Jewish heritage

About Tour

The Jews of Ukraine and Moldova, along with others in the successor states of the old Russian Empire, have been at the center of some of the most dramatic events of modern history: the I and II World Wars, the Holocaust, revolutions, pogroms, political liberations, repressions, the breakup of the Soviet Union and the establishment of independent states. Jews in these countries have gone through dizzyingly rapid changes in economic and social mobility. There are many places you may visit - synagogues, memorials, schools, Jewish history museums, libraries and Jewish cemeteries. Today, Jewish communities of Moldova and Ukraine are witnessing great renaissance.

1 st Day

Arrival in Chisinau

Included highlights:

On arrival to Chisinau your acquaintance with the capital of Moldova starts. First, you check-in at the local hotel and meet local guide who will take you for 4 hours city tour including:

  • Holocaust Jewish Memorial,
  • Jewish Cemetery,
  • Chisinau Synagogue,
  • Chisinau Jewish Pogrom 1903-1905 Memorial,
  • I. Manger Jewish Library,
  • Jewish History Museum and Kishinev Jacobs Jewish Campus (KEDEM).

Optional highlights:

Lunch in the restaurant specialized in traditional Moldovan cuisine or on your preliminary request you you may have lunch with Kosher Food.

Included meals:
  • Lunch
2 nd Day

Between Jewish and Roma comunity

Included highlights:

  • Start our trip to Soroca town known for its sizable Roma minority.
  • On arrival to Soroca we visit the fortress which is the unique monument of defensive architecture of Europe.
  • Lunch in the local restaurant.
  • Drive to the Roma’ district of Soroca famous by its “Posh” palaces.
  • The highlights of the tour are local synagogue and cemetery.
  • Return to Chisinau.

Optional highlights:

On your preliminary request we can even arrange a meeting with the local Jewish community leader.

Included meals:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
3 rd Day

Last Jewish experiences in Moldova and departer

Included highlights:

  • Transfer to the International airport in Chisinău.

Optional highlights:

Beltsy city is the biggest industrial and cultural center in the Northern part of Moldova. According to some sources, the first Jews appeared in this region of Moldova at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1580, the locality later named Beltsy was formed around a small Jewish tavern - korchma. During the second part of the 19th century, Jews made up more than 50% of the population in Beltsy and small surrounding settlements. Starting with 1989, the Beltsy Jewish community is the second biggest community after Kishinev as well as the regional center for 49 small towns and villages in the North of Moldova. Jewish population is 2,000 (plus about 600 from Beltsy periphery). Since 2000, the Beltsy community has a winning program with the Jewish Federation of Greensboro, NC that supports the main projects of the local Jewry.

  • Visit the synagogue and the Association of the Jewish Organizations of Beltsy, the "Hesed Yakov" Welfare Center, JCC, that serve the local community.
  • Visit the local synagogue, the cemetery and speak to the local Jewish community.

Included meals:
  • Breakfast

What People Say

More reviews ›

Dear Victoria!

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and taste of the Romanian and Moldavian wines. I was amazed by the diversity of the wines and the regions they come from. The trip to Romania and travel to Moldova was both fun and educational. Not only did I learn about the wines, but about the countries as well. Romania and the Republic of Moldova are defiantly countries that more people should experience. The services provided were outstanding. 

The little extra's they added to the tour made all the difference and our tour guide Victoria was the best! The highlight for me was the Vinia Winery from Iasi. The trip by horse cart to the vineyard, picking out own grapes, making our own juice, enjoying the tranquility of the land and listening to the gypsy band was an experience of a lifetime. 

The trip was really organized to the fullest. Facilities, vehicle, driver and above all the guide Cristina really good! Moldova is very pleasant, especially the monasteries. We have come back indeed from a gastronomic journey a little tipsy. The wines and cuisine really good!

Thanks again!

Dear Victoria!

There are not enough adjectives in the world to describe adeguately the experience of doing a visit with you! You certainly have enhanced my appreciation of your country. I learnt a lot from you on many different levels. Your organizational skills are extraordinary and Explore will definitely receive extremely positive feedback. We were very lucky to have you with us during this short trip.

Thank you once again for all you did so beautifully with grace, humor and smile. I wish you all and only the very best for now and for the future.