A Taste of Moldova
A Taste of Moldova
A Taste of Moldova
8 Days Starting in Chisinau, Moldova and ending in Chisinau
Visiting: Chişinău, Butuceni, Curchi, Saharna, Strada Butuceni, Mărcăuţi, Pocrovca, Soroca, Tiraspol, Administrative-Territorial Units of the Left Bank of the Dniester, Congaz, Comrat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
14729
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishPrivate Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
- Indulge in traditional regional food and locally produced world-class wine
- Mingle with locals from the village of Old-Russian Believers (starovery)
- Visit the unrecognised breakaway state of Transnistria
- Engage with the minority group of the Gagauzian people
- Explore the oldest Moldovan monastery
- Discover the legendary wine collection of the world’s largest wine cellar
Delicious wines, untouched countryside, traditional life, and hidden cultures all make this former Soviet country ooze with intrigue for travellers seeking that next off-beat destination.
Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, eat and drink your way through this remote and obscure nation before venturing into the breakaway republic of Transnistria where life under Soviet rule continues. From minority ethnic groups to unheard-of world-class wineries, monastic life and monasteries hunkered in caves, the entwinement of culture, raw nature and former regime life make this journey fascinating for the traveller looking the last corner of Europe to discover.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Moldova
Location: Chişinău
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bristol Central Park hotel Chisinau or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Moldova! Upon arrival at Chisinau International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transfer to Chisinau city (12km, 20min approx.) for your first taste of Moldova. A city dating back over six centuries which has been rebuilt many a time from WWII conflicts, through to earthquakes, absorb the soviet style architecture squeezed in alongside modern skyscrapers and trendy cafes.
Be acquainted with the city’s history as you explore the historical part of the capital. Pause at the monument of a great Moldova Ruler Stefan the Great and Saint, the Bell Tower, Lord Nativity Cathedral, the Triumph Arch followed by the Parliament, the Central Square “Stefan cel Mare”, and City Hall. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Moldovan cuisine. (D)
Overnight Bristol Central Park hotel Chisinau or similar
Distance and Journey Time: 30 minutes’ drive from the airport
Walking Distance: Approximately 4km
Walking Time: Approximately 2hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 2 - Chisinau To Curchi To Butuceni
Location: Butuceni, Curchi, Chişinău
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Eco-Resort Butuceni or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, set off to explore the Cricova Wine cellars – a must-see when in Moldova (16km approx. 30min drive). Venture into the underground tunnels of the wine cellars and see a large collection of exclusive wines. Here you will become acquainted with the process of wine and sparkling wine production. The oldest wine to be stored at Cricova is a Jerusalem Wine (bottled in 1902). Cricova is a unique place housing historic wines among which Goering’s collection holds pride of place. Head into the winery tasting hall for wine tasting and lunch with dishes paired to match the wines.
This afternoon, visit the monastic complex of Curchi (46km, approx. 45 min drive), located in one of the most picturesque areas in the centre of Moldova, the Codrii forests. Here you will talk with a local monk about their daily life in the monastery.
Continue to an open-air museum complex Orhei Vechi (Old Orhei) that presents the remains of different civilizations established between the nearby Nistru and Prut rivers(40km, approx. 40 min drive). The complex comprises of caves, grottos, churches, hermitages, and a Geto-Dacian fortress. The open-air museum represents a true natural fortress inhabited since ancient times. Walk into the Orthodox Cave Monastery and feel the spirit of ancient times. Learn the way of life of the villagers of the past and visit a typical 19th century Moldavian house-museum.
Your destination for the night is the Moldavian village of Butuceni (5km, approx. 12 min drive)where the style and traditions of the Moldavian architecture of the 19th century are preserved and carefully maintained – ornamentally decorated houses, gates, fences, wells with potable water, old cellars and more certainly provide character to traditional life here. Check-in to your local accommodation in the village of Butuceni where you will spend the night in the spectacular countryside, surrounded by huge rocky hills. Dinner this evening will be in house and combination of traditional dishes and home-made wine. (B,L,D)
Overnight Eco-Resort Butuceni or similar
Distance and Journey Time: 3hr drive, 30 minutes by local electric car in Cricova
Walking Distance: Approximately 5km
Walking Time: Approximately 3-4hours in total
Difficulty: Moderate, underground winery walking, deepest point 100m, 12 degrees Celsius, to have jackets on. Open-air museum complex, rocks and cliffs, cave monastery, recommended stable shoes.
Day 3 – River Nistru And Saharna
Location: Saharna, Strada Butuceni, Mărcăuţi
Accommodation: Resort, ResortResort
Accommodation Name: Eco-Resort Butuceni or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before driving to the oldest cave monasteries on the river Nistru and a countryside walk, you will make a stop in Clisova Noua village to visit the ‘Arta Rustica’ Handicrafts Museum showcasing a rich variety of national articles which reflect the Moldavian way of life, customs, and traditions (45km, approx. 45min drive). Among them traditional carpets, pottery, garment, old weaving looms, which are still in use today, and many other ornaments created and decorated in traditional style that have been carefully preserved. Here, you have a fantastic opportunity to take part in a master class in weaving with local artists, and the studio owner Mrs. Ecaterina, who are excited to share their skills and experience with you.
Continue to the North-East of Moldova and discover a rocky monastery and fascinating village named Saharna (75km approx. 1hr10min drive), known for its Holy Trinity Monastery and magnificent nature. Saharna cave monastery boasts picturesque natural surroundings including numerous waterfalls and cascades that the river Saharna forms as it winds its’ way through the valleys. There is time for a rest at the bottom of a cascade in the shade of the high hills and soak in the tranquillity of the forest surrounding you. Continuing on, walk to the top of the Grimidon rocky hill, where you can see a little chapel, where, as Moldovian legend says, you may see the footprint of the Mother of God who appeared in front of Saint Varfolomei.
Lunch today will be served by a Moldovan family in the village of Lalova (47km, approx. 50min drive), hidden on the banks of the river Nistru. Getting to know your hosts while enjoying their warm hospitality and delicious meal is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Returning to Butuceni village (76km, approx. 1hr15min drive) and freshen up at your guesthouse, this evening you’ll participate in baking a delicious traditional pastry called ‘placinte’. These are round pies with various stuffings such as cottage cheese, potatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, apple, and other seasonal fruits. You’ll want to take the recipe home to make for your friends! Serve your ‘placinte’ creation for dinner with a glass of good Moldovan wine. (B,L,D)
Overnight Eco-Resort Butuceni or similar
Distance and Journey Time: 3.5hr drive, 15hour by unsealed road
Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
Walking Time: Approximately 2hours
Difficulty: Moderate, sometimes shaky hills in Saharna area when getting to Saharna cascades, there are rocky hills, recommended stable shoes.
Day 4 - Butuceni To Pocrovca To Soroca
Location: Strada Butuceni, Pocrovca, Soroca, Chişinău
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bristol Central Park Hotel Chisinau or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, continue heading to the north of Moldova. Your first stop is the village of Old-Russian Believers – Pocrovca (170km, approx. 2hr30min drive). The Russian Orthodox Old Believers (starovery) are descendants of medieval Russians who refused to adopt the mid-17th century church reforms as promoted by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov and implemented by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow.
You will meet a local retired teacher who will share her stories and knowledge about the way of life of Orthodox Old-Russian Believers from this area. As it’s a closed community, you will not meet the villagers of Old-Russian Believers; however, a local guide will show you around their village of Pocrovca, telling you about their lifestyle, habits, traditions and will show you the old wooden church where the Old-Russian Believers pray.
Then, visit the only UNESCO listed site in Moldova – the Geodaetic Arch Struve, built nearby Pocrovca village (2km approx. 3min drive). The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, through ten countries and over 2,820 km. These are points of a survey, carried out between 1816 and 1855 by several scientists under the leadership of the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, which represented the first accurate measuring of a long segment of a meridian. This helped to establish the exact size and shape of the planet and marked an important step in the development of earth sciences and topographic mapping. It is an extraordinary example of the development of sciences and of collaboration among scientists from different countries, as well as monarchs, for a common scientific cause. Continue to Soroca town and take a break for lunch in a local restaurant (40km, approx. 45min drive). The town of Soroca lies by the Nistru (Dniester) River which also marks the border with neighbouring Ukraine.
Over the centuries, as Soroca’s importance as a strategic military point grew, the city became a regional centre featuring large squares, modernized streets, hospitals, grammar schools and conventionalized churches.
After lunch, meet a local guide at Soroca Fort who will reveal all the secrets of Soroca fortress and tell you about the historical events that have taken place around the fortress over the centuries.
The first recorded mention of Soroca fortress dates to 1499. The fortress has been involved in many dramatic historical events including the invasions of the Tatars, Cossacks, Polish King Ian Sobesky and his troops, the military actions of Bogdan Hmelnitskyi, and the anti-Ottoman campaign of the Russian Monarch Peter the Great. The fortress itself has withstood numerous fires and undergone many stages of reconstruction as builders over the year have rebuilt the fortress again and again, slowly changing from wood to stone.
Continue to the Gypsy Quarter and see glorious Roma mansions, sometimes so much like real castles. You’ll surely find among these mansions a copy of ‘Bolhsoi Theatre’. On the way out of the Gypsy Quarter, pause for a photo stop at ‘Gypsy Hill’.
Departing to Chisinau and checking into the hotel to freshen up, you will then head out for dinner at a wine bar– soak in the nice and relaxing atmosphere with a glass of good Moldovan wine. You will be offered some wines for tasting from small and private Moldovan wineries, accompanied by the dishes from restaurant chef. (B,L,D)
Overnight Bristol Central Park Hotel Chisinau or similar
Distance and Journey Time: 5hr drive, 40hour by unsealed road
Walking Distance: Approximately 3-4km
Walking Time: Approximately 2hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 5 – Transnistria And Ussr
Location: Tiraspol, Administrative-Territorial Units of the Left Bank of the Dniester
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay, HomestayHomestayHomestay
Accommodation Name: Tiraspol guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transnistria – officially called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic by Moldova – is a narrow strip of land between Moldova and western Ukraine that is home to about 500,000 people. It is an unrecognized breakaway state that left Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990. The Transnistrian government has de facto independence, but it is recognized by other countries and the United Nations as part of Moldova.
Today you will have a full day trip to Transnistria (68km, approx. 1hr drive), diving into the history of this self-proclaimed independent and unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic that has its own currency, border guards and policy.
You will explore the 16th century Tighina fortress and visit the on-site museum. The first documented mention of ‘Tighina Fortress’ was in 1408. Its walls have survived to the present time and offer an example of classic Moldavian defensive construction. Tour the city Bendery with lots of Soviet relics, visit a Soviet style café ‘Stolovka SSSR’ and feel the atmosphere of Communism.
While in the capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol (11.9km, approx. 18min drive), you’ll see the Drama and Comedy Theatre, the Lenin and Suvorov Monuments, the Parliament, the House of Soviets and have a walking tour along the river Dniestr. It was founded by the Russian general Alexandr Suvorov in 1792, whose statue is rising on the central square in Tiraspol.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling several Soviet-style dishes.
After lunch, you’ll find yourself at KVINT, a distinguished cognac distillery. The KVINT brand produces excellent spirits like cognacs, whisky, liquors, vodka, wine and more. Tour the factory and taste some of their locally produced spirits.
In the evening, visit a Sturgeon Fish Farm in Tiraspol. Sturgeon Caviar is considered to be the gold standard in caviar, and this farm is one of the largest producers of Sturgeon caviar in the world. You will learn how sturgeon fish are farmed, and the process of producing black caviar. You will also try some of the black gold for yourself! Check in to your hotel in Tiraspol for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Overnight Tiraspol guesthouse or similar
Distance and Journey Time: 3.5hr drive
Walking Distance: Approximately 3-4km
Walking Time: Approximately 3hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 6 – Tiraspol To Comrat To Congaz
Location: Tiraspol, Congaz, Comrat
Accommodation: Homestay, HomestayHomestayHomestayHomestay
Accommodation Name: Congaz Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast at your hotel, head to the South of Moldova to experience the history, culture, and traditions of the Gagauzian people. The Gagauz, a Turkic-Orthodox Christian people, have lived in the Balkans for hundreds of years, managing to preserve their language and culture.
Today, the Gagauz people occupy a unique position between the Turkic, European, Muslim, and Orthodox worlds. With a population of about 250,000, the Gagauz people primarily live in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (ATUG) in Moldova, where Gagauz is the official language along with Russian and Moldovan.
The Gagausian capital of Comrat (126km, approx. 2hr10min drive) is situated in the southern zone of Moldova. It is known for producing delectable red wines. While touring the city, you will visit the Central Cathedral, the History and Ethnography Museum, the Turkish Library, and the Central Market. On a walking tour of the local food market, you will mingle with local producers and see the freshest and highest-quality products on offer to locals and visitors alike.
Then, visit the winery ‘Comrat-Vin’ where you will have a chance to taste Gagausian wines which have a special aroma of south region wines. Enjoy lunch in Gagauzian style at the winery restaurant. You will taste traditional dishes like ‘kavurma’ – lamb roast, ‘guzlemea‘ – salty pastry with sheep cheese stuffing and other local delicacies.
In the afternoon, drive to the nearby Besalma village (20km, approx. 22min drive) to visit the Museum of History and Ethnography featuring the story of the unique Orthodox people of Turkic origin that call Southern Moldova home. In 1966 the writer D. Cara-Ciobanu founded a museum in Besalma to preserve the culture of the Gagauzian population and their origin. Hundreds of artifacts collected from all over Gagauzia are now on display in the museum for visitors. Watch a short movie about Gagauzian nation, their traditions, and get the whole picture of their life.
A folk group performance of local Gagauzian women dancing and singing national songs will have you up and joining in too!
Continue to Congaz (10km, approx. 12min drive), which is considered to be the biggest village in Europe. You’ll visit the ethno yard “Gagauz Sofrasi” where the locals will greet you with their traditional hospitality, welcoming you with bread and salt. Of course, you will be refreshed with some local Gagausian wine.
Tour Gagauz Sofrasi, visiting the village museum and small airbrick houses with wooden furniture and natural clay walls where you’ll be spending the night experiencing authentic countryside accommodation.
Take some time to settle into your accommodation for the night and freshen up. Before a Gagausian dinner, your host will invite you to a culinary master class where you’ll make a traditional salty pastry ‘giuzlemea’ which is stuffed with sheep cheese. (B,L,D)
Overnight Congaz Guesthouse or similar
Distance and Journey Time: (approx. 155km, 3hr drive)
Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
Walking Time: Approximately 1.5hours in total
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 7 – Congaz To Chisinau
Location: Congaz, Chişinău
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bristol central park hotel Chisinau or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will explore the oldest Moldovan monastery, and the legendary wine collection of the world’s largest wine cellar at Milestii Mici winery.
Leaving the Gaugasian region to head towards Chisinau, the first stop is at Capriana Monastery. Capriana monastery is considered the oldest in Moldova and is located in the beautiful forest region of Codrii. It was founded by the great Moldovan Ruler Stefan the Great. Closed and dilapidated during the post-war period, it was only reopened again in 1989, becoming a symbol of national revival.
After breathing the fresh air of Codrii, step into one of the biggest wine cellars in the world and witness ‘the Golden Collection Milestii Mici’ which holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for storing more than 1.5 Million bottles of wines from all types of drops including Pinot, Traminer, Muscat, Riesling, Feteasca, Codru, and Negru de Purcari.
The underground wine cellar is a maze of tunnels and you’ll be transported around the 200km of tunnels by buggy! Your wine tour is followed by wine tasting (of course) and lunch in the winery’s underground tasting hall. In the afternoon, continue to Chisinau and check into the hotel before enjoying your final evening in Moldova at leisure. (B,L)
Overnight Bristol central park hotel Chisinau or similar
Distance and Journey Time: approx. 196km, 3-3.5hr drive, 20 min underground drive on electric car in the limestone wine cellars.
Walking Distance: Approximately 2km
Walking Time: Approximately 1.5hours in total
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline, underground walking in Milestii Mici, 12degrees Celsius, recommended warm jacket on
Day 8 - Departure
Location: Chişinău
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is yours at leisure until it is time for you to be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Distance and Journey Time: 30 minutes’ drive to the airport
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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7 nights’ accommodation
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7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Services of English-speaking local guide
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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Air-conditioned private transportation
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Activities: Folk show in Gagausia, culinary class in Butuceni village and in Congaz village
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Wine tours & tastings: Cricova winery, Kvint factory, Comrat-Vin winery, Milestii Mici
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Drinks unless otherwise mentioned
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Visas, Travel Insurance, Inoculations
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Items of a personal nature
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Tipping
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Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Services of English-speaking local guide on this tour.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, Entrance fees are included.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, International flights are not included.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Upon arrival at Chisinau International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transfer to hotel and return airport transfers are included.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.