Gagauzia: A Day Tour Through Gagauzia and the Historic Manuc Bei Mansion 

Embark on a full-day cultural journey through two of Moldova’s most unique and fascinating destinations: the historic Manuc Bei Mansion and the distinctive Gagauzia region. This tour offers you the chance to uncover the rich history of a 19th-century aristocratic estate and to meet the warm, hospitable Gagauz people, who preserve their unique Turkish-speaking heritage to this day.

Tour Highlights:

✅ Visit the stunning Manuc Bei Mansion, a 19th-century architectural gem just 36 km from Chișinău
✅ Explore Gagauzia, home to Moldova’s Turkish-speaking ethnic minority
✅ Learn about Gagauz history, culture, and colorful traditions at the National Museum of History and Ethnography
✅ See the main sights of Comrat, Gagauzia’s capital
✅ Enjoy a delicious traditional Gagauz lunch at the "Gagauz Sofrasi" tourist complex
✅ Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable guide and private transportation

Itinerary:

🏛 Manuc Bei Mansion

Start your day with a short drive to the town of Hîncești, where you’ll visit the impressive Manuc Bei Mansion. Built in the 19th century, this sprawling architectural complex is a true jewel of Moldova’s cultural heritage. Stroll through the beautifully restored grounds and admire the elegant buildings, including:

• Manuc’s Palace
  
  

• The Iamandi House
  
  

• The Contessa Building
  
  

• The charming Hunting Castle
  
  

• The historic Watchtower
  
  

Your guide will share the fascinating stories behind these buildings and the life of Manuc Bei, an influential Armenian merchant and diplomat of his time.

🌾 Gagauzia Region

Continue south to Gagauzia, a unique autonomous region populated by the Gagauz, a Turkish-speaking people who originally came from northeastern Bulgaria. Despite centuries of change, the Gagauz have preserved their distinct language, culture, and traditions, making this area one of Moldova’s most interesting cultural enclaves.

Besalma Village
Your first stop in Gagauzia is the National Museum of History and Ethnography of Gagauz in the village of Besalma. Here you’ll learn about the colorful wedding ceremonies, traditional costumes, and fascinating customs of the Gagauz people.

Comrat City
Next, visit the capital of Gagauzia, Comrat, where you’ll see key landmarks, including:

• Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
  
  

• Comrat City Hall, with its notable Lenin monument
  
  

• Memorial Slavy, dedicated to Soviet soldiers
  
  

• The Walk of Glory of the Gagauz People
  
  

• Gagauz National University
  
  

• House of Culture and the monument to the soldiers who liberated the city during WWII
  
  

Congaz Village & Traditional Lunch
Finally, stop in Congaz, one of the largest villages in Europe, to visit the beautiful Holy Trinity Church. Afterward, enjoy a hearty and authentic Gagauz lunch at the charming "Gagauz Sofrasi" tourist complex, featuring local specialties and warm hospitality.

What’s Included:

• Professional guide
  
  

• Private transportation from/to Chișinău
  
  

• Entrance fees to museums and sites
  
  

• Traditional Gagauz lunch
  
  

Duration:

Approx. 8–9 hours

Departure:

From your accommodation in Chișinău