8 days in Moldova Itinerary

Chișinău Etymology and namesThe origin of the city's name is unclear, but in one version, the name comes from the archaic Romanian word chișla (meaning "spring", "source of water") and nouă ("new"), because it was built around a small spring, at the corner of Pușkin and Albișoara streets.The other version, formulated by Ștefan Ciobanu, Romanian historian and academician, holds that the name was formed the same way as the name of Chișineu (alternative spelling: Chișinău) in Western Romania, near the border with Hungary. Change things up with a short trip to Capriana Monastery in Capriana (about 48 minutes away). There's lots more to do: learn about winemaking at Milestii Mici, take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Metropolitan Cathedral “Nativity of the Lord”, take an in-depth tour of National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, and steep yourself in history at Stephen the Great Monument.

For photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Chisinau attractions planning tool.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Chisinau is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Gulf Standard Time (GST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) so you can drive to Tiraspol.

Tiraspol is internationally recognised as the second largest city in Moldova, but is effectively the capital and administrative centre of the unrecognised Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria). On the 20th (Mon), do a tasting at Kvint, contemplate the long history of Bendery Fortress, and then step into the grandiose world of Castel Mimi Wine Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Poşta, browse the fresh offerings at Green Market Center, make a trip to The Tank Monument, then stroll around De Wollant Park, then pause for some photo ops at The Suvorov Monument, and finally ponder the world of politics at Palacio Presidencial.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Tiraspol itinerary planner.

You can drive from Chisinau to Tiraspol in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can travel back home.