Highlights of Moldova – 3 destinations in 1 day-Small Group Tour

Introducing the Highlights of Moldova Tour

This 3-in-1 day trip from Chisinau offers a comprehensive taste of Moldova’s most treasured sights—Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova wine cellar—all within approximately 8 hours. The small-group format, with just your private group, makes it especially appealing for travelers seeking a relaxed, personalized experience. You can choose to stick to a set itinerary or tweak the day based on your preferences, which is a huge plus for those who prefer flexibility over rigid schedules.

What I love most about this tour is the personalized experience and the opportunity to indulge in Moldova’s scenic countryside, religious architecture, and legendary wines—all with an expert guide like Oleg or Corneliu, known for their warmth and local knowledge. The convenient hotel pickup means you’re not wasting time arranging transport, and the option to customize your wine tasting or stop for lunch adds to the value. But, do keep in mind that this tour doesn’t include lunch or wine tasting fees, so budgeting a bit extra is wise if you want to indulge fully.

One potential consideration is the moderate physical activity involved, especially at Old Orhei’s archaeological site and the caves. But with enough flexibility built into the schedule, most travelers will find it manageable. It’s a thoughtful way to appreciate Moldova’s highlights without feeling rushed or overloaded.

Key Points

• Flexible, private experience tailored to your interests and pace
• Includes top sights like Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery
• Excellent guides known for their friendliness and local insights
• Optional wine tastings and lunch available at additional cost
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and air conditioning
• Great value for a full day of authentic Moldovan experiences

A Deep Dive into the Experience

If you’re like me, what draws you to this tour is the chance to see Moldova without losing yourself in a massive crowd or rigid schedule. For around $125 per person, this tour offers a lot of value — especially considering the often praised guides like Oleg and Corneliu, who are lauded for their knowledge, friendliness, and local insight. Multiple reviews mention how well-organized and smooth the day runs, making it an easy choice for those with limited time but eager to absorb Moldova’s essence.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Chisinau to Curchi Monastery
The day begins with a one-hour drive from your hotel in Chisinau. This is a smart way to start the day because it allows you to relax and get into the flow of the trip, many of which are kept intimate with small groups.

Stop 2: Manastirea Curchi
Arriving at Curchi, you’ll visit one of Moldova’s most beautiful monasteries, a true highlight that’s frequently described as a “pearl of religious life.” The Virgins Assumption Cathedral here, built by the talented architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, is breathtaking. Visitors often mention how the architecture and peaceful atmosphere make this stop memorable, with some noting it’s a “real gem” of Moldova. The admission is free, but the experience is priceless: tranquil, inviting, and full of intricate detail.

Stop 3: Old Orhei Archeological Complex
Next, you head to Old Orhei, a site that combines natural beauty with history. The ruins of two medieval cities and the nearby Orthodox Cave Monastery are both atmospheric and rich with stories of Tatars and monks who expanded the caves over centuries. You’ll be offered about three hours of free time to explore, take photos, or just soak in the scenery. Many reviewers mention how “fascinating” this place is, especially the monks’ caves carved into cliffs with views that are simply stunning. If you want to stop for lunch, that can be arranged, though it’s not included and costs extra. Several reviews note they enjoyed a delicious meal here and appreciated the leisurely pace.

Stop 4: Cricova Wine Cellars
In the afternoon, the journey continues underground at Cricova, renowned for its labyrinth of over seventy streets and 53 hectares of cellars. Walking through these “streets,” each bearing wine-inspired names like Sauvignon or Cabernet, gives you a taste of Moldova’s proud wine culture. It’s a unique experience — one reviewer humorously recalls Yuri Gagarin, the Russian cosmonaut, getting lost here after a wine tasting! You have options for wine tasting packages—either 1 or 4 wines—and can pay directly at the winery. The whole visit is about two hours, and the admission is not included, but most find it worthwhile considering the impressive scale and history.

Return to Chisinau
After exploring Cricova, you’ll have a short drive back to your hotel. The entire trip is designed to be comfortably paced, with plenty of time to absorb what you’ve seen. Many reviews emphasize how Oleg or Eleonora shared not just facts but stories that made the sites come alive, which makes all the difference in how memorable your experience will be.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour is a great fit for travelers who want an authentic, personalized taste of Moldova without the hassle of planning each step. If you appreciate flexibility, the chance to customize your tasting or stop for lunch, and prefer small, intimate groups, you’ll find this experience rewarding. Wine lovers will especially value the opportunity to explore Cricova’s famed cellars and sample Moldova’s legendary wines.

It’s also ideal for those who enjoy moderate walking and comfortable transport. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, offering insights that add depth to each stop. Since the tour does not include lunch or wine tasting fees, budget-conscious travelers should consider this when planning their day.

Note that the overall cost reflects a premium for the convenience and customization. The tour’s reviews consistently highlight great value, especially considering the quality of guides and sights.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes; there’s walking involved at Old Orhei and the caves.
• Bring warm clothes for the wine cellars, which stay around 12°C (about 54°F).
• If you want to indulge in the winery tasting, consider the additional fee and plan accordingly.
• Booking well in advance (around 43 days) ensures you get a spot, especially in peak seasons.
• If you plan to stop for lunch, ask the guide to recommend good local spots or arrange a reservation.
• For solo travelers or small groups, this tour offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

The Sum Up

Standing out as an engaging and well-organized option, this Moldova tour offers you a balanced blend of history, architecture, and wine culture. The flexible, private format ensures that your day aligns with your interests, and the knowledgeable guides make every site come alive. The visits to Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova cover Moldova’s spiritual, historical, and cultural highlights — all in one manageable day.

It’s especially suited for travelers who value authentic encounters and personalized attention over large group chaos or overly scripted tours. If you’re a curious explorer wanting to see the real Moldova, this experience delivers on both content and comfort, with just enough options to tailor your journey.

In the end, you’ll find this tour a fantastic introduction to Moldova’s treasures—one that’s fun, flexible, and immerses you in the charm of this oft-overlooked corner of Europe. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, history seeker, or simply eager to experience Moldovan hospitality, you can count on this tour to deliver a memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in Chisinau, making it easy to start your day without arranging transport yourself.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 8 hours, including driving time and site visits, with most of that time spent exploring each destination at a relaxed pace.

Are the sites accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
While most sites are accessible, Old Orhei and the caves involve walking and some uneven surfaces, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can tweak the stops and choose how long to stay at each site, including optional stops for lunch or additional tastings.

What is the price of wine tasting?
You can select a tasting package at Cricova—either 1 wine for 25 EURO or 4 wines for 37 EURO—payable at the winery.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but it can be arranged for an extra fee, and several reviews mention enjoying a nice meal during the trip.

What about the guide?
Guests consistently praise guides like Oleg and Corneliu for their friendliness, knowledge, and local stories, making the experience both educational and engaging.

How many people are on this tour?
The tour accommodates up to 7 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and personalized.

What should I wear to the wine cellars?
Bring warm clothes, as the wine cellars stay at about 12°C (around 54°F), which can be cool if you’re used to warmer climates.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility to travelers.