Moldova · Culture

Discover Gagauzia and Manuc Bei Mansion

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chișinău. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the historic Manuc Bei Mansion in Hâncești
  • 02 Explore Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia
  • 03 See the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and local landmarks
  • 04 Discover Gagauz traditions at the museum in Besalma
  • 05 Visit the Holy Trinity church in Congaz
  • 06 Enjoy a traditional lunch stop at Gagauz Sofrasi
  • 07 Travel with private transportation from Chișinău

Discover two distinctive sides of Moldova on this full-day private tour from Chișinău. Begin with a visit to the historic Manuc Bei Mansion in Hâncești, an early 19th-century architectural complex with its museum spaces, palace buildings, underground tunnel, and Hunting Castle.

Continue south into Gagauzia, a region known for its unique heritage, traditions, and warm hospitality. Explore Comrat, visit cultural and religious landmarks, stop at the National Museum of History and Ethnography of Gagauz in Besalma, and see the Holy Trinity church in Congaz before enjoying time for a traditional lunch at the Gagauz Sofrasi complex.

The National Museum of History and Ethnography of Gagauz in the village of Besalma is a real foray into the colorful wedding ceremonies, customs and traditions of the Gagauz people.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Chisinau, Comrat
Languages English, Italian, Romanian, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Manuc Bei Mansion

First, we will visit Manuc Bei Mansion that is located in Hincesti Town at a distance of 36 km from the Chisinau Capital. The tours are guided in Romanian, Russian, English and last 30 minutes. The tourists will discover this Manuc Bei Architectural Historic Complex, visit the Museum of History and Ethnography, the Main Palace, an underground tunnel, the Hunting Castle, they also have a liquor store, where you can buy a bottle of sparkling wine or a wine prepared by Hincesti Winery.

Comrat

After Manuc-Bey we continue our drive to the South - heading to Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia. We'll visit the city and the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Also we will visit The City Hall with the Lenin monument in front of the building, Memorial Slavy. Well, don't expect to see big luxury buildings, but interesting Gagauz history and cultural spots are guaranteed.

Besalma

The National Museum of History and Ethnography of Gagauz in the village of Besalma is a real foray into the colorful wedding ceremonies, customs and traditions of the Gagauz people. The tour will continue with Avdarma village (cultural and spiritual center of Gagauzia).

Congaz

After Besalma we will go to Congaz village, where we will visit the church "The Holy Trinity"

Lunch time

Travellers will get a traditional lunch in "Gagauz Sofrasi" complex, where they will discover ethnic-modern design of the complex, which includes elements of traditional decor. The wedding museum, a terrace and a restaurant, the cellar with homemade marinades on the territory, convey the spirit and the true atmosphere of the traditional Gagauz culture. From Congaz we will continue our road to Chisinau.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chișinău. 2 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Hotel pick up and drop-off
  • Professional Guide
  • Entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • Lunch at Gagauz Sofrasi
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips for driver/guide

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • We can pick you up where tourists will stay: hotel, motel, hostel, apartment. We will just need to know the exact address in Chisinau and we can pick up directly from there.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Chișinău.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Chișinău.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Chișinău..

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.