Behind the Iron Courtain
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the communist era by visiting historic monuments and experiencing life in one of the last strongholds of communism. We will explore significant communist landmarks in Romania, such as the House of the People, major industrial sites, and the House of the Press. Additionally, we’ll venture into Transnistria, a breakaway region with about 505,000 inhabitants, recognized as a state only by South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Day 1
Bucharest
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, explore some of the city's key landmarks. After check-in, attend a brief presentation on Romania’s communist history, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Bucuresti-Brasov
Spend the morning exploring Bucharest, starting with a visit to the Parliament Palace, an imposing structure commissioned by Ceausescu in the 1980s, followed by a stop at Ghencea Cemetery, where Nicolae Ceausescu, his wife Elena, and their son Nicu are buried.
Before departing for Brasov, experience a piece of communist history by visiting a former ‘cantina,’ where authorities once forced citizens to eat due to food shortages. Today, these cantinas have been transformed into modern malls, offering people the freedom to choose where they dine.
Enjoy lunch along the way, and stop at the legendary Bran Castle, said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Arrive in Brasov for an overnight stay.
Day 3
Brasov-Barlad
Start your morning with a walking tour of Brasov, visiting the impressive Black Church and strolling up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii, where you’ll find the stunning Church of St. Nicholas and the historic First Romanian School.
Afterward, depart for Birlad and check into a Soviet-inspired hotel for the night. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a typical Romanian family and engage in a discussion about how life has evolved for them since the communist era.
Day 4
Barlad-Tiraspol
Today, journey to the Republic of Moldova and visit one of its most iconic sites, Old Orhei. Explore the 15th-century Adormirea Maicii Domnului Cave Church, the remains of a Geto-Dacian fortress, a functioning cave monastery, and the ruins of an old Turkish bath.
Enjoy a traditional Moldovan lunch in a local village before continuing to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. This breakaway territory, though not recognized internationally, functions as an independent state called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. You'll notice Soviet-era symbols, including the hammer and sickle on the national coat of arms and numerous Lenin statues still standing throughout the city. Overnight in Tiraspol.
Day 5
Tiraspol-Chisinau
Wake up in Transnistria and experience a Soviet-style military parade, soaking in the unique atmosphere as families stroll, shop at small street stalls, and enjoy local beer and freshly cooked shashlik at bustling pavement cafés.
In the afternoon, transfer to the world-renowned Cricova Wine Cellars. Explore this underground city, where streets are named after the wines stored within, such as Aligote, Riesling, Codru, and Feteasca. Some of the collection's bottles are over 100 years old, holding a rich history.
End the day with an overnight stay in Chisinau, topped off with a special dinner and wine tasting
Day 6
Chisinau-Galati
After breakfast, depart for Gagauzia, another autonomous region of Moldova, to visit the last remaining “Kolhoz”—a Soviet-era collective state farm. Enjoy lunch in the farm's canteen, where the workers also dine, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the past.
In the afternoon, cross the Prut River, the border between Romania and Moldova, at Cahul-Oncesti. In the evening, arrive in Galati, an industrial city on the Danube, home to one of the communist regime's prized achievements—the Steel Factory.
Spend the night in a hotel from the communist era, offering a unique look into the past.
Day 7
Bucuresti
Return to Bucharest, a 300 km journey that will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, with a stop along the way for lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time to explore or relax before attending a special farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 8
Departure Home
Transfer to the airport.
Prices and Services Include:
-
All services as outlined in the program
-
Air-conditioned MiniVan for transportation
-
Professional
-
English-speaking guide available throughout the trip
For a minimum of 4 paying guests:
-
Price per person in a double/twin room: €1,362
-
Single supplement: €254