From Chisinau: Old Orhei complex and Cricova Wine Tasting

If you’re planning a trip to Moldova, chances are you’re looking for a way to get a real taste of the country’s culture, history, and wine. This 7-hour tour from Chisinau offers just that — a balanced mix of ancient sites and underground wine cellars, all served with friendly guides and a comfortable ride. It’s a package that’s well-loved, earning a solid 5/5 from 41 reviews, and for good reason.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we really appreciate how accessible and organized the day is — everything is laid out to maximize your time without feeling rushed. Second, the guided tours are praised for their warmth and knowledge, making even complex history easy to appreciate. That said, a small consideration might be the travel time; the tour involves some driving, so if you’re not a fan of long bus rides, it’s worth factoring that in. This trip suits travelers eager to uncover Moldova’s most iconic sights in a manageable, engaging way.

Who is this tour best suited for?

It’s perfect for those interested in history, culture, and wine — whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler. It’s also a good fit if you prefer a small group experience, with limited to 8 participants, which tends to mean more personal attention and a relaxed vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert-guided excursions make the history and wine tasting engaging and informative.
• The underground Cricova Winery has over 120 km of galleries, caves, and tunnels to explore.
• The Old Orhei complex offers a scenic and archaeological journey through Moldova’s past.
• Taste 4 different wines and a sparkling wine — great value for those who appreciate good wine.
• The tour is well-organized, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Comfortable transport and a manageable 7-hour itinerary make it accessible and convenient.

Discovering Moldova: What to Expect from the Tour

The Charm of Cricova Winery

Our journey begins with a visit to one of Moldova’s most famed wineries — Cricova. Known for its underground cellars that stretch over 120 km, Cricova isn’t just a winery; it’s a whole subterranean city. You’ll learn about Moldova’s long-standing winemaking tradition, which has positioned the country as a notable wine producer in Eastern Europe.

Walking through the rock galleries and caves, you’ll see the remarkable architecture of the wine cellars, dug into limestone rocks, which help naturally regulate temperature and humidity — perfect for aging wine. The guides here are praised for their knowledge, with reviews mentioning how they make the experience friendly and engaging. You’ll taste a selection of 4 wines and one sparkling wine, paired with some snacks, which gives you a real flavor of Moldovan winemaking.

Visitors love the beautiful interiors and tunnels, with one reviewer mentioning that Cricova is not only about wine but also about the atmosphere and history inside. The fact that Cricova was declared a Cultural-National Heritage in 2003 adds a layer of pride and authenticity to your visit.

The Historic Old Orhei Complex

After exploring the wine caves, the tour takes you to the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, a true outdoor museum of Moldova’s past. This site is a natural and cultural treasure, featuring rock monasteries, ruins of a 14th–16th century Tatar-Mongol city, and a cave monastery.

You’ll get a guided walk through the area, which is not only scenic but also packed with history. The Cave Monastery Bosie is a highlight — a place that’s been carved into the limestone, with about 75 meters of underground pathways to explore. You’ll climb around 80 steps to reach it, so some mobility considerations are worth noting if you have issues with stairs.

At the site, there’s also a Trebujeni or Butuceni village where a traditional lunch can be enjoyed in a rural guesthouse. While lunch isn’t included in the tour price, many reviews mention the delicious local food and the authentic experience of dining in a rustic setting.

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Beyond the Basics: What the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently mention the knowledge and friendliness of the guides — something that turns a good trip into a memorable one. One reviewer praised their guide, Eleonora, for her kindness and informativeness, noting how much they learned about Moldovan life.

The scenic views and beautiful landscapes make the drive between sites enjoyable, and the overall organization of the tour earns nods for efficiency — pickup and drop-off are included, and the small group size makes for a more personal experience.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts roughly 7 hours, with the starting times depending on availability. It’s designed for those comfortable with a bit of walking and some stairs, as the cave monastery involves climbing stairs and walking underground. The tour is rain or shine, so be prepared with comfortable shoes and warm clothing if needed.

Transportation is by comfortable vehicle, and everything from entry tickets to the wine tastings is included — making it a straightforward, no-surprise experience. The price reflects good value, considering you’re covering two major sites along with tasting experiences and guided insights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates history, authentic experiences, and a good glass of wine, this tour hits the right notes. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Moldova’s top attractions without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. The small group size and professional guides create an intimate, friendly atmosphere.

Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children under 4, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues due to stairs at the cave monastery. If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, you’ll find this tour easy to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Chisinau day trip offers a compelling glimpse into Moldova’s cultural heritage and wine tradition. The combination of underground wine cellars and archaeological ruins makes for a varied, engaging day out that’s both educational and relaxing. The guides’ warmth and knowledge consistently earn praise, and the sites themselves are genuinely interesting — not just tourist spots but places with stories to tell.

For those who love a well-organized tour with authentic experiences, this is a solid choice. The wine tasting is a highlight, especially if you’re a fan of discovering new varieties, and the Old Orhei complex offers a memorable outdoor adventure. Overall, it’s a tour that balances value, depth, and comfort, suited best for curious travelers eager to explore Moldova’s rich tapestry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable transportation from and back to your hotel in Chisinau, making logistics easy.

How long is the drive between sites?
While the exact drive time isn’t specified, the full tour lasts about 7 hours, with sightseeing and tasting included. The scenic drive between the sites is part of the experience.

Can I go on this tour if I don’t like wine?
The main focus is on wine tasting at Cricova, where you’ll sample four different wines and a sparkling wine. If you’re not into wine, you might find the experience less appealing, but the historical sites are still worthwhile.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at Old Orhei is not included, but many reviews mention enjoying the local cuisine in villages or at the site’s local eateries.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing (if visiting in cooler months), and maybe a small camera — there are plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4, mainly due to stairs and underground walking. It’s best suited for older kids or teens who can handle walking and stairs.

How much does the tour cost?
The exact price isn’t provided here, but considering the inclusion of transport, entry tickets, and guided tours, it offers good value for a full day of exploration.

What’s the best season to go?
The tour operates rain or shine, so it’s flexible year-round, though the weather can influence the outdoor parts, like Old Orhei’s scenic views.

If you’re after an authentic, well-organized day out that covers Moldova’s history, culture, and wine in a relaxed setting, this tour really delivers. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that showcases the country’s best, and with friendly guides leading the way, you’ll leave with lasting memories and maybe even a few new favorite wines.

You can check availability for your dates here: