From Chisinau: Old Orhei complex and Cricova Wine Tasting

This 7-hour tour from Chisinau offers an engaging experience that combines Moldova’s rich wine heritage with its fascinating archaeological sites. Priced to include hotel pickup, transportation, entry tickets, and guided tours, it provides a well-organized way to explore two of Moldova’s most celebrated attractions. The tour emphasizes the underground galleries of Cricova Winery, which stretch over 120 km, and historical highlights like the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, making it ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and wine. With a small group size limited to 8 participants, it promises a more personalized experience, guided by professional multilingual guides.

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Cricova Winery’s underground wine cellars, where visitors can witness rock monasteries, caves, and galleries dug into limestone. The wine tasting includes 4 different wines and a sparkling wine, paired with snacks, offering a chance to savor Moldova’s celebrated vintages. A traditional lunch at a rural guesthouse in Butuceni or Trebujeni villages adds an authentic touch, giving travelers a taste of local Moldovan cuisine. The only consideration is that the tour involves climbing about 80 steps to reach the Cave Monastery Bosie, which might not suit those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Visit the underground galleries of Cricova Winery, which extend over 120 km and feature caves, galleries, and rock monasteries.
• Enjoy a wine tasting of 4 different wines and a sparkling wine, along with snacks, in a setting declared Cultural-National Heritage.
• Explore the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, including the Cave Monastery, the Ethnographic Museum, and ancient ruins like Shehr al-Djedid.
• Experience local Moldovan cuisine with a traditional lunch in Butuceni or Trebujeni villages.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry tickets for all sites, with a professional guide leading the way.
• Suitable for those comfortable with 75 meters underground and 80-step climbs, but not recommended for children under 4 or visitors with mobility restrictions.

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Discover the Underground World of Cricova Winery

The highlight of this tour is the Cricova Winery, renowned as Moldova’s most visited winery. You will explore its labyrinth of underground galleries and caves, which stretch over 120 km. The guides explain the history of winemaking there, emphasizing why Cricova is famous worldwide. Visitors get to see rock monasteries, caves, and tunnels dug into limestone, creating a unique setting for aging wine. The guided wine tasting includes 4 wines and one sparkling wine, served alongside snacks, allowing you to sample local flavors directly from the underground cellars declared Cultural-National Heritage in 2003.

The tunnels and chambers are as much a part of Moldova’s heritage as the wine itself. The guide provides insights into the winery’s history and Moldovan winemaking traditions, making this an educational yet flavorful experience. The underground cellars stand out for their beauty and scale, making it clear why Cricova holds such a special place in Moldovan culture.

Exploring Old Orhei: A Natural and Cultural Treasure

The tour’s second major stop is the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, a site that combines natural beauty with archaeological significance. Visitors walk through scenic landscapes to reach the site, where they see historic ruins dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, such as the Shehr al-Djedid ruin of a Tatar-Mongol city. The complex also features the Cave Monastery, where monks once lived in limestone caves, accessible via about 80 steps, which adds to the adventure.

Along With the caves, the site hosts the Butuceni Ethnographic Museum, dating from the early 20th century, giving insight into traditional Moldovan rural life. The Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God completes the historical landscape. Recognized for its stunning scenery and well-preserved ruins, Old Orhei offers a glimpse into Moldova’s past, set amid picturesque natural surroundings. The site’s cultural and natural significance is so notable that it is in the process of being nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Authentic Moldovan Lunch in Scenic Villages

A key part of the tour is the traditional lunch served in a rural guesthouse in Butuceni or Trebujeni villages. This experience provides a genuine taste of Moldovan cuisine, with home-cooked dishes that highlight local ingredients and flavors. The lunch is included in the tour price and offers a break from sightseeing while immersing visitors in rural Moldova’s hospitality.

The villages themselves are charming, with traditional architecture and lush landscapes, making the lunch stop both a culinary and scenic highlight. After the meal, travelers have some time to walk around, absorb the peaceful rural atmosphere, and take photos of the countryside.

Guide Expertise and Tour Logistics

The tour includes professional guide services fluent in multiple languages, including English, Romanian, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Travelers appreciate guides like Eleonora, who are described as kind and well-prepared. The tour departs directly from hotel pickup in Chisinau, with comfortable transportation provided.

All entrance tickets to both the Cricova Winery and Old Orhei are included, streamlining the experience. The tour operates in a small group setting, limited to 8 participants, which enhances interaction and personalized attention. The duration is about 7 hours, with stops carefully timed to balance sightseeing and travel.

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Practical Tips and Considerations

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing suitable for underground and outdoor conditions. The underground wine cellars involve walking about 75 meters underground, and reaching the Cave Monastery Bosie requires climbing 80 steps; therefore, visitors with mobility challenges may face difficulties. The tour runs rain or shine, so weather considerations are minimal.

Children under 4 years and individuals with mobility impairments are not recommended for this tour. To keep plans flexible, bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, and payments are made reserve-and-pay-later.

Final Thoughts on Moldova’s Cultural and Wine Treasures

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Moldova’s cultural, historical, and wine-making traditions. The combination of underground wine cellars and ancient archaeological sites provides a balanced experience that appeals to history lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic rural scenery. The small group size and professional guides ensure a personalized and informative journey, making it ideal for curious travelers.

While the climbing steps and underground walking may pose challenges for some, the overall experience is highly praised for its well-organized logistics and depth of insight. Those interested in Moldova’s wine heritage and archaeological sites will find this tour both enriching and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides comfortable transportation from and back to your hotel in Chisinau.

How long is the wine tasting at Cricova Winery?
The wine tasting session lasts approximately 2.33 hours and includes sampling 4 wines and a sparkling wine.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 4 years are not suitable for this tour, mainly due to the walking involved underground and the steps to the Cave Monastery.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing, especially for the underground sections and outdoor sightseeing.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves climbing 80 steps and walking 75 meters underground; it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch at a rural guesthouse in Butuceni or Trebujeni is included in the tour.

What makes Cricova Winery special?
Its labyrinth of underground galleries and caves, spanning over 120 km, along with its heritage status, make Cricova a unique Moldovan destination for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby