Behind the Iron Courtain 2026
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 – 29 of August 2026
Bucharest
Fly into Bucharest and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, take a leisurely stroll through the city to explore some of its iconic landmarks. Check in, unwind, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace.
Day 2
Day 2 – 30 of August 2026 (B, L)
On the way to BraÈ™ov, we will stop in Jilava to visit the former communist prison, exploring the intake area, cells, infirmary, and the infamous “black” punishment wing. It’s an intense and deeply moving experience. A local guide will accompany us throughout the tour, offering insight into what took place there and what daily life was like for the prisoners.
Jilava Prison was one of the most feared detention centers in communist Romania. Originally built as a military fort, it was later turned into a political prison through which thousands of detainees passed, particularly in the late 1940s and 1950s. Many prominent political opponents, intellectuals, and members of the anti-communist resistance were imprisoned here before being transferred to labor camps or other facilities. Conditions were extremely harsh—overcrowded cells, minimal light and ventilation, physical and psychological torture, and relentless interrogations defined everyday life. Jilava also served as a transit hub for prisoners destined for notorious sites like Aiud, Gherla, or the Danube–Black Sea Canal labor camps.
Lunch will be served on the way. Overnight stay in Brașov.
Day 3 – 31 of August 2026 (B, D)
Brasov-Barlad
Begin the day with a relaxed morning walking tour of BraÈ™ov, wandering through its medieval streets, vibrant squares, and iconic landmarks. Afterward, travel to the legendary Bran Castle for a guided visit. Dramatically perched atop a rocky hill, this fortress is famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and is said to have inspired the imagined home of the infamous vampire count.
Continue onward to Bârlad for an overnight stay in a Soviet-inspired hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a local Romanian family and engage in a meaningful conversation about how life has changed for them since the communist era.
Day 4 – First of September 2026 (B, L)
Bârlad - Old Orhei - Cricova Winery - ChiÈ™inău
Today we journey into the Republic of Moldova, heading to one of its most renowned sites—Old Orhei. Here, we will visit the 15th-century “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” Cave Church and explore the remains of a Geto-Dacian fortress, a functioning cave monastery, and the ruins of an old Turkish bath.
After enjoying a delicious traditional Moldovan lunch in the village, we continue to Cricova, home to one of the world’s largest underground wineries. Known for its vast labyrinth of tunnels and exceptional wines, Cricova has a history that stretches back to 1952.
Arrive in Chișinău in the evening and check in to your 4-star hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5 - 02 September 2026 (B, D)
Tiraspol-Chisinau
Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Chișinău with your guide, or opt instead for an unforgettable full-day excursion to Transnistria. A special dinner awaits in the evening.
You may choose to explore ChiÈ™inău at your own pace—visiting its museums, parks, and cultural landmarks—or join the optional trip to Transnistria, timed to coincide with the spectacle of the Independence Day parade.
We begin with an early morning transfer to Tiraspol, the capital of the self-proclaimed state of Pridnestrovie. Although located within Moldova’s internationally recognized borders, Transnistria is a breakaway region that operates as a de facto independent republic—the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Its national symbols still feature the hammer and sickle, and statues of Lenin remain prominently displayed throughout the city.
Upon arrival in Tiraspol, immerse yourself in a distinctly Soviet-style Independence Day celebration. Experience the unique atmosphere as families stroll the streets, vendors sell local goods from small stalls, and pavement cafés fill with people enjoying local beer and freshly grilled shashlik.
Day 6 – 03 September 2026 (B, L)
Chisinau-Galati
After breakfast, we depart for another autonomous region of Moldova—Gagauzia. To better understand who the Gagauz are, we will visit the Museum of History and Ethnography in the village of Besalma. Here, you’ll gain insight into the history, culture, and everyday life of the Gagauz people, from ancient times to the present.
Next, we will visit the last functioning kolkhoz—a collective state farm, where we will also enjoy lunch in the workers’ canteen, experiencing an authentic glimpse into local life.
In the afternoon, we cross the Prut River at the Cahul–Oancea border point, returning to Romania. By evening we arrive in GalaÈ›i, an industrial city on the Danube, home to one of the major symbols of Romania’s communist-era industry, the massive steel plant. Overnight stay in GalaÈ›i at a communist-era hotel.
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
Included Services:
• All activities and visits mentioned in the itinerary
• Transportation by car or minivan with A/C
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour​