Moldova: Cricova winery, Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery

Moldova: Cricova Winery, Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery – A Practical, Honest Look

Planning a trip to Moldova? You’re likely eyeing the country’s famed wineries, ancient monasteries, and scenic spots. We’ve reviewed a popular full-day guided tour that combines all of these, perfect for those wanting a well-rounded taste of Moldova’s spiritual and cultural landscape. The tour, offered by Moldova Guided Tours, is rated a perfect 5, and from what we’ve seen, it offers a thoughtful balance of history, scenery, and local flavor.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it smoothly blends visits to two stunning monasteries with a fascinating archaeological site and a world-renowned winery. The highlights include breathtaking views over the Rut River Valley and the chance to taste Moldova’s celebrated wines. One potential drawback? The day’s packed schedule and optional extras like lunch and tasting might add up for budget travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Still, it’s a solid pick for anyone interested in experiencing the country’s highlights in one go, especially if you’re curious to see spiritual sites, enjoy scenic walks, and sample local wines.

If you’re someone who appreciates culturally rich experiences, enjoys beautiful vistas, and doesn’t mind a full day of sightseeing, this tour could be just right. It’s also suitable for those who like guided group trips with small groups, ensuring a more personal touch. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or just want to tick Moldova off your list with a guided hand, this tour aims to deliver.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines monasteries, archaeological sites, and a top-tier winery.
• Scenic views: Especially the overlook of the Rut River Valley, which is a real highlight.
• Small group experience: Limited to 10 participants, making it more intimate and engaging.
• Flexible options: Lunch and wine tastings are extra, giving you control over your budget.
• Informative guides: The tour includes detailed insights into Moldova’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
• Comfortable pace: The full-day schedule packs in a lot without feeling rushed, as long as you’re prepared for a full day out.

Exploring Moldova’s Spiritual and Cultural Sites in Depth

Starting at Curchi Monastery

The day begins at Curchi Monastery, a peaceful spot surrounded by lush forests and tranquil landscapes. We loved the way the guide described the monastery’s history and its significance to Moldova’s spiritual life. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving you time to soak in the serene atmosphere and admire the architecture. It’s a great introduction to Moldova’s religious heritage without feeling overly commercialized.

If you’re someone who appreciates spiritual sites, you’ll find Curchi Monastery’s quiet beauty and natural setting quite calming. Several reviews mention that the monastery’s peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect start to the day. One reviewer noted, “It’s a quiet place, perfect for reflection — I loved the way it felt removed from everyday life.” Just keep in mind that it’s a religious site, so dress modestly and respect the surroundings.

Discovering Old Orhei

Next, the tour takes you to Old Orhei, a place that truly stands out. It’s an archaeological complex carved into limestone cliffs, which makes it quite a unique sight. The guided tour here lasts about 1.5 hours and covers the cave monastery, ancient dwellings, and the history behind the site. We appreciated how the guide shared legends and stories connected to Old Orhei, helping us connect with the past in a tangible way.

The highlight here is the short scenic walk to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Rut River Valley. The views are genuinely striking and worth the slightly uphill walk. Several visitors commented on how stunning the vista is, saying it’s “well worth the effort,” and “a picture-perfect spot.” This is a photographer’s dream, so if you love capturing scenic landscapes, you’ll be glad to have your camera ready.

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Lunch Break and Local Flavors

Around midday, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch, which is an optional part of the tour and paid separately. You might find the food is straightforward but satisfying — typical Moldovan dishes that give a taste of local flavors. It’s a good chance to relax and chat with your fellow travelers, especially after the morning’s sightseeing.

Cricova Winery — Moldova’s Famous Export

The final major stop is Cricova Winery, an internationally renowned wine producer. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, with a chance to explore the underground maze of cellars that stretch for miles. Most reviewers mention the wine tasting as a highlight, with some saying the wines are “excellent,” and others appreciating the chance to learn about Moldova’s winemaking traditions. If you choose to participate in the tasting, it’s an optional extra, paid separately.

The tour here is relaxed and informative, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Moldova’s most famous wineries. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the sheer scale of the underground tunnels and the history they hold make this stop worth it.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting from Chisinau. It’s a full day, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking, especially at Old Orhei and the scenic viewpoint. The group is limited to 10 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention from the guide.

Cost and Extras

The price covers transportation, the guided tours, and the overall experience. Lunch and wine tastings are extra, which lets you choose to indulge or keep it simple. This flexibility is great if you’re mindful of your budget but still want to enjoy Moldova’s culinary and wine offerings.

Transportation and Comfort

While the data doesn’t specify the type of transportation, tours of this kind usually involve a comfortable minivan or bus. Given the small group size, expect a cozy ride that makes it easy to chat with your fellow travelers.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes are a must — you’ll be doing some walking, and the terrain varies. Also, consider bringing a water bottle, sun protection for the scenic walk, and your camera.

Cancellation and Booking

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds some peace of mind. You can reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility to plan your Moldova trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is well-suited for curious travelers who want to see Moldova’s key spiritual sites, enjoy scenic views, and sample local wines without spending multiple days in the country. It’s not overly strenuous but does require a full day’s commitment, so those with mobility issues or who prefer a more leisurely pace might find some parts challenging.

It’s ideal for history and culture buffs, wine lovers, and anyone interested in seeing Moldova beyond the capital’s city streets. The small group setting makes it perfect for travelers who prefer a more personal experience over large, generic tours.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and paid separately. You’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional Moldovan dishes at a local restaurant.

Are wine tastings included?
The wine tasting at Cricova Winery is optional and paid separately, so you can choose whether to indulge or just take a look at the cellars.

How long are the visits at each site?
Curchi Monastery is about an hour, Old Orhei’s guided tour is 1.5 hours, and the Cricova Winery tasting lasts around 1.5 hours.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, especially since there’s some walking involved at Old Orhei and the scenic viewpoint.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The data doesn’t specify, but given the nature of visits and walking, it’s likely more suitable for older children or teenagers.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is in English, with a live guide leading the small group.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Moldova tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the country’s spiritual, historical, and vinicultural treasures. You’ll experience peaceful monasteries, stunning views, and the chance to explore one of Europe’s most interesting underground wineries. The smaller group size means more personalized attention, and the optional extras give you flexibility to tailor the day to your interests and budget.

If you’re after a comprehensive, immersive day that doesn’t feel rushed and allows you to connect with Moldova’s soul, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. However, be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and walking — but trust us, the scenery and cultural insights make it worthwhile.

Sources

GetYourGuide Moldova: Cricova winery, Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery

You can check availability for your dates here: