Transnistria, Moldova, Soviet history, Lada adventures, Lenin statues, mosaics and unusual destinations.
Most people come to Moldova for the wine. I did too. What I didn't expect were giant Soviet mosaics, abandoned mega-hotels, underground wine cities and a breakaway republic that feels like a time machine. Welcome to Moldova's wonderfully weird side.
Transnistria has Lenin statues, Soviet mosaics, rope ferries, giant bottle collections and a currency recognised by almost nobody. After years of exploring the region, I've come to one conclusion: it's either Europe's strangest destination or its most entertaining. Possibly both.
Tiraspol has giant Lenin statues, Soviet tanks, excellent brandy and enough Cold War atmosphere to make visitors check the date on their phone. After countless visits, I've realised it's not Europe's strangest capital. It's Europe's most fascinating surprise.
I've tasted wine beside volcanoes, inside underground cities and in countries that most travellers couldn't locate on a map. After twenty-five years in the wine trade, I've discovered that the world's weirdest wine regions often produce the best stories, and occasionally the best wine too.
Most people visit North Korea for the history, politics or sheer curiosity. I went because I wanted to know what people were drinking. What followed involved local beer, unexpected meals and the realisation that even the world's most secretive country can surprise a wine merchant.
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, but its aesthetic lives on — in brutalist architecture, fading mosaics, Lenin statues nobody bothered to remove, and breakaway republics that time forgot. Our Soviet & Strange coverage explores Transnistria (the country that doesn't officially exist), Moldova's Soviet heritage, Cold War relics, and the bizarre charm of post-Soviet travel. We drive Ladas, photograph mosaics, and find beauty in the concrete remnants of a fallen empire.
Stop reading about weird places. Start visiting them.
Browse All ToursWe use cookies — sadly not the chocolate chip kind — to keep things running smoothly. For the important but slightly dull details, see our Privacy Page.
