Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Travelers looking to get a taste of Moldova’s charm without the fuss will find this small-group tour an ideal choice. For just under $125, you can visit three of Moldova’s most iconic sites—Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova wine cellar—all at your own pace. With round-trip transfers from Chisinau hotels, this experience aims to combine comfort, flexibility, and authentic insights into Moldova’s culture and landscapes.
What we love about this tour is its customizable nature—you’re not tied to a rigid schedule, which means you can linger longer at sites that truly capture your interest. The knowledgeable guides, such as Corneliu and Oleg, consistently receive praise for their friendliness and depth of local knowledge, which enriches the journey. However, a potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some uneven terrain, making it better suited for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness.
This tour is perfect for curious travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to Moldova’s highlights in just one day. Whether you’re a history buff, wine lover, or simply eager to explore Moldova’s scenic beauty, this experience offers real value and memorable moments.
Key Points
- Flexible itinerary allows customization to suit your interests and pace
- Expert guides like Corneliu and Oleg add valuable local insights and friendly service
- Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and hotel pickup simplifies logistics
- Visit three iconic sites: Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery
- Wine tasting options vary, so you can tailor your experience
- Includes transfer and entry fees to sites, providing good value for money
A Deep Dive Into the Experience
Looking for more options in Chisinau? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
Ease of Planning with Round-Trip Transfers
One of the major perks of this tour is the pickup service from your hotel in Chisinau. This means no stress about finding your way or navigating public transport. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride between stops, with the entire day structured to maximize your sightseeing without feeling rushed. The driver and guides are punctual, so you can expect a smooth start and finish to your day.
Curchi Monastery – A Spiritual Marvel
The tour kicks off with a visit to Curchi Monastery, just about an hour outside of Chisinau. You’ll love the way this monastery combines religious significance with stunning architecture. The Virgins Assumption Cathedral, designed by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, is a highlight—its intricate details and peaceful ambiance make it worth a full hour exploration. Reviewers frequently mention how Corneliu’s local insights deepen the appreciation for this spiritual site, adding layers of context and history.
Old Orhei – The Archaeological Treasure
Next, you’ll head to Old Orhei, a site that beautifully blends archaeology and nature. This area hosts the ruins of two medieval cities from the 14th to 16th centuries, including Tatar settlements that expanded into the region. The Orthodox Cave Monastery carved into the cliffs is a stunning sight—monks expanded and modified it over centuries, and it remains functional today.
Travelers rave about the well-maintained monastery, its picturesque setting, and the magnificent views through the church windows. With around 3 hours allocated here, you’ll have time for a lunch break (food is not included but can be arranged), and many reviews praise the balance between sightseeing and relaxation. One reviewer said, “Oleg’s knowledgeable commentary made the visit even more engaging,” emphasizing how the guides help you connect with the history.
Cricova Winery – A Underground Wonderland
In the afternoon, the group moves to Cricova, a sprawling underground wine cellar covering over 53 hectares. You’ll love the maze of streets named after wine varieties like Sauvignon and Cabernet—each turn offers a new surprise. The story of Yuri Gagarin getting lost after a visit in 1966 adds a quirky touch to the tour lore, often shared by guides.
While the tour of the winery isn’t included in the base price, you can opt for a tasting experience—either 1 wine for €25 or 4 wines for €37. Many reviewers note that the wine tasting is worth the extra fee, especially since the selections are excellent and the cellars are atmospheric, maintaining a constant +12°C temperature. It’s a great way to end the day, savoring local wines in an unforgettable setting.
You might also want to explore these Chisinau activities
Returning to Chisinau
After the winery, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, completing an 8-hour journey that manages to pack in history, culture, and sensory delights. The small group size (max 7 travelers) ensures a personalized experience, allowing for questions, spontaneous stops, or extra time at places that captivate you.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
Multiple travelers point out the quality of guides like Corneliu and Oleg, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. “Oleg shared fascinating insights about Moldova, making the experience both educational and engaging,” noted one reviewer, highlighting how guides can elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing.
The scenery is consistently praised, with visitors mentioning the beautiful countryside and the stunning architecture of sites like Curchi Monastery. Many also appreciated the flexibility regarding optional activities such as lunch and wine tastings, giving a more tailored experience.
A few reviews mention feeling comfortable and safe, especially solo female travelers, citing guides’ professionalism and the secure environment within the winery and religious sites.
Value for Money
Priced at $124.96 per person, this tour is often deemed worth the cost given the inclusion of transfers, entry fees, and the personalized experience. The additional cost for wine tastings offers options for those wanting a more indulgent experience, which many find justifies the expense.
Who Would Love This Tour
This experience is ideal for history and culture enthusiasts, wine lovers, or those simply wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Moldova. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer customizable tours with a small group, allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience.
The Sum Up
This Highlights of Moldova tour offers a fantastic way to explore the country’s most iconic sites in one day, with the flexibility to customize your experience. The combination of Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova wine cellar provides a well-rounded introduction to Moldova’s spiritual, historical, and vinicultural heritage.
The expert guides and comfortable transportation significantly enhance the experience, while the optional wine tastings and flexible stops mean you can tailor the day to your preferences. The tour’s value for money is supported by its inclusions, small group size, and the memorable sights you’ll encounter.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed, and comprehensive introduction to Moldova—whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply craving a taste of this often-overlooked gem.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While most stops involve some walking and uneven terrain, travelers with a moderate fitness level will be comfortable. If you have mobility issues, check with the operator beforehand.
What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers guide services in English, air-conditioned transportation, parking fees, and entrance tickets to sites.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, this is a private, flexible tour, so you can discuss with your guide about spending more time at certain sites or adding optional activities like lunch or wine tastings.
How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time between sites. Each site generally gets about an hour, with the exception of Old Orhei, which allows for 3 hours including a lunch break.
Are food and wine tastings included?
Lunch is not included but can be arranged at an extra cost. The wine tasting is optional and payable at the winery, with choices for 1 or 4 wines.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, some warm clothes for the wine cellars (+12°C), and cash or cards for optional purchases or tastings.
Is pickup from my hotel guaranteed?
Yes, hotel pickup is included for ease of access.
What is the group size?
Maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
This Moldova day tour combines history, spirituality, and wine into one flexible and well-organized experience. It’s perfect if you want to see the country’s highlights without rushing or feeling like you’re on a conveyor belt.
