Don't want to limit your experience to a quick stop in Transnistria? This travel workshop with Didier Ruef takes us far beyond the usual routes: we witness the Orthodox Easter Vigil in Chișinău — one of the most powerful spiritual moments of the year — and we discover Paștele Blajinilor (the Easter of the Dead), a deeply rooted memorial tradition celebrated in northern Moldova. We then explore the autonomous region of Gagauzia in the south and experience Transnistria in depth, going well beyond Bender and Tiraspol.
This trip is limited to a maximum of six participants, ensuring meaningful interaction and allowing everyone to make the most of photographer Didier Ruef's guidance.
The workshop is open to all levels of photographic experience. Throughout the journey, we fully immerse ourselves in the local culture, meet the people of the region, and share our passion for photography within a small and dedicated group.
Detailed program
Day 1 (Saturday, April 11) – Arrival in Moldova and Easter Preparations
We warmly welcome you at the airport of Chișinău and provide the transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Since our arrival coincides with one of the most meaningful celebrations in Moldova, the Orthodox Easter, these first two days offer exceptional opportunities for documentary and cultural photography.
This is the day before Easter. Throughout the city, people are fully immersed in preparations: families buying traditional foods, markets filled with vibrant colors, locals arranging festive baskets with cozonac (a sweet yeast dough), red eggs, pasca (a typical Easter bread) and sweets.
We begin with a city tour focused on capturing the contrast between the busy pre-holiday atmosphere and the quietness that will follow the next day. The streets, markets, and churches will provide rich visual stories and dynamic scenes perfect for photography.
Night of April 11–12 – Easter Vigil
At midnight, we have the unique opportunity to witness and photograph the Holy Light ceremony and the Easter vigil, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity when thousands of Orthodox Christians gather to receive the sacred flame and have their festive foods blessed. The service lasts until dawn and offers exceptional low-light, spiritual and emotional photography moments.
Overnight in Chișinău.
Day 2 (Sunday, April 12) - Easter Day
After resting following the night service, we continue exploring the city exploration.
On Easter Day, Chișinău becomes unusually quiet and peaceful, as most people spend the holiday at home with their families.
This atmosphere creates perfect conditions for capturing: empty streets, serene urban landscapes, soft morning light, authentic scenes of a city at rest.
Overnight in Chișinău.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 3 (Monday, April 13) - Exploring Transnistria: Bender Fortress and Tiraspol
On this day, we begin our journey into Transnistria, a region known for its strong Soviet heritage, contrasting architecture, and unique atmosphere, an exceptional setting for documentary and urban photography.
Our first stop is the Bender Fortress, an impressive 16th-century stronghold that offers dramatic angles, stone textures, and views ideal for architectural and historical photography. Its massive walls and riverfront location create striking visual compositions.
We continue to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, often described as a "living museum" of Soviet aesthetics. Here we can capture: monuments and grand Soviet-style avenues, Lenin statues and government buildings, trolleybuses and slow-paced everyday life, the contrast between old infrastructure and modern touches.
We stop to an authentic agritourism guesthouse in Tiraspol, where we explore a small museum featuring Soviet-era artifacts and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Afterward, we check in at the local hotel.
In the evening, we have a guided visit to the KVINT Brandy Factory, famous for its award-winning brandy and its photogenic industrial interiors. The experience also includes a tasting of five Divins (30 ml each): KVINT XO Surprise – 10 y.o., Tiraspol – 15 y.o., KVINT Sunny – 20 y.o., Victoria – 25 y.o., and Suvorov – 40 y.o.
Depending on availability and the group's interest, it may be possible to choose the Aquatir Sturgeon & Caviar Complex instead of KVINT. This alternative option might involve a supplementary fee.
We decide together which visit is most inspiring, ensuring both an enjoyable experience and excellent photographic opportunities.
Overnight in Tiraspol.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
Optional activity included: KVINT Brandy Factory visit and tasting.
Day 4 (Tuesday, April 14) – Southern Transnistria: Dnestrovsk, Slobozia Mare and Noul Neamț Monastery
We continue exploring southern Transnistria, discovering a mix of industrial, rural, and spiritual landscapes.
Our first stop is Dnestrovsk, known for its industrial zones and Soviet-style architecture, great for urban and minimalistic photography.
We then visit Slobozia Mare, a quiet rural area offering authentic village life, open landscapes, and traditional houses perfect for documentary shots.
The day concludes at the beautiful Noul Neamț Monastery, an impressive spiritual complex ideal for architectural and serene atmospheric photography.
Overnight in Tiraspol.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 5 (Wednesday, April 15) – Northern Transnistria and transfer to Soroca
This day marks the end of our journey through Transnistria. We explore the northern part of the region, with the opportunity to visit several locations such as Dubăsari, Rașcov, and Stroentsy, each offering distinctive landscapes, authentic local life, and excellent photographic potential.
At the end of the day, we head towards Soroca, where we can enjoy dinner and check in at a local hotel.
Overnight in Soroca.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 6 (Thursday, April 16) – Soroca and the Northernmost Point of Moldova
We spend the day discovering Soroca and the far north of the country. The city tour includes visits to:
- Soroca Fortress, with its impressive architecture and panoramic views over the Dniester River,
- the Candle of Gratitude monument,
- the famous Gypsy Hill, known for its extravagant mansions.
We also have the chance to interact with locals and observe preparations for Paștele Blajinilor, a unique Moldovan memorial Easter tradition — an excellent opportunity for cultural and documentary photography.
The journey continues to Naslavcea, the northernmost point of Moldova, where we can capture a memorable sunset over dramatic landscapes.
At the end of the day, we return to Chișinău.
Overnight in Chișinău.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 7 (Friday, April 17) – Exploring Gagauzia and Southern Moldova
The day begins with a journey into Gagauzia and the southern region of Moldova.
Our first stop is the town of Hîncești, where we can visit the elegant Manuc Bei Mansion, an architectural landmark offering excellent opportunities for cultural and architectural photography.
We then continue to Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, where we get acquainted with the Gagauz community – its traditions, culture, and unique identity. Here we have the chance to taste traditional Gagauz cuisine, interact with locals, and visit several local museums, providing authentic material for documentary and portrait photography.
Overnight in Comrat.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 8 (Saturday, April 18) – Exploring Găgăuzia and transfer to Butuceni
Next, we continue to Taraclia, the main cultural center of the Bulgarian community in Moldova. Serving as the administrative heart of the district, Taraclia is known for its rich multicultural heritage and vibrant blend of Bulgarian and Moldovan traditions.
During our stop, we visit the Taraclia History and Ethnography Museum, where we discover the region's Bulgarian roots through traditional costumes, historical artifacts, and engaging local exhibits.
Overnight in Butuceni.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 9 (Sunday, April 19) – Central Moldova: traditions in the Orhei Region
We return to the heart of Moldova, heading toward the Orhei area, where we check-in and spend two days surrounded by authentic traditions, colors, and local customs.
During these days, we have the opportunity to observe and photograph how Paștele Blajinilor (Memorial Easter) is celebrated in several villages, discovering the unique rituals and atmospheres specific to each community.
We visit picturesque settlements such as Butuceni, Brănești, Trebujeni, and others, each offering rich cultural stories and exceptional visual scenes.
Overnight in Butuceni.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 10 (Monday, April 20) – Central Moldova and transfer to Chișinău
We continue our journey into the heart of Moldova, heading toward the Orhei area.
We return to Chișinău in the late afternoon / evening.
Overnight in Chișinău.
Meals included: breakfast.
Day 11 (Tuesday, April 21) – Last day and departure
We have free time to visit the city again, buy souvenirs, and prepare for departure.
Transfer to the airport.
Meals included: breakfast.
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