Highlights of Moldova - Curchi, Old Orhei and Cricova (Optional)
Description
Are you looking for a short and memorable adventure ? Old Orhei complex, Curchi Monastery and Cricova wine cellars is the best option for you! We will start the tour with one of the most beautiful Monastery in Moldova - “Curchi”, a real pearl of our religious life. Next on our itinerary is Old Orhei, the most famous sight of the country. Here you will visit archaeological sites dating from 4th century and authentic houses (Butuceni village). Visit of the Cave Monastery which was expanded and modified inside the cliffs by monks over the centuries. Enjoy the magnificent scenery through the windows of the monastery. After the tour of the Cave Monastery, we will take you to Cricova Wine Cellars. You will see over seventy streets covering a distance of 120km, each bearing Bacchic names: Sauvignon, Cabernet, etc. Wine tasting is not including. You can choose the package and pay at the winery (Cash or Card): 1. Tour + 1 wine = 24 EURO per person 2. Tour + 4 wines = 39 EURO per person
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet and greet in Chisinau. 1 hour drive to Churchi Monastic Complex.
We will start the tour with one of the most beautiful Monastery in Moldova, “Curchi”. This is a real pearl of our religious life. Here you’ll visit some churches, and among them – the “Virgin’s Assumption” Cathedral, built by the drawings of genius architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) - the most interesting archaeological site housing the ruins of two cities (14th -16th century). Tatars settled here on their expansion to Western Europe. Continue with a visit to the well-maintained Orthodox Cave Monastery, which was expanded and modified inside the cliffs by monks over the centuries. Christian churches provide magnificent scenery through the windows of the monastery which still functions today. - 50 min. free time for lunch (lunch cost is not included)
In the afternoon we will continue with Cricova underground galleries. You will see over seventy streets covering an area of nearly 53 hectares, each bearing Bacchic names: Sauvignon, Cabernet, etc. There is one story always told in this place about the Russian pilot Yuri Gagarin, who during a visit in 1966, after getting tipsy, got lost and missed the exit. Dear Guests, the winery tour/tasting is not including. You can choose the package and pay at the winery (Cash MDL or Card): Option 1. Tour + tasting of 1 wine = 25 EURO per person Option 2. Tour + tasting of 4 wines = 37 EURO per person
After the tour of Old Orhei, we will drive you back to your hotel in Chisinau
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Dear guests, please choose a hotel from the list above and we will be happy to pick you up from the indicated location. Best regards.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Total duration is with the driving time included (1 hour for 1 direction)
- The temperature in the wine cellars is about + 12 Celsius (52 F), therefore you need to have with you some worm clothes.
- Alcohol consumption legal age is 18
Reviews(65)
Great tours of the Circova underground wine cellar and the wine castle. Also visit to monastery was beautiful.
A really good full day tour that showed some of the highlights of Moldova. Corina was a great guide - full of insight into modern and old Moldova. We highly recommend this tour to everyone who visits Moldova. Pay the extra for the Cricova tour and tasting - it’s definitely worth it!
Eleonora was an excellent guide. She provided much information about Moldova and Chisinau in addition to details about Curchi, Old Orhei and Cricova,
The tour was great. Was picked up from the hotel, the guide was informative. The sites are lovely to visit and a good balance of walking and driving. I would highly recommend if someone is looking for a relaxing but exciting day to explore some of Moldova’s important sights.
We had a lovely day, and at no point did we feel rushed or that there was not enough time at any of the sights. The winery was a particular high point.
If you're considering this tour, stop hesitating — just book it. Our guide Oleg turned what could have been a straightforward sightseeing day into a genuinely moving experience. We visited three very different but equally remarkable places. Curchi Monastery was breathtaking — the architecture, the setting among the rolling hills, and Oleg's storytelling about its history and spiritual significance gave it real depth. You feel like you actually understand what you're looking at. Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) was a highlight I didn't expect. The ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs above the Răut River is one of those places that makes you stop and just stare. Oleg knew exactly when to give context and when to let the landscape speak for itself. And then Cricova — what a way to end the day. The underground wine city is unlike anything I've experienced. Oleg made sure we understood the history of Moldovan winemaking, not just the tasting, which made the whole thing so much richer. Oleg was knowledgeable, warm, funny at the right moments, and clearly passionate about his country. He treated us like curious guests, not a tourist group to be herded. Highly, highly recommended.
Very nice trip to the highlights near Chisinau. Bring good footwear, as you will do a bit of hiking, and a jacket, as it is very cold in the winery.
My guide picked me up on time in the lobby of my hotel. We proceeded to make two additional stops to get more people. The guide was funny and filled with history of her country and shared so much with us. She took us to a few spots to make sure we got great photos and encouraged us to ask any questions. I really had the most magical time and I have to say the lunch was amazing. The company was also so gracious and had another driver take me directly to the airport for a small fee I highly recommend this trip !!
Curchi is truly a hidden gem! Definitely a must see while in Moldova. Orheiul Vechi is a beautiful old town and the Cave Monastery is a lovely surprise. Eleanora was a wealth of information about Moldova and she’s a joy to have as a guide and company!
Oleg was a perfect guide and driver for this excellent day. He shared his extensive knowledge and anecdotes about the region, its monasteries, and village life. The visit to the Cracova wine cellars was mainly worthwhile for their size.
