MOLDOVA

Moldova is one of the smelliest of the former Soviet Republics. It can be found by looking on a map towards the Ukraine and Romania. It is a beautiful picturesque country with lush green hills, serene blue lakes, and some excellent vineyards, charming little villages and is still a relatively inexpensive destination to visit.

The history of this country is the usual turbulent mix of being dominated by countries such as Russia and Romania and an endless stream of nations that wished to make Moldova their own such as the Magyars, Slavs, and Bulgarians. The country developed into an important port and trade centre for Byzantine and Greek merchants before the Turkish army of the Ottoman Empire started to look in their direction, who liked what they saw. After that it was pretty much open house with the Austrian, Russian and Romanian armies all taking turns to fight it out over and over again? This way of life seemed to go on for centuries with brief interludes of serenity, which allowed the armies to recover for the next campaign. As with this entire region WWII was not kind to the countries minorities, with being shipped to concentration camps and in the Communist years Siberia. The collapse of communism eventually brought sovereignty to the country and in 1991 Moldova declared it’s independence.

Visitors to Moldova will experience a country with an interesting cultural heritage in which aspects from all of the countries past hosts are placed in a melting pot, and blended together over centuries. We suggest that the best time for visitors to explore this interesting country is September & October. But May through to August can be a good time to visit but occasionally snow can fall at this time.

Despite Moldova being less developed than the rest of Eastern Europe it has all of the trappings for successful tourism industry despite without the coach loads of tourists.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted air fares
* Discounted hotels.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Chisinau

Chisinau is city of many surprises; it is a lush & green cosmopolitan city, which is surrounded by delightful park & lakes and where many streets are lined with trees, which generate a small town atmosphere. But it is not all sweetness and light as two thirds of Chisinau was destroyed in WWII and it still bears the scars even today. It is a city, which is having to rebuild itself without forgetting its past heritage. As you stroll around the city you will find beautiful cathedrals sitting side by side with the old grey tenement buildings of Stalin’s Russia before sipping a coffee at a trendy café or bar.

The city is home to a few interesting museums such as the NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, the GALERIA BRANCUSI, and the STEFAN CEL MARE PARK is home to various war memorials and statues. The cities main square is dominated by large cathedrals, restaurants and lively bars making Chisinau a surprising unique destination for those travellers wanting something different.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

The Jolly Alon Hotel,Dedeman Grand Hotel,National and The Best Esatern Cosmos Hotel.

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Other destination suggestions:-

Capiana Monastery

A delightful 14th century monastery, which sits peacefully on the shores of a placid lake .It surprisingly, eluded the lootings and purges of the previous Stalin era. The only down side of this beautiful retreat is that it can be hard to reach via public transport.

Orheuil Vechi

Is an ancient complex in every sense of the word it and is home to the ruins of the vestiges of a mosque, two mausoleums, three bathhouses, an ancient fortress, various ancient Moldavian houses and an ancient monastery carved out of a lime cliff. Tourists wishing to visit this wonder do need to seek assistance with their travel arrangements as these can be differ cult to co-ordinate.

The Wine Region

There are various organised tours that take visitors around some of the finest vineyards in the country and here is a sample of the best. CRICOVA and its underground walkways make an ideal start as it lies only a short drive from Chisinau. The next stop should be COJUSNA, which produces a fine selection of wines, vodka and port. The STRASENI VINEYARD is famous for having extensive vineyards and producing some excellent sparkling wine.

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Travel Warning

You should be alert to the risk of street crime and petty theft, particularly in Chisinau, and for pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Try not to draw attention to yourself on the streets by speaking English. You should keep your valuables and passport secure in hotel safes and make sure that you carry a copy of your passport with you. It is useful to carry a small torch after dark, as street lighting is poor.

Transnistria (northeast Moldova) is not under Moldovan government control. The UK and other EU countries imposed a visa ban on some of the Transnistrian leadership in February 2003. We are not aware of any increased difficulties for British travellers as a result of the visa bans, but if you are considering going to Transnistria you might want to consider carefully whether the journey is necessary. There is no official UK representation service in this area.

Avoid taking photographs of military or government installations.

You should be vigilant to petty crime, particularly in Chisinau.

If you are staying in a private residence for longer than 3 days you must register your arrival with the Department of Information Technologies or local passport office within 3 days.

It is recommended that travellers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should also check any exclusions and that your policy covers you in all activities.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Health Information

You are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations before travelling to Moldova. You are advised to drink only bottled water. Non Russian /Romanian speakers may encounter difficulties in a medical emergency. The Embassy has details of English-speaking doctors.

We suggest that travellers consult their local GP or check the Department of Health’s website prior to departing the UK.

All visitors wishing to travel to Moldova require an invitation and visa. Worldmark Travel can assist with these arrangements – please contact us for details.

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E-Mail Worldmark@bti.co.uk

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