If you’re dreaming of stepping into a destination that’s a little off the usual tourist path, this Moldovan tour might just be what you’re after. It promises a full day of exploring Moldova’s top landmarks — from ancient monasteries to underground wine galleries. Our review is based on feedback from travelers who’ve experienced it firsthand, and it paints a pretty good picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this tour? First, the expert guides who make the experience more than just ticking off sightseeing spots. Second, the variety of stops—each offering a different taste of Moldovan culture, history, and landscape. But, of course, there’s a small tradeoff: the climb of about 200 steps to visit the cave monastery isn’t ideal for everyone. Still, if you’re up for some light adventure, you’ll find this tour suits curious travelers eager to see a mix of Moldova’s highlights in one go.

It’s perfect for those who value cultural insights and wine tasting without the hassle of planning multiple trips. If you love learning about local traditions, tasting wines in underground caves, and walking through historic villages, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just keep in mind that it’s a packed day, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Key Points

Comprehensive Experience: Combines history, culture, and wine in one day, offering a well-rounded Moldovan adventure.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Liliya and Vasilii add a lot of value with their insights and local stories.
Unique Spots: Highlights include the underground Cricova wineries, the cave monastery at Bodie, and the scenic Old Orhei.
Good Value: Includes private transportation, hotel pickup, and multiple stops, making it a convenient way to see Moldova.
Flexible & Well-Organized: The itinerary flows smoothly, with enough time at each site to enjoy without feeling rushed.
Limitations: Be prepared for some walking and a climb of 200 steps to access the cave monastery.

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What the Tour Entails: A Deep Dive

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Starting Point: Hotel Pickup & Introduction

Most travelers will be picked up from their Chisinau hotel, with the guide arriving roughly 10 minutes early. This personal touch helps set a friendly tone for the day. With a small group limited to nine participants, you won’t be lost in a crowd, which makes for more personalized attention.

First Stop: Dakar-Plateau

Your day kicks off with a quick visit to Dakar-Plateau, a spot that offers a nice overview of the surrounding landscape and local life. While just a 30-minute guided tour, it’s a good warm-up and gives you a glimpse of Moldova outside the main sights.

Old Orhei: An Archaeological Treasure

Next, you’ll head to Old Orhei, one of the highlights of this tour. It’s an archaeological complex that combines natural beauty with history. You’ll spend around two hours here, exploring the open-air museum, ancient ruins, and scenic views of the Rut River Valley. The guides do a great job explaining the significance of the site, and many reviews praise the “spectacular” views and the feeling of stepping back in time.

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Bodie Cave Monastery: An Iconic Cave Site

The adventure continues with the visit to Bodie Cave Monastery, a true gem but one that requires some effort. You’ll explore a cave monastery carved into the cliffs, accessible via a climb of about 200 steps. Despite the physical effort, travelers often describe it as “spectacular” and “a unique experience.” The guided tour here is about 30 minutes, giving just enough time to appreciate the intricate cave formations and the monastery’s history.

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Break Time at Butuceni

Around midday, you’ll stop at the Eco Village Butuceni, a charming village where you might enjoy a traditional Moldovan lunch (if included). Even if the lunch isn’t part of the package, the village itself offers a lovely break from the day’s sightseeing while soaking up local atmosphere.

End the Day at Cricova Winery: Underground Wine Tasting

The final major stop is Cricova Winery, arguably Moldova’s most famous wine cellar. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the underground galleries, which stretch for miles beneath the city. The experience often includes a wine tasting session, where you can sample a variety of Moldovan wines, some made with the French method. The guides are praised for their knowledge, and visitors frequently mention that the wine tasting is “interesting” and the underground galleries are “spectacular.” Many reviews highlight the diversity of the wine collection and the unique atmosphere of tasting among the caves.

Return to Chisinau

After a full day of sightseeing and tasting, you’ll head back to Chisinau, ending around 6.30 to 7.30 pm, depending on the day. It’s a long but rewarding day, with plenty packed in.

The Experience: What You’ll Love

Many travelers rave about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Reviews consistently mention guides like Liliya and Vasilii making the experience memorable, offering insights into Moldovan culture, history, and everyday life. For example, one traveler shared, “Lilia was kind, full of knowledge, and very fun — everything went smoothly,” highlighting how a good guide elevates the trip.

The scenery is another major plus. From the stunning views at Old Orhei to the underground wine galleries, the day feels like a visual feast. The underground Cricova tunnels are a bit like walking through a labyrinth, but instead of confusion, they evoke a sense of awe—these wine galleries are said to be “home to a big collection of wine,” with some travelers calling the experience “truly unforgettable.”

The Wine Tasting Experience

Wine lovers will appreciate the tasting at Cricova. Many reviews point out that the variety of wines and the atmosphere—underground caves filled with old wine bottles—give it a special charm. Some mention the wines are quite good and that the guided tour makes it more engaging.

The Challenges: Things to Keep in Mind

While this tour offers incredible value, there are a few considerations. The climb of 200 steps to access the cave monastery can be tricky for some, especially those with mobility issues or fatigue. The tour is also quite full, with a packed schedule, so if you prefer slow-paced travel or longer breaks, this might feel rushed.

The overall duration is about 6.5 to 7.5 hours, which is a long day but manageable with good walking shoes and some patience. As reviews suggest, the trip is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of walking, exploring, and tasting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in seeing Moldova’s top sights in one day without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy history, culture, and wine, and don’t mind a full schedule. The small group size means a more intimate experience, good for people who like a bit of personal attention from their guide.

If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates scenic views, historic sites, and wine tasting, this tour will keep everyone happy. But if you’re less mobile or prefer a slower pace, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some physical activity.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Chisinau. Make sure to be ready in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.

How long is the tour?
It lasts roughly 6.5 to 7.5 hours, so it’s a full day of sightseeing with multiple stops.

Does the tour include lunch?
There’s an option to enjoy a traditional Moldovan lunch at Eco Village Butuceni, but check if it’s included in your booking. Otherwise, you can explore the village independently.

Is the wine tasting at Cricova included?
Yes, the guided tour of Cricova usually includes a wine tasting session. Many reviewers mention it as a highlight.

How physically demanding is the cave monastery?
You will climb about 200 steps to visit the cave monastery, which can be tiring for some. Good comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can children join this tour?
The tour is not specifically marketed as family-friendly, and the physical aspects like stairs and walking may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts

This Moldova tour offers an engaging way to see some of the most iconic sites in a single day, combining cultural discoveries, scenic views, and wine tasting. It’s well-organized and led by guides who know how to make the experience both fun and informative. Travelers who value small group intimacy and authentic local experiences will likely find this a worthwhile addition to their Moldova itinerary.

While it’s a full and somewhat busy day, many reviews emphasize the value for money and the quality of the guides. If you’re ready to explore Moldova’s treasures with an enthusiastic guide and don’t mind a bit of walking, this tour could be just the memorable adventure you’re looking for.

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