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Exploring Moldova in a single day becomes a rewarding adventure with this carefully curated tour that covers three of the country’s most iconic destinations. For 8 hours, travelers are guided through a blend of spiritual sites, archaeological marvels, and underground wine cellars, all in a comfortable and small-group setting. The tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and wine tasting, making it perfect for those eager to experience Moldova’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple outings.
The tour price ranges from 20 to 35 EURO per person, depending on the package selected, and includes guide services in English, entry to Old Orhei, and round-trip transportation from Chisinau. Visitors can choose to include a wine tasting at Cricova for an extra fee, with options for either one or four wines. The tour is designed for flexibility, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and caters best to those aged 4 and above who are comfortable with walking and minimal physical activity.
Key Points
- Visit Moldova’s top 3 destinations in one day: Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery.
- Small group tours limited to 7 participants ensure personalized attention.
- Expert guide in English provides insightful commentary throughout the day.
- Flexible packages for wine tasting at Cricova, with options for 1 or 4 wines.
- Includes entrance fees for Old Orhei and hotel pickup/drop-off in Chisinau.
- Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with strategic timing for each stop.
Discovering Curchi Monastery: Moldova’s Largest Monastic Complex
The tour begins at Curchi Monastery, regarded as the biggest monastic complex in Moldova. This site is often described as a religious jewel for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance. Visitors get to explore several churches, including the Virgins Assumption Cathedral, which was constructed from the designs of the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
The Curchi Monastery offers a peaceful ambiance and striking views, making it a meaningful start to the day. The visit lasts around 45 minutes, giving enough time to admire the buildings, learn about the monastery’s history and architecture, and enjoy the serene environment before heading to Old Orhei.
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Exploring Old Orhei: Archaeology and Monastic Life
Next, the tour takes you to the Old Orhei region, an area celebrated for its archaeological and historical significance. Here, the site features ruins of two cities dating back to the 14th-16th centuries, once inhabited by Tatars during their westward expansion. This archaeological site provides tangible links to Moldova’s past.
A guided tour of approximately 1.5 hours introduces visitors to these remnants and explains their importance. The highlight is the Orthodox Cave Monastery, a religious complex carved within the cliffs. Over centuries, monks have expanded and modified this underground monastery, which still functions today. The scenic views through the monastery’s windows reveal a landscape that has witnessed centuries of spiritual and cultural history.
Cricova Wine Cellars: An Underground World of Bottles and Stories
In the afternoon, the journey continues underground to Cricova Winery, famous for its vast underground galleries. Covering nearly 53 hectares with over seventy streets bearing Bacchic names like Sauvignon and Cabernet, Cricova offers a unique wine experience.
Visitors can opt for a winery tour and tasting packages, costing between 20 to 37 EURO per person, depending on the number of wines included. The most popular is the package that includes one wine to taste for 25 EURO, or the business package with four wines for 37 EURO. A notable story involves Yuri Gagarin, who in 1966, got lost during a visit after a few drinks and spent the night in the Gagarin tasting room.
Alongside the tasting, visitors can admire the oldest bottle of wine, dating back to 1902, highlighting the cellar’s historical depth. While the entry fee for the winery and tasting is not included in the base price, it can be paid directly at the winery.
Practical Details and Transportation Logistics
The tour departs from Chisinau with hotel pickup and drop-off included, ensuring a smooth experience. Transportation is provided in comfortable cars or vans with air conditioning, suitable for small groups of up to 7 participants. This setup fosters an intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized commentary and interaction.
The itinerary is paced to balance sightseeing and travel time, with 45-minute stops at Curchi Monastery, 1.5 hours at Old Orhei, and ample time at Cricova for touring and tasting. The total duration is about 8 hours, leaving some flexibility for the day’s activities.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Enjoy This Moldova Tour?
This tour suits those interested in history, architecture, religion, and wine culture. It’s especially appealing to travelers who appreciate guided small-group experiences, where expert commentary enhances understanding of each site. The small group size fosters a friendly environment, and the flexible wine tasting options cater to wine enthusiasts of all levels, even if you don’t drink alcohol.
Since the tour is not suitable for children under 4, people with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or wheelchair needs should consider other options, as some sites involve walking and confined spaces. The tour’s 8-hour duration requires a reasonable level of physical activity, but it remains accessible to most visitors willing to walk and explore.
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Why This Tour Stands Out Among Moldova Day Trips
The combination of three diverse destinations in a single day makes this tour particularly attractive. The unique cave monastery at Old Orhei offers a blend of archaeology and spirituality, while the Curchi Monastery provides insight into Moldova’s religious architecture. The Cricova Winery adds a flavorful, interactive dimension with its vast underground galleries and fascinating stories.
The high review scores—an average of 4.9 out of 5 based on 42 reviews—highlight the reliability, quality, and value of this experience. Guides like Oleg receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and attention to detail, making the day both informative and enjoyable.
A key strength is the well-organized itinerary that maximizes seeing Moldova’s top sights without feeling rushed. The small group size ensures a more personal connection with the guide and fellow travelers, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Final Thoughts on the Moldova Top Sights Tour
For anyone eager to explore Moldova’s most iconic sites in one day, this tour provides a balanced mix of spirituality, history, and wine. The comfortable transportation, expert guide, and flexible options for wine tasting make it a convenient and rewarding choice.
While the wine tasting fee is not included in the base price, the packages offered are reasonably priced and allow for a tailored experience. This tour is most suitable for adults and older children who can handle a full day of sightseeing and walking.
Overall, it is an excellent way to see Moldova’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide, in an intimate and well-paced setting. Visitors who appreciate history, architecture, and local culture will find this tour a highlight of their Moldova trip.
✨ Book This Experience
Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery (Optional)
“It was an amazing experience, Oleg was a perfect guide – really knowledgable, friendly, and easy to talk to. The group was a lovely size and the ac…”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from and returns to Chisinau, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Are entrance fees included?
Entry to Old Orhei is included; however, the Cricova winery tour and tasting are extra, with packages available for 1 or 4 wines.
How much does the wine tasting cost?
The package options range from 25 EURO for 1 wine to 37 EURO for 4 wines.
Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years and for individuals with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or wheelchairs.
What language is the guide in?
The guide services are provided in English.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the round-trip transportation is in comfortable cars or vans with air conditioning.
How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a small, friendly group.
Can I pay on the day of the tour?
Yes, you can pay in cash or by card at the winery, but the initial booking reserves your spot and payment can be made later.
This detailed overview of the Moldova Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery tour highlights its convenience, diverse attractions, and high-quality guides, making it an excellent choice for an enriching day in Moldova.
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