This fascinating day trip from Chisinau crosses into Transnistria, the breakaway region that functions as a Soviet time capsule, complete with its own government, currency and hammer-and-sickle flag. With a guide to navigate the border and explain the history, travellers visit the capital Tiraspol with its Soviet monuments and the historic fortress town of Bender. An eye-opening and slightly surreal journey into an unrecognised state frozen in time, it is one of the most unusual and memorable excursions in Europe and a highlight of a visit to Moldova.