Behind the Iron Curtain Group Tour 2026

Day 1 - Arrival in Bucharest

(Friday 29th August 2026)

Arrival in Bucharest and transfer from the airport to your hotel. If time permits, visit some of Bucharest's important sights. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy a short presentation about Romania's communist history.

Day 2 - Bucharest - Bran Castle - Brasov

(Saturday 30th August 2026)

Spend the morning exploring the city, visiting Bucharest's Parliament Palace, built in the 1980's by order of Ceausescu, and Ghencea Cemetery, where Nicolae Ceausescu, his wife Elena and their son Nicu are buried. Before leaving for Brasov, stop in a canteen mall, formally known as a 'cantina', where due to a shortage of food in communist times, people were forced by the authorities to eat in large work style canteens. All the cantinas are now malls, where people freely choose to eat. Lunch on the way. En route to Brasov, stop to wander around the famous Bran Castle, which is said to have been Bram Stoker's inspiration for the residence of the vampire count in his famous novel. Overnight in Brasov.

Day 3 - Brasov to Birlad

(Sunday 31st August 2026)

After breakfast, a morning walking tour of Brasov will lead you to The Black Church and up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii. Here you'll find the beautiful Church of St. Nicholas and The First Romanian School, situated in its grounds. Depart for Birlad for overnight stay in a soviet inspired hotel. In the evening, meet with a typical Romanian family and discuss over dinner how life has changed for them since communist times.

Day 4 - Birlad - Old Orhei - Cricova winery - Chisinau

(Monday 1st September 2026)

We set off today to the Republic of Moldova and to one of Moldova's well known sights - Old Orhei, Here, visit 15th century “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” Cave Church. See the remains of Geto-Dacian fortress, a functioning cave monastery, and ruins of the old Turkish bath etc. After a delicious traditional Moldovan lunch in the village, continue to Cricova. Here, explore one of the largest underground wineries, known worldwide for its immense labyrinths and excellent wines. The history of this amazing place dates back to 1952. Arrival to Chisinau and overnight in a 4 star hotel in Chisinau.

Day 5 - Exploring Chisinau or Transnistria

(Tuesday 2nd September 2026)

Today you can choose between exploring Chisinau or joining a local day trip to Transnistria.

Chisinau

For those who stay in Chisinau, your local guide will meet you at the hotel and take you for a half day walking tour of Chisinau, exploring further sights and local places beyond the main tourism trail. In the evening you will rejoin the main group and enjoy a special dinner.

Transnistria

If you choose to join a local tour visiting Transnistria, you must pay for this tour locally to your guide (175 EUR per person). The day trip consists of an early start and transfer to the capital of Pridnestrovian (Transnistria) - Tiraspol. Prednistrovie is a breakaway territory within the internationally recognized borders of Moldova. Although not recognized by any state or international organization, it is de facto an independent state named the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. The country's national coat of arms still includes the traditional hammer and sickle and a load of Lenin Statues that have not been pulled down. After arriving to Tiraspol - enjoy a communistic-type celebration dedicated to the Independence Day of Prednistrovie. Enjoy the atmosphere as families relax and shop in the many small stalls lining the main street and pavement cafes are full with people enjoying local beer and freshly cooked shashlik. Back to Chisinau and enjoy a special dinner with wine tasting. Same accommodation. Please note that it is your responsibility to check with your national government travel advice as to whether they advise against travel to Transnistria as this can affect your consular assistance and travel insurance cover.

Day 6 - Chisinau - Gagauzia - Galati (Romania)

(Wednesday 3rd September 2026)

After breakfast we depart to another autonomous region of Moldova - Gagauzia. In order to understand who, the 'gagauz' are we shall pay a visit to the Museum of History and Ethnography from Besalma village. There we will learn about the history, culture and daily life of the Gagauz from ancient times to the modern days. Next, we shall visit the last living 'Kolhoz' - a collective state farm. Lunch will be served in the canteen of this 'kolhoz', where also the workers eat. In the afternoon, cross the Prut river, the border between Romania and Republic of Moldovia, at Cahul-Oncesti. In the evening reach Galati, an industrial city on the Danube, where the jewel of the communist industry was built - the Steel factory. Overnight in Galati in a communist era hotel.

Day 7 - Back to Bucharest

(Thursday 4th September 2026)

Return to Bucharest - the 300km journey will take around 4 to 5 hours and a stop will be made en route for lunch. Spend some time at leisure in Bucharest before attending a farewell dinner. Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 8 - End of the tour

(Friday 5th September 2026)

Transfer to airport for flight home or onward flight.

• 2,289 EUR per person = based on two people sharing a double/twin room
• 2,668 EUR per person = staying in a single room

• 29th August to 5th September 2026

• All services as detailed in the itinerary above
• Transport is by air-conditioned minivan.
• Our local guide will be with you throughout the itinerary.

• Please note flights are NOT included in this package. If you wish to add flights to your booking please contact us, or you are welcome to book them yourself.
• If required, we can book additional nights at the start or end of your tour, or arrange an add-on pre/post tour to any of our other destinations.