TRAVEL FORMAT
We will spend two days traveling along the river on a comfortable catamaran.
We will visit a rocky gorge with numerous waterfalls and wonderful grottos, enjoy the wild nature of the river and see some spectacular panoramas from the height of the Dniester banks.
The overnight will be organized in a cozy mobile campsite with a shower, toilet, camping furniture, and comfortable sleeping places. You can learn more about our camp here.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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transfer by a comfortable mini-bus
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meals
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common first aid kit
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comfortable catamaran with engine
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excursion program, including entrance tickets
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accommodation in a comfortable mobile campsite (shower, toilet, furniture, special beds for sleeping, tents)
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instructor and guide services
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING?
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children under the age of 16 are allowed only when accompanied by parents.
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children under the age of 10 are given a 50% discount if they do not take a passenger seat. Comfortable additional seats will be prepared on the catamaran for children.
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children under the age of 5 can be taken aboard only if the crew are members of one family or close relatives.
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menu is negotiated at the preparation stage, before the departure.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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insurance
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hotel accommodation
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drinks
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personal gear (rental is available)
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tips (optional)
REQUIRED GEAR
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clothing for trekking and swimming
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shoes for trekking and swimming
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sunscreen, cap, sunglasses
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other personal gear (sleeping bag, headlamp)
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individual first aid kit
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1. Kishinev — Lalova — Tsipova — Lopatna
In the first half of the day, we will take a minibus and head north of Kishinev, and in two hours we will arrive in Lalova — the closest village to the Tsipova Landscape Reserve. Here we will launch the catamaran and go upstream to a deep gorge on the right bank of the river.
These places are preferred by speleologists and archaeologists, mystics and esoterics, yogis and musicians. Relatively recently, the monks also returned here. Tsipova gorge has some amazing energy.
On a high rock above the Dniester River, the largest rock complex in Eastern Europe is located, part of which is now occupied by a monastery known since the 15th century. From the small terraces under the monastery, you can enjoy beautiful views of the river valley.
After a guided tour of the monastery, we will descend into a refreshing wooded gorge. Grottos weathered in soft limestone, artificial caves, rush of waterfalls-all this has a special age-old energy.
Along the gorge, we will pass through a series of small cascades and come to a place known as the "Bird City". High cliffs with numerous grottos and natural pools create a fabulous landscape here. Then we will go to the largest waterfall in the reserve. Here we will stop for a short rest, and you may swim here.
In the afternoon, we will continue our journey down the river. The Dniester River here becomes wide, its banks are covered by reeds, where wild birds hide and feed. Along the way, we will see a lot of herons, cormorants, wild ducks, and towards the end of the way, near the Coblen Nature Reserve, near Lopatna, there is a place preferred by swans. The rocky bank of the river is covered with a wild coniferous forest mixed with oak and hornbeam. In the center of the reserve, we will visit a wild gorge, accessible only from the water. Here you can see large birds of prey — various species of eagles and hawks, osprey and raven. Many species of the fauna of the reserve are included in the Red Books of various countries of Eastern Europe.
We will stop for the night downstream, on the outskirts of the Coblen Nature Reserve, on a rocky shore covered with coniferous forest.
Day 2. Lopatna — Molovata — Kishinev
After breakfast, we will continue our journey down the river. Today we will cover about forty kilometers.
Further downstream, we will pass the Goian Bay and the Iagorlic Nature Reserve. The wild nature of the river, with a huge number of birds, vegetation on the banks, make this site particularly picturesque. The pristine beauty of these places can only be observed from the river.
The width of the Dniester River within the Dubasari Water Reservoir reaches more than a kilometer, the banks are often flat, but we will also see some very high ones on the way. The most beautiful rocks on this site are located near the village of Molovata. Their white chalk spurs dent deep into the river, and the transparency of the water allows you to observe their grottos and bizarre protrusions.
At the village of Molovata, we finish our route and go to Kishinev. On the way home, we will stop at a place with a panoramic view of the wide Dniester meander. Here you will feel the difference between the perception of the landscape from the water and the high banks of the river. At sunset, it is especially beautiful here.
We arrive in the capital late in the evening. Upon arrival, we can organize a tasting in Itzik Oxinoit's wine cellar. This will be the perfect end to our short trip around Moldova.
You can always join other Dniester adventures from the travel section on our website.