Moldova: Tour Cricova Winery with wine tasting &city tour

Moldova: Tour Cricova Winery with wine tasting & city tour

This 4-hour tour offers an engaging combination of Moldova’s top wine attraction and its vibrant capital city, Chisinau. Priced with flexibility—reserve now and pay later—this experience is perfect for travelers eager to explore both the underground world of wine and the city’s key sights. The guided tour is led in English, Romanian, and Russian, with small groups limited to 10 participants for a personal touch.

Among its highlights are a visit to Cricova, one of Europe’s most famous wineries, featuring over 120 km of underground streets filled with wine cellars, tasting halls, and vintage collections. Following the winery tour, a 1-hour city walk showcases Chisinau’s landmarks, including the Triumphal Arch, Stefan cel Mare Park, and Cathedral Square. The tour’s strength lies in its well-balanced mix of wine exploration and cultural sightseeing, though it does involve walking on comfortable shoes and no wheelchair access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit Cricova Winery, home to the largest underground wine cellars in the world.
• Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting of 4 different wines, including sparkling varieties made using traditional French methods.
• Explore over 120 km of underground tunnels named after grape varieties like Cabernet, Feteasc, Pinot, and Riesling.
• Discover Chisinau’s top landmarks during a 1-hour guided city tour.
• Pickup included within Chisinau, with small group sizes ensuring a personalized experience.
• The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is suitable for those comfortable walking and standing.

Exploring Cricova’s Underground Wine World

The Cricova Winery, just a few kilometers north of Chisinau, is renowned for its vast underground tunnels, which resemble a labyrinth city of wine. With over 120 km of streets named after grape varieties like Cabernet, Feteasc, Pinot, and Riesling, this is a must-see destination for wine lovers.

The guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you walk through elegant tasting halls and wine cellars that have been used for decades. You’ll see a dedicated section for sparkling wine production using the French champagne method. The vintage wine collections include bottles from around the world, displayed in a way that underscores Cricova’s importance as a national treasure.

The tunnels are cool and spacious, providing a unique atmosphere for tasting. The wine tasting session lasts about 40 minutes, allowing you to sample 4 different wines, making it a great opportunity to appreciate Moldova’s winemaking craftsmanship.

Chisinau’s Top Landmarks on a One-Hour Guided Walk

After exploring Cricova, the tour transitions to a 1-hour guided city tour of Chisinau. The guide leads you through the city’s key sights, starting with The Triumphal Arch and Stefan cel Mare Park, both central to the city’s layout.

Cathedral Square is highlighted as the spiritual heart of Moldova, where the cathedral and surrounding buildings showcase the city’s blend of history and modern architecture. Travelers get to appreciate Chisinau’s vibrant streets and local landmarks, gaining insight into Moldova’s cultural and historical identity.

This part of the tour provides a comfortable, rundown of the city, perfect for those short on time but eager to see the highlights in style.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Transport, and Group Size

The tour begins with hotel pickup within Chisinau, making the experience convenient and hassle-free. Your guide will meet you directly in the hotel lobby or at your specified location. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience and more interaction with the guide.

Transportation throughout the tour is not specified explicitly, but the hotel pickup indicates that transportation is arranged for the entire duration. The tour duration is about 4 hours, making it a compact and efficient way to discover Moldova’s wine heritage and city highlights.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Wine Tasting Experience

The wine tasting is central to this tour, offering a chance to sample 4 kinds of wine. The underground cellars provide an atmospheric setting, and the exclusivity of the tasting experience is highlighted by the specialized wine sections, including sparkling wine made with the French method.

This tasting is not rushed and allows visitors to appreciate the varieties and craftsmanship that have earned Cricova its reputation. The included wines are carefully selected to showcase Moldova’s diverse wine production.

Practical Tips and Physical Considerations

Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the tour involves walking through underground tunnels and city streets. The tunnels can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the terrain and walking requirements within the winery and city areas. It’s an ideal choice for active travelers who enjoy light walking and cultural exploration.

Value and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind for planning. The pay later option allows you to reserve your spot without immediate payment, offering flexibility especially for those with uncertain schedules.

Given the inclusive nature—guided tour of Cricova, wine tasting of four wines, and a city tour—the overall value is high, especially considering the small group size and expert guidance.

Comparing Similar Experiences

Potential visitors interested in additional options can explore tours such as Visiting Milestii Mici wineries, or combining Cricova with Curchi Monastery or Old Orhei. These alternatives, available via similar platforms, offer a broader view of Moldova’s heritage and wine culture, but this tour emphasizes a comprehensive underground winery experience paired with a city overview.

The Experience Provider: MoldovatoVisit&Tours

This experience is organized by MoldovatoVisit&Tours, known for offering well-reviewed, flexible tours. The reviews highlight excellent communication, friendly guides, and smooth logistics, making this a trusted choice for visitors seeking an informative and enjoyable Moldova experience.

Moldova’s Cricova Winery & Chisinau City Tour: Final Thoughts

This 4-hour combined tour provides a balanced introduction to Moldova’s famous wine heritage and capital city highlights. The underground wine cellars at Cricova are impressive, and the guided city walk offers a timely taste of Chisinau’s charm.

The small group size and personalized service make it a comfortable option for those wanting a more intimate experience. The inclusion of wine tasting adds a flavorful touch, especially for wine enthusiasts.

While the tour involves walking and is not wheelchair accessible, it suits active travelers who want to maximize their brief visit. The combination of wine exploration and cultural sightseeing makes this tour a valuable addition to any Moldova itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Cricova Winery tour?
The combined tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including the winery visit, wine tasting, and city walk.

What wines are sampled during the tasting?
Participants taste 4 different wines, including sparkling wine produced using French champagne methods.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Chisinau are included in the tour.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking terrain and tunnel conditions.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

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