On German Traces Tour

The touristic route “On German Traces from Basarabia” – “Routes to the Roots” offers a complex and comprehensive program aimed at discovering the history of the German ethnic community in the Republic of Moldova. This route includes several regions that were once German colonies, where elements of religious and rural architecture can still be found, such as traditional houses and cellars specific to German communities.

The tourist program also includes the presentation of tombstone samples belonging to members of the German community who once lived on these lands. Today, these are considered true historical monuments. The commemorative plaques installed by the descendants of 19th-century German settlers reflect their care and strong attachment to their former homeland. From a geographical point of view, the locations of the former German colonies included in this route perfectly align with one of Moldova’s most important wine circuits.

It is important to mention that agriculture, including vine cultivation, was the main source of livelihood for the German colonies in Basarabia. Therefore, the historical program is harmoniously combined with the presentation of the most important wine-growing regions and wineries in the Republic of Moldova.

Day 1: Chișinău City

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. City tour of Chișinău: Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard, the Metropolitan Cathedral “Nativity of the Lord,” the Parliament, the Circus, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre “Maria Bieșu,” the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova, the Railway Station, the monument “The Train of Pain,” the National Square, the Arch of Triumph, the monument of Ștefan cel Mare, the Public Garden, the Alley of Classics, etc.
Visit to the underground winery “Cricova.”
In the evening, dinner at the restaurant “La Taifas,” in a fully traditional style, including a folk program.

Day 2: City Tour

The first destination on the tourist route is the town of Anenii Noi. The German settlers arrived on the estates of people from Aneni, Pașcani, or Nicolaevca in 1887. The colony was led by the German Filip Flemer. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit “Aleea Gării” Square, where a commemorative plaque honors those who founded the German colony.

You will also see the building where the former Evangelical-Lutheran church was established in the 19th century, built by German settlers, as well as a typical German house preserved almost intact, with only minor interior adjustments.

The next destination is the city of Ștefan Vodă, founded by German settlers in 1909. Here, you will visit the district where Germans from Basarabia lived. In 1999, members of the Association of Germans from Basarabia installed a commemorative plaque in memory of the colony’s founders.

The next destination is Château Purcari, the pearl of Moldovan wine. Founded in 1817, it has received hundreds of international awards for wine quality. Its wines were served to Tsar Nicholas II, King George V, and Queen Victoria of Great Britain.

The history of the locality and the winery is closely linked to German settlers, one of the founders being Harmizone, a representative of the German community. Sold in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and France, Purcari wines are highly valued worldwide.

You will then visit another, younger winery – Et Cetera, where you will be guided by the owner and the chief winemaker.

Accommodation or return to Chișinău.

Day 3: City Tour

The German colony of Marienfeld, whose name means “Mary’s Fields” in German, was founded in the late 18th century. After the repatriation of Germans in 1940, traces of this ethnic group can still be found in the village’s architecture and cemetery, which contains several gravestones now considered historical monuments. There is also a monument installed by the descendants of German settlers in memory of their ancestors.

A special attraction here is the Pânzari family sheepfold. You will visit the fold, taste traditional cheeses, and enjoy a folk performance by the local group “Busuioc Moldovenesc,” which will present the “Datina Ciobăniei” (Shepherds’ Tradition) through song and dance.

Another destination is the village of Pervomaisc, formerly a German colony called Emmental. It was one of the many German colonies established in Basarabia by the Russian Empire after 1812. The settlers came from Warsaw. By 1907, around 300 Germans lived here in well-organized homes along straight, clean streets.

The program concludes with a visit to the Asconi Winery. Founded in 1994, Asconi has achieved excellent results in the wine industry. The company owns about 400 hectares of vineyards located near the village of Geamăna, Anenii Noi District.

Asconi Winery welcomes tourists and offers an unforgettable wine experience. You will see the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, enjoy a wine tasting, and have lunch featuring traditional cuisine.

Return to Chișinău.

Transfer to the airport in Chișinău for the return trip home.

Included Services:

Air-conditioned transport from/to the airport

Transport services throughout the program

English-speaking specialized guide

Entrance fees according to the program

2 nights of accommodation with half board (breakfast + dinner)

Map