From  £2235
per person
Tour Highlights
  • History Buffs love this small group tour focusing on life under communist rule
  • Dine with a Romanian family and understand how life has changed since the end of communist rule
  • Explore Transdniestria's quirky capital; Tiraspol
  • Visit the last working collective state farm in Gagauzia
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Behind the Iron Curtain Group Tour

8 Day Tour, from £2235 per person
Itinerary Dates
2024
29 Aug  -  05 Sep

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Romania and Moldova's communist past, as well as the present-day communist influences in the autonomous regions of Transdniestr and Gagauzia, during this intriguing 8-day group tour.
The tour combines important communist sites and experiences to transport you back in time, with the most impressive cultural highlights of the region.
Begin your exploration in Bucharest, the Romanian capital, where traces of former communist leader Ceausescu's legacy are scattered throughout the city. Journey eastward to Birlad and cross the border into the breakaway republic of Transdniestr, where the spirit of the old USSR lives on. Continue on through Moldova to sample some of its exquisite wines at Cricova Winery, before reaching the second breakaway republic of Gagauzia.
Dine with a typical Romanian family in Birlad, experience lunch on a collective state farm in Gagauzia and stay in a communist era hotel in Galati on the banks of the Danube.

This group tour is operated by our trusted local partner and not exclusive to Regent Holidays clients. It has the added bonus of operating with a minimum number of two. 

 

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
FLY TO BUCHAREST
FLY TO BUCHAREST

Fly to Bucharest and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, visit some of Bucharest’s important sights. Check-in at the hotel, followed by a short presentation on Romania’s communist history.
 

 

 

DAY 2
BUCHAREST TO BRASOV
BUCHAREST TO BRASOV

Explore Bucharest in the morning, beginning with a visit to the Parliament Palace, an imposing structure constructed in the 1980s under the directive of Ceausescu. Next, pay respects at Ghencea Cemetery, the final resting place of Nicolae Ceausescu, his wife Elena, and their son Nicu.
Before departing for Brasov, take a fascinating detour to a canteen mall, formerly known as a 'cantina.' In the scarcity of food during communist times, authorities compelled people to dine in large work-style canteens. Today, these cantinas have transformed into bustling malls, where individuals now freely choose their meals.
On the way to Brasov, make a stop to explore the renowned Bran Castle, believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's depiction of the vampire count's residence in his iconic novel. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Brasov. (B,L) 
 

 

 

DAY 3
BRASOV TO BIRLAD
BRASOV TO BIRLAD

Embark on a morning walking tour of Brasov, where you'll discover The Black Church and ascend Strada Prundului to reach Piata Unirii. In this charming square, explore the elegant Church of St. Nicholas and The First Romanian School, nestled within its grounds. Later, set out for Birlad and check into a hotel inspired by Soviet aesthetics for an overnight stay.
In the evening, engage in a unique cultural experience by meeting with a typical Romanian family. Delve into conversations about how life has evolved for them since the Soviet era, gaining insights into the transformations and experiences that have shaped their lives. (B,D)
 

 

 

DAY 4
BIRLAD TO TIRASPOL
BIRLAD TO TIRASPOL

Embark on a journey today to the Republic of Moldova, where a highlight awaits at Old Orhei, one of Moldova's renowned landmarks. Explore the 19th-century "Adormirea Maicii Domnului" Church, witness the remnants of the Geto-Dacian fortress, discover a functioning cave monastery, and explore the ruins of an old Turkish bath. Indulge in a delightful traditional Moldovan lunch in the village before continuing your tour to the capital of Transnistria - Tiraspol. Transnistria, situated within the internationally recognised borders of Moldova, is a breakaway territory. While not acknowledged by any state or international organisation (except Abkhazia and South Ossetia - other breakaway states), it functions as a de facto independent state known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Noteworthy are the country's national coat of arms, which still features the traditional hammer and sickle, and Lenin's busts scattered throughout the city. Prepare for an overnight stay in Tiraspol, immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this distinct region.  (B,L)

 

 

DAY 5
TIRASPOL TO CHISINAU
TIRASPOL TO CHISINAU

This morning subject to confirmation by authorities, there should be a communistic-style military parade. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere as families leisurely stroll through the main street, perusing small stalls, while pavement cafes buzz with people savouring local beer and freshly cooked shashlik. In the afternoon, travel to the world-famous wine cellars of Cricova. Explore an underground city with enigmatic streets bearing the names of the wines housed there: Aligote, Riesling, Codru, and Feteasca. This exceptional collection boasts wines with a rich history, some dating back over a century.
Conclude the day in Chisinau for an overnight stay and a special dinner complemented by a wine tasting experience. (B,D) 
 

DAY 6
CHISINAU TO GALATI
CHISINAU TO GALATI

Move on today to another autonomous region of Moldova – Gagauzia. Get a better understanding of the 'gagauz' people at the Museum of History and Ethnography and visit the last living “Kolhoz” - a collective state farm. Lunch will be served in the canteen of this “kolhoz”, where the workers also 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. (B,L) 
 

DAY 7
GALATI TO BUCHAREST
GALATI TO BUCHAREST

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 (B,D)
 

DAY 8
FLY TO THE UK
Typical communist-era apartments in Bucharest

Transfer to airport for flight back to the UK. (B)

Pricing Information

8 day tour, from £2235 per person
(Single person supplement + £299)

Price Includes

  • Return international flights from the UK to Romania 
  • All airport taxes and security charges
  • Accommodation in three/four-star hotels
  • Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All transfers and transportation
  • Sightseeing with English-speaking guide/driver 
  • Entrance fees
  • Wine tasting at Cricova Winery

     

Price Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Price Notes

These is a guaranteed departure tour operated in conjunction with our Romanian partners and are not exclusive to Regent Holidays’ clients. They operate with a minimum of 2 persons. 


Itinerary Dates  
29 Aug 2024
-
05 Sep 2024

Tour Route Map


  1. Romania, Bucharest
  2. Romania, Brasov
  3. Romania, Birlad
  4. Moldova, Tiraspol
  5. Moldova, Chisinau
  6. Romania, Galati
  7. Romania, Bucharest

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