Best of Moldova: Cricova Winery & Old Orhei Tour including Curchi Monastery

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $160 per person, this 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Moldova’s cultural and historical sites.
• Highlights: Includes wine tasting at Cricova’s underground cellars, visits to Old Orhei Archaeological Complex with its Cave Monastery, and the Curchi Monastery complex.
• Guided Experience: Tours are led in English, Italian, and Russian by professional guides praised for their knowledge and friendly manner.
• Transport and Convenience: Private transportation is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.
• Visit Key Sites: Walk through Curchi Monastery’s religious heritage, explore the open-air Old Orhei complex, and wander the labyrinth-like tunnels of Cricova Winery.
• Food and Drink: Wine tasting and a local lunch (not included) at the ethnic village enhance the experience.

A Well-Organized Full-Day Tour of Moldova’s Treasures

The Best of Moldova tour offers a well-rounded day that combines cultural visits, historical exploration, and wine tasting, all for $160 per person. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour lasts around 8 hours, making it ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth look at Moldova’s highlights. The tour features private transportation, professional guides, and entrance fees included, providing a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

While the tour is praised for its excellent organization and knowledgeable guides, some reviews mention that the wine tour can feel lengthy. It’s worth considering if you prefer spending more time in outdoor sites rather than underground tunnels. This tour suits history enthusiasts and wine lovers, particularly those interested in guided visits that balance cultural sites with wine tasting.

Visiting Curchi Monastery: A Religious and Architectural Landmark

The tour begins with a 45-minute visit to Curchi Monastery, located about 30 km from Old Orhei. Known for its over two centuries of religious, cultural, and architectural significance, Curchi stands as one of Moldova’s most important religious monuments. The complex showcases traditional Moldavian religious architecture, and the visit includes admission tickets.

This monastery is a highlight for those interested in religious heritage or impressive historic architecture. The peaceful grounds and well-preserved structures offer a glimpse into Moldova’s spiritual traditions and craftsmanship. Visitors should plan for a short walk and some time to appreciate the scenic surroundings.

Exploring the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex

Next, the tour moves to the Old Orhei site, a significant open-air complex blending natural beauty with historical ruins. You’ll spend 1 hour 30 minutes here, exploring the Cave Monastery, the Butuceni Ethnographic Museum, and the ruins of Tartars’ Shehr al-Djedid.

The Cave Monastery offers an extraordinary view of monks living in caves carved into the cliffs, providing a tangible connection to Moldova’s spiritual past. The ethnographic museum from the early 20th century showcases traditional Moldovan life and customs. The Tartar ruins add a layer of historical intrigue, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped the region.

Because this site is in the open air, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking. The site’s combination of nature and history makes it a favorite for those who enjoy outdoor exploration and archaeological sights.

Cricova Winery: A Deep Dive into Moldova’s Winemaking Heritage

The tour’s highlight for many is the 2.5-hour visit to Cricova Winery, located at a depth of 60 to 80 meters underground. This labyrinth of tunnels forms an underground city and is renowned globally for its vast wine cellars and exceptional wines.

At Cricova, visitors enjoy an excursion through wine sections and a tasting session featuring three different types of wines, accompanied by nuts, biscuits, and water. The labyrinthine tunnels and impressive underground architecture leave a lasting impression, especially for fans of wine or unique underground settings.

The admission to Cricova is included, making it a key part of the tour. Some reviews mention that the length of the wine tour could be long for those less interested in wine, but overall, the experience is praised for its quality and value.

Lunch at the Ethnic Village in Old Orhei

After exploring the archaeological site and Cricova, the tour includes time for a traditional Moldovan lunch at a local, old-fashioned restaurant. Although lunch is not included in the price, guests have the opportunity to enjoy authentic, ecological Moldovan cuisine in a fabulous setting.

The lunch stop is brief—just enough to refresh before continuing the day’s sightseeing. The local food adds to the overall experience by offering a taste of Moldova’s culinary culture amid scenic surroundings.

Discovering Curchi Monastery’s Heritage and Architecture

The Curchi Monastery visit is concise but impactful, with 45 minutes allotted to explore its religious and architectural significance. The monastery’s history spans over two centuries, making it a key site for understanding Moldova’s spiritual and cultural identity.

This site’s peaceful grounds and historical structures provide a tranquil break from the busier archaeological and wine sites. Visitors get a sense of the religious traditions and craftsmanship that have shaped this part of Moldova.

Logistics and Group Size Advantages

The tour operates with up to 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience and flexible interaction with guides. Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the logistics, making the day seamless and comfortable.

The tour is offered in multiple languages—English, Italian, and Russian—catering to diverse groups. The group discounts and mobile tickets add to the convenience, making this a practical choice for those who want a comprehensive and well-organized day in Moldova.

Insights from Reviews: Guides, Pacing, and Value

The guides receive high praise for their knowledgeability and friendly demeanor, with names like Slava, Ecaterina, and Valerii highlighted as exceptional. Their storytelling and attention to detail enhance the experience.

Some reviews point out the long duration of the Cricova wine tour and the large group size during certain parts**, which may affect the intimacy of the experience. There are comments on the price, with some feeling the cost is high relative to the exclusivity promised, especially when group sizes are larger than anticipated.

The combination of cultural sites, wine tasting, and guided commentary makes this tour a solid choice for those interested in Moldova’s history, religion, and wine culture.

The Sum Up: A Well-Balanced Day in Moldova

This Best of Moldova tour offers a comprehensive look at Moldova’s cultural, spiritual, and vinicultural heritage. The $160 price includes entrance fees, wine tasting, private transportation, and guidance—a good value considering the array of sites visited.

While the length of the Cricova wine tour may feel long for some, the quality of the experience and professional guides make it worthwhile for most visitors. The personalized service, combined with the opportunity to visit iconic sites like Curchi Monastery and Old Orhei, ensures a memorable day.

This tour suits history buffs, wine enthusiasts, and culture seekers who appreciate organized, guided experiences with a balance of outdoor exploration and indoor marvels. It’s especially suited for those wanting a full, structured day with easy logistics and insider insights into Moldova’s best offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $160 covers private transportation, wine tasting, hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, and entrance fees to all sites.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and including all site visits and activities.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at Old Orhei is not included, but there is an opportunity to enjoy traditional Moldovan food at a local restaurant during the visit.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are conducted in English, Italian, and Russian.

How large are the groups?
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I expect a private tour?
While the experience is often described as personalized, some reviews note that group size can vary and may sometimes include other participants.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around outdoor sites and navigating underground tunnels at Cricova, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What should I know about the Cricova wine tunnels?
They are 60 to 80 meters underground, forming labyrinths that may take up to 2.5 hours to explore fully, with wine tasting included.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size and organized structure make it friendly for solo travelers, with many reviewers emphasizing their feeling of safety and personalized attention.

What about the overall value?
Most reviews agree that the experience offers good value considering the sites visited, guiding, and all-inclusive fees, despite some comments on price perception.