They say you can’t truly understand Bessarabia until you’ve tasted it. And you know what? We decided to put that theory to the test!
“Balkan Mash-Up” is a journey to a place where several languages may be heard on the same street, where the traditions of different peoples meet around one table, and where family recipes are preserved more carefully than some historical documents.
We begin in Bolhrad — a town with a distinctly Balkan character and a food culture all its own. Here we’ll get to know “Balkan Delicacies”, a family-run producer that knows a thing or two about traditional meat specialties, fragrant spices and genuine Bessarabian hospitality.
We’ll step inside the place where local delicacies are made, learn some of the secrets behind them, and discover a collection of traditional costumes and household items. And then, of course, we’ll taste everything! Because hearing about Bessarabian cuisine without trying it would be almost criminal.
And what would a Balkan day be without a proper feast? A traditional lunch awaits, featuring dishes where Bulgarian, Moldovan, Ukrainian and other local culinary traditions come together.
But Bessarabia has more than gastronomy up its sleeve.
Our next stop is Izmail. A city on the Danube that empires fought over for centuries and where many different peoples left their mark. Majestic churches stand alongside reminders of its turbulent history, while the Danube itself makes it clear that we are at one of Europe’s great historical crossroads.
We’ll stroll through the city, discover its architecture, visit the famous diorama and learn why Izmail has repeatedly found itself at the heart of major European events.
And to finish the day — one more Bessarabian argument in favour of the good life: a wine tasting. We’ll visit the wine cellars of a local producer, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste seven wines accompanied by a specialist.
And this is probably the perfect moment to admit it: Bessarabia is far more than a point on the map. It has a character of its own, generously seasoned with history, hospitality and good taste.
“Balkan Mash-Up” is the kind of journey that leaves you wanting not only to remember Bessarabia, but to taste it again!
Tour program
- 07:00 — Departure from Odesa. We meet at the Transfiguration Cathedral on Cathedral Square and set off on our Bessarabian adventure. Along the way, we’ll discover the history of the region, its peoples, traditions and gastronomic secrets.
- 10:30–12:30 — “Balkan Delicacies”: discovering the flavours of Bessarabia. Visit to a family-run meat delicacy producer in Bolhrad. Tour of the production facility, introduction to traditional recipes, national costumes and household items. Tasting of local specialties. Opportunity to purchase your favourites.
- 12:30–13:30 — Traditional Bessarabian lunch. We get to know the local cuisine and hospitality of the region. Here, feeding guests is not just a custom — it is done from the heart!
- 13:30–14:30 — Transfer to Izmail. We continue our journey through Bessarabia and discover the history of the Danube region.
- 14:30–17:00 — Sightseeing tour of Izmail. Walk through the historic part of the city, exploring its churches, architecture and monuments. Stories about the fortress, the Danube, empires and the peoples who left their mark on Izmail’s history.
- 17:00–17:30 — “Storming of Izmail Fortress” Diorama. Visit to the historical exhibition dedicated to one of the most famous events in the city’s history.
- 17:30–19:30 — Wine tasting. Visit to the wine cellars of a local producer. Introduction to Bessarabian winemaking traditions and a tasting of seven wines accompanied by a specialist.
- 19:30 — Departure for Odesa. We head home with new impressions, gastronomic discoveries and, quite possibly, a couple of delicious souvenirs.
- Approximately 23:00 — Arrival in Odesa. Our eventful journey through Bessarabia comes to an end.
Tour price
Please check the tour price and availability with our manager.
What’s included in the price
- Comfortable bus transportation along the tour route — with no transfers or organisational hassle
- Entrance tickets to all locations included in the program
- Guided tour service and guide assistance throughout the entire trip
What’s not included in the price
- Personal expenses of tour participants
- Souvenirs and additional purchases
- Meals during the trip
- Additional services and activities not included in the program
- Personal requests not covered by the tour program
We Recommend Bringing
Dress comfortably and for the weather: the day includes not only gastronomic pleasures but also plenty of walking around Izmail. Bring water, a fully charged phone and a little extra room in your bag — Bessarabian delicacies have an amazing habit of asking to come home with you. And most importantly — bring your appetite! Here, that’s not a weakness, but a sign of respect for local traditions.
Frequently asked questions about the tour
Why “Balkan Mash-Up”? And what exactly is being mixed together?
Oh, there’s quite a mix here! Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, Gagauz and other traditions, several languages, a rich history, plenty of spices and a cuisine all its own. Bessarabia is a true cultural cocktail — and such a successful one that its recipe has been perfected over centuries!
And if we arrive hungry — will we be saved?
Absolutely! Gastronomy is one of the main stars of this journey. We’ll enjoy traditional meat delicacies, discover local culinary secrets and sit down to a proper Bessarabian lunch. But be warned: after getting to know the region’s cuisine, your homemade sausage may lose some of its authority.
Isn’t Bolhrad and Izmail a bit too much for one day?
It’s going to be a full day, we won’t pretend otherwise! There’s an early start, several interesting stops and a late-evening return. But instead of two ordinary trips, you get one big Bessarabian adventure. And on the road, there’s time to relax, enjoy the scenery and listen to the guide’s stories.
And if I don’t drink wine, will the tour still be interesting?
Of course! Bessarabia has far more to offer than what fits into a wine glass. There’s gastronomy, historic churches, fascinating stories and local traditions to discover. At the winery, you can learn about the winemaking process without taking part in the alcohol tasting. Just let us know in advance.
How can I pay for the tour?
You can pay for the tour:
- online through our website
- by bank card transfer (our managers will send the payment details by SMS)
- in cash at our office,or directly to the guide during the tour
What are the cancellation and refund terms if your plans suddenly take a different turn?
We understand — life can be a bit like an Odesa tram, suddenly changing its route. If you cancel the booking yourself and let us know in advance, the refund will be as follows:
- 7 calendar days before the event — 100% of the full price will be refunded
- 72 hours before the event starts — 50% will be refunded
- 1 day before the event — 25% will be refunded
Can I take this trip with children?
Yes, but keep the length of the trip in mind. Children who enjoy adventures, unusual stories and new experiences will find plenty to enjoy. For very young travellers, however, the early departure and late return may be tiring. Wine tasting is for adults only.
What should I wear and bring with me, besides a good mood (which is highly recommended too)?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Water is recommended. In summer — bring a hat and sun protection; in cooler seasons — a jacket suitable for the weather. If you’re planning to take lots of photos — charge your phone: Odesa knows how to fill up your memory fast.
