an engine and cross the Dniester River to see how the village people live, across from Tiraspol – this is an area truly lost in the USSR!
- We’ll visit a still-functioning palace of culture with an enormous head of Lenin outside, pockmarked with Kalashnikov bullet holes after Moldovan troops symbolically executed him during the Civil War.
- Next, we’ll then visit a stunning and completely self-sufficient monastery complex that must be seen to be believed. We know many of the priests there and sometimes, they allow us to sample their incredible homemade wine. However, this is subject to whether the one priest with the key is available on the day.
- For dinner we’ll head back to Tiraspol to YPT’s favourite restaurant Back in the USSR – the owner is a personal friend of the guides and always accommodates the YPT group. The restaurant has loads of Soviet-era memorabilia and there will be music. Those inclined to a Soviet disco and beverages are welcomed to stay!
- Overnight stay in Tiraspol.
Day 2 – North Transnistria
Morning
- Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we make our way to rural towns of Transnistria before exploring the industrial capital of the North, Rîbnița.
- Once we’re ready, we’ll start our road trip to Grigoriopol – along the journey, we’ll make a stop at Toshlick to see the impressive Soviet memorial dedicated to various branches of the military in the Great Patriotic War. Locals here still maintain the memorial – some that is lost in other former Soviet Republics.
- Once we arrive in Grigoriopol, we’ll have some time to explore the various sights that the small town offers. Here, you can find a Lenin statue and various war memorials – however for those who are keen, your guide will show you an impressive mosaic, tucked away behind the markets.
- We’ll have lunch in Grigoriopol, where there are various small stores selling tasty Eastern European snacks.
Afternoon
- Once we’re ready we’ll start making our journey to Dubăsari. Along the road trip, we’ll stop off at a tank memorial – The Barrow of Glory. The memorial commemorates the four soldiers who lost their lives within the tank while liberating Dubăsari from the German-Romanian invaders. Ultimately the crew lost their lives within the tank, which fell into the Dniester River from a bridge during a fierce battle.
- On our arrival to Dubăsari, the third largest city in Transnistria, we’ll begin our walking which will include various key sites, including a peaceful memorial located in the park, a functioning stadium built during Soviet times and of course, an impressive Soviet mosaic!
- We’ll take you to a very isolated Soviet music college that is still actively used. It has a large and beautiful Lenin outside and a perfectly intact giant Soviet emblem.
- Next, we’ll visit the hydroelectric dam controlled by the Russian Army. The area is of strategic importance, hence why there is a heavy military and hardware presence.
- The best way to meet locals in this rural isolated town is at the local bar – we’ll be stepping back in time while we’re having a few refreshing drinks in this beautifully preserved Soviet-era establishment.
- We’ll continue to Rîbnița also commonly known as Rybnitsa, along the journey we’ll stop at a beautiful Soviet bus stop and signage for a group photo. Your guide will explain the history and art work of these Soviet relics.
- On arrival to Rîbnița we’ll head straight to the impressive cathedral before we walk around the memorial park, dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. The scenery is impressive, with Soviet memorials alongside the cathedral and communist apartment blocks in the background.
- We’ll make our way into the heart of Rîbnița to see Lenin standing just outside the city hall, before visiting the largest Soviet mosaic in Transnistria. To celebrate our adventure to the North, we’ll have a glass of Divin!
- Once we’re ready, we’ll make our way to Tiraspol, we’ll make rest stops along the way before we arrive late in the evening.
- Dinner at local restaurant followed by drinks at a Soviet disco!
- Overnight stay in Tiraspol.
Day 3 – South Transnistria
Morning
- Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we discover the Southern region of Transnistria, Chiobruchi and Dnestrovsk.
- We’ll head out to an old Soviet Water Park and explore the complex and learn about its use during the Soviet era and how it’s perceived by locals nowadays.
- Continue to the Opera House, like many officials buildings, you’ll find a Lenin standing outside. Although it’s not permitted to enter, we’ll try our luck to enter.
- We’ll continue and explore an old Soviet Beach Resort and Fishing Village, with hundreds of old Soviet Dachas on stilts in the water. Little has changed since 1950 and it’s always great interacting with the locals here, as they’re not use to tourists.
- Nearby is one of the largest working Soviet power plants in the world, we’ll learn about the history and its significance during the Soviet era and in present times.
- We’ll have a picnic lunch enjoying the scenery, for those inclined can have a few drinks from the local store.
Afternoon
- Once we’re ready, we’ll start making our way back to Tiraspol, along the journey we’ll stop at a Soviet bus stop before heading to a local store to pick up some drinks for our Soviet garage party.
- On our return, located in the outskirts residential area we’ll visit a veteran’s from the 1990 war private garage. The veteran’s a long-time friend of YPT and we’re always welcomed here to see his large collection of Soviet memorabilia. These include guns, uniforms and many more!
- After a busy day we’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Tiraspol.
Day 4 – Bender
Morning
- Leisurely morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we make our way to Bender, the second largest city in Transnistria and the only one located west of the Dniester River.
- Today we’ll have an authentic Soviet experience and head to Tiraspol train station. Local buses (Marshrutka) operate from here and we’ll take the next one to Bender. It’s not uncommon for locals to strike up a conversation as they’re both curious and happy to see tourists travelling alongside them.
- On our arrival, we’ll explore the city walking to the renovated and well-maintained train station. You’ll notice that there’s are no trains – it’s an empty ghost station. There are Soviet monuments and an old Soviet train from WWII, with the hammer and sickle on the front, very few locals come here which makes it great for a photo opportunity.
- We’ll continue down the street until we come across Lenin standing opposite the local cinema. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the Soviet interior while having modern movies posters. Along the tour you’ll see the government buildings still bearing the bullet holes left from the Civil war – a reminder for those who are quick to forget.
Afternoon
- For lunch, we’ll head to Soviet theme café – there are many nostalgic memorabilia here including controversial pictures of Stalin. We recommend trying cuisines popular with locals including chicken liver and boiled potatoes. There are plenty of vegetarian options also.
- We’ll continue on our walking tour to the House of Culture, the stunning building has historical significance to the local community. Although it’s not permitted to enter, we’ll try our luck and check out the impressive interior of the building.
- After a busy morning we’ll grab a Marshrutka back to Tiraspol. On arrival we’ll your YPT will take you to our favourite bookshop, to pick up some Soviet and Transnistrian nationalist paraphernalia – perfect place to acquire your Transnistrian flag and fridge magnet! Your guide will take you to an official Kvint store, you can find the best collection of divin at cheaper prices. You’re guide will explain the special series of divin and relevance to Soviet history – although these collections are not cheap they’re heavily underrated and great value. A perfect gift or for you to take back home and enjoy!
- Once we’ve picked up our gifts we’ll head back to the hotel to relax and freshen up.
- For dinner, we’ll head to Balka district – 5 years ago there was only a shop here amongst the Monument to Aviators, now the district is full of life with restaurants, bars and cafes. We’ll head to local bar for great food and beer!
- Overnight stay in Tiraspol.
Day 5 – Tiraspol – Chisinau
Morning
- We’ll have a relaxing morning breakfast before we depart our hotel. We’ll leave our bags in the secure storage room after we check out.
- As it’s our final morning in Transnistria, we’ll head to The Nativity Church, the largest church in Tiraspol before passing through a large open air market, it’s a great place to take photos. We’ll continue to head to the flea market, here you can purchase Soviet era memorabilia at cheap prices.
- We’ll make a stop at a hidden local bar in the market for cup of coffee or divin and reflect on our journey throughout Transnistria.
- Once we’re ready after picking up our souvenirs, we’ll head to a Sheriff store one final time, to pick up snacks for our journey back to Chisinau and to exchange our Transnistrian Rubles back to Euros/USD.
- Once we arrive to Chisinau at 15:30pm, the tour concludes – YPT can arrange additional nights in Chisinau and are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights or trains.
Bespoke Transnistria Tours
Aside from our group and independent travel packages to Transnistria YPT can also offer a number of unique Transnistria travel packages for the independent traveller.
Learn Russian in Transnistria – Young Pioneer Tours can arrange apartment rental, as well as Russian, or Ukrainian classes within Transnistria for a fraction of the cost and visa hassle of other regions. We can also arrange other study packages.
Journalist Travel to Transnistria – With its unique status as an unrecognized country combined with its static location with regards to the war in Ukraine, Transnistria is very much a hot spot for journalists.
Filming in Transnistria – Through our partners at Pioneer Media YPT can arrange filming projects within Transnistria, as well as the wider Moldova region.
Sporting tours to Transnistria – As well as arranging for tickets to FC Sheriff Tiraspol matches, YPT can also arrange more general sporting exchanges for teams and groups wishing to visit Transnistria.
Wine and Cognac Tours – Kvint Brandy was famously the best of the USSR and is still renowned today. Wine Tours to Moldova can be combined with also visiting the Kvint factory, the bottle museum and of course trying some local vodka.
Chernobyl and Transnistria tours – Previously most of our Transnistria Tours were combined with our Chernobyl Tours, which made for the perfect 5 days trip. These would have us visit Chernobyl before traveling down via the ICBM base to Odessa and then crossing the border into Transnistria. Sadly while it is not currently possible to arrange tours combining Chernobyl and Transnistria, we can still arrange travel to Transnistria combined with our Ukraine Tour packages.
Tiraspol City Tours – Young Pioneer Tours can arrange city tours of Tiraspol, Bender, Chisinau and Comrat among other local towns. These are done with local guides who have either grown up in the area, or have spent significant time here.
Watch FC Sheriff Tiraspol – FC Sheriff Tiraspol are the most successful and popular team in both Transnistria and Moldova. They have also been extremely successful regionally and have famously had high-profile matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, as well as against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Young Pioneer Tours can arrange tickets for FC Sheriff Tiraspol matches, as well as hotels, local guides, and general travel services for fans and groups wishing to travel to watch FC Sheriff Tiraspol.
Tour guide in Transnistria
Transnistria/Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) has a fairly young population, so while the local tour guides tend to change often, we only use those that are professional and have excellent language skills.
Pridnestrovian tour guides with languages other than English are available, although the range of languages is not huge. Please contact us in advance if you wish to have a guide that speaks something other than English.
Transnistria Tour extensions – Moldova
Getting to Transnistria will usually require going through Moldova “proper” (or Odessa), meaning that some travel services will be required in Moldova. Young Pioneer Tours offer a full range of Moldovan travel services, such as;
- Chisinau City Tours
- Communist Tours of Chisinau
- Cricova Winery Tours
- Chisinau- Tiraspol – Chisinau transport
- Bucharest – Chisinau – Bucharest Train tickets
- Moldova tour services
As well as Moldova Tour services, YPT also offers travel services in both the Gagauzia region of Moldova, as well as services to Bucharest and the rest of Romania.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Transnistria
Despite being one of our most popular destinations, Pridnestrovian, or Transnistria is also one of the most misunderstood. Often called the last Soviet state, the last remnant of the cold war, or even the place that didn’t get the memo that the USSR has now gone, well you get the picture!
Is it though as backwards as people think and just how dangerous is visiting Pridnestrovian? Here’s our frequently asked questions about Transnistria.
A loose English translation and the unofficial name is Transnistria.
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