volunteer programs in the former USSR

Soviet Tours doesn't only mean exceptional journeys to little-known destinations. Our business is founded on love and passion and these feelings led us to seek a deeper connection with the citizens of the bygone "Evil Empire".

ecotourism and family support in Moldova and Gagauzia

In Southern Moldova, close to the internal border with Gagauzia, lies a small village where local entrepreneur Kostja has recently set up an ecological farm entirely run according to the principles of agricultural sustainability and respectful management of the surrounding natural environment. The key word of Kostja's philosophy and the secret of his success is permaculture: a simple doctrine of working with the nature, rather than against it: protracted and thoughtful observation rather than thoughtless labour, thoughtful observation of plants and animals in all their functions, rather than blind exploitation of them. Kostja and his farm are also part of a network of local initiatives and projects promoted by a cultural and humanitarian organisation headquartered in Comrat, the capital of exotic Gagauzia. Either working directly with Kostja or getting involved in one of the many programs offered by the association you'll learn and practice innovative and environmentally viable farming techniques, help impoverished Moldovan and Gagauz families and participate in long- and short-term projects aimed to revive the local economy, badly afflicted by the fall of the USSR. Please contact us to learn more. 

HOMESTAY IN THE PANKISI VALLEY

The Pankisi Gorge is a secretive valley in Georgia mainly inhabited by the muslim Kists, an ethnic subgroup of the Chechens. In the past decades the gorge hit the international headlines for all the wrong reasons as it was considered to be a safe haven for islamic extremists fighting the jihad in neighbouring Chechnya. Lawlessness and violence have been long linked with the valley and its people, even if the general level of security has actually improved dramatically during the last ten years. Nowadays it is, in fact, perfectly safe to visit the tiny traditional hamlets dotting the gorge and people here are way friendlier than in Tbilisi. In collaboration with a local network of guesthouses and homestays we invite foreign volunteers to break the stigma still associated with this little-known valley: you will have the unique privilege of living together with a local Kist family and delve into the secrets of Chechen culture and traditions while helping out with the daily tasks of rural life. Please contact us to learn more. 

In addition to the projects listed above, we can also connect you with a wide spectrum of humanitarian and cultural organisations around the former USSR from Tuva to Tajikistan, from Armenia to Belarus, from the Aral Sea to the Baikal Lake.

To learn more about prices and dates or receive regular updates on our volunteer and cultural programs in the former USSR do drop us a message at info@soviettours.com or just fill out the following form: