Adventure operator G Adventures is expanding further into Eastern Europe with three small-group itineraries for 2026, including its first program in Moldova. The trips emphasize community tourism, Responsible Travel, and access to little-visited landscapes, castles, and wetlands.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Moldova joins G Adventures' map, giving travelers a new, crowd-free European option.
- Three itineraries: a seven-day Moldova Discovery, an eight-day Romania-only circuit, and a 14-day combined tour.
- Prices start at $1,499 USD per person, double, with departures beginning in April 2026.
- Highlights range from underground wine cellars and UNESCO-listed Old Orhei to Bran Castle and Romania's Danube Delta.
- Programs are built around local food, wine, and cultural exchanges to ensure money stays in destination communities.
Snapshot
Launching in April 2026, the new Tours give adventurous travelers the chance to explore two of Europe's least-visited nations without the usual crowds. The seven-day Moldova Discovery focuses exclusively on Chișinău, Saharna Monastery, the cave-aged wines of Cricova, and village life in Gagauzia. The eight-day Highlights of Romania & the Danube Delta traces a loop from Bucharest to Transylvania's castles, Buzău's mud volcanoes, and the bird-rich wetlands of the delta. For those with two weeks to spare, the Heart of the East itinerary combines both programs into one seamless 14-day journey.
Background
Moldova and Romania remain under the radar despite rich histories, diverse ecosystems, and celebrated wine regions. G Adventures' product team says the goal is to channel tourism dollars into rural economies while offering immersive experiences free from Overtourism pressures. The company's community-based approach includes hands-on cooking classes, cheese tastings supporting family producers, and stays in locally owned guesthouses. Launch pricing-$1,499 for the seven-day Moldova, $1,849 for Romania, and $3,999 for the 14-day combo-does not include international airfare but covers accommodation, select meals, transport, and guided activities.
Latest Developments
Moldova Discovery
Departing April 18, 2026, the itinerary begins in Chișinău with a guided city walk and subterranean tasting at Cricova's 100-mile limestone wine tunnels. Travelers hike to Trebujeni for panoramic views of the Răut River valley and UNESCO-nominated Old Orhei, then learn to prepare placinte pastries during a farmstead Cooking Class. A full day in Gagauzia spotlights Soviet-era architecture, Orthodox churches, and a traditional wedding reenactment before vineyard pairings round out the cultural deep-dive.
Highlights of Romania & the Danube Delta
Starting April 11, 2026, this eight-day adventure links Bucharest's boulevards with Transylvania's fairy-tale castles-Peleș and Bran-before heading east to the Buzău mud volcanoes. A slow-boat ride navigates the Danube Delta to Mila 23, a fishing village reached only by water. Guests overnight in a family-run pension, spot pelicans and egrets on guided wetlands outings, and finish on Sulina's wild Black Sea beach.
Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure
Also debuting April 11, 2026, the 14-day combo tour weaves the signature moments from both shorter trips into a single itinerary. The extended pacing allows extra time for winery visits, fortresses, and cross-border cultural contrasts, appealing to travelers seeking a comprehensive look at the region.
Analysis
Adding Moldova aligns with a broader trend among adventure operators to diversify beyond saturated capitals and classic circuits. The country's wine heritage, Orthodox monasteries, and Soviet-influenced towns present authentic experiences that still feel "undiscovered" to North Americans. Pairing Moldova with Romania leverages established gateway airlift to Bucharest and the international draw of Transylvania, reducing logistical friction. At under $300 per person, per day-including accommodations, private transport, and local guides-the Tours slot into the affordable-premium category, competing with Intrepid Travel and Exodus Adventure Travels on price and depth of engagement. By spotlighting community initiatives like Fromage - Made In Moldova and Lipovan homestays in the delta, G Adventures reinforces its brand promise of responsible tourism. With Eastern Europe search interest rising post-pandemic, these itineraries could capture travelers eager for culture-rich alternatives to Western Europe, especially during peak summer when Overtourism plagues hotspots like Barcelona or Dubrovnik.
Final Thoughts
G Adventures' trio of Eastern European Tours offer rare access to Moldova's Vineyards and Romania's wild Danube Delta while supporting local communities and avoiding the crowds that beset more famous European routes. For travelers seeking authentic culture, wildlife, and wine at a fair price, the new line-up delivers fresh reasons to consider Moldova and Romania in 2026-and positions G Adventures at the forefront of responsible exploration in the region. G Adventures Moldova tour