Behind the Iron Curtain Group Tour

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.
 

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) 
 

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)
 

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 stopping off at 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. End the day in Chisinau and check in to your hotel for 2 nights. (B,L)

Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Chisinau with your guide, or opt for an alternative day trip to Transnistria (available for those who wish to take part, noting current FCDO travel advice).

For travellers choosing the Transnistria excursion, the day includes the chance to witness the Independence Day festivities and then continue on to Tiraspol, the region’s administrative centre. Transnistria lies within Moldova’s internationally recognised borders but operates as a self-declared, unrecognised republic known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Visitors will notice symbols of its Soviet-influenced identity, including the hammer-and-sickle coat of arms and numerous Lenin monuments. Return to Chisinau for a special dinner in the evening with wine tasting. (B,D) 
 

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) 
 

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)
 

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