Cricova Winery – Old Orhei & Cave Monastery

If you’re planning a trip to Chisinau, you’ll find plenty of ways to soak in the local culture and history. One popular option is a tour that combines a visit to the famous Cricova Winery with the archaeological site of Old Orhei. Based on reviews and details from travelers who’ve experienced it, this full-day excursion promises a mix of world-class wine tasting and cultural discovery—all wrapped up in around six hours.

We love that this tour is private, offering a more personalized experience, and that it includes professional guides, making it easier to understand the significance of each stop. Plus, the underground tunnels of Cricova are legendary for their size and history, making this a truly unique wine tour. However, some might find the entire day a little rushed if they prefer more leisurely explorations or want to spend extra time at each location.

This tour is perfect for those who want a well-rounded glimpse of Moldova—from its ancient past to its modern winemaking excellence—without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate cultural insights combined with tasting experiences, and who enjoy having a guide to help interpret what they see and taste.

Key Points

• Private tour ensures a personalized experience and flexibility.
• Includes wine tasting at Cricova’s historic underground cellars, renowned worldwide.
• Explores Old Orhei, a site rich in archaeology and local culture.
• Duration of around 6 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics.
• Good value for the price considering the transportation, guide, wine, and site admissions included.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of wine, history, and culture, designed to give visitors a compact yet fulfilling experience of Moldova’s highlights. Starting with the Cricova Winery, you’ll get a chance to learn about Moldova’s winemaking traditions while exploring massive underground tunnels that stretch for kilometers. The winery boasts an impressive collection of wines, and the guided tasting is a highlight—especially if you’re into wines or just curious about Moldova’s vinicultural heritage.

After about two hours at Cricova, you’ll head to Old Orhei, which is an open-air museum and archaeological complex. Here, you’ll have free time to wander on your own, soaking in the scenery, exploring the village, and viewing ancient ruins. The site’s open-air nature is especially appealing if you enjoy outdoor exploration and are interested in Moldova’s cultural history.

You’ll also appreciate the hotel pickup and drop-off service, which relieves the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets. The tour includes snacks and alcoholic beverages, making it a relaxed experience. The professional guide not only adds context but also ensures you don’t miss the details that make each stop special.

Deep Dive into Cricova Winery

Cricova is more than just a winery—it’s often called a underground city because of its labyrinth of tunnels. These tunnels house a remarkable collection of wines, which you get to taste during the guided session. The winery’s reputation for excellent wines is backed by glowing reviews, with many visitors praising the quality of the tasting experience.

The tour duration here is approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to understand the region’s winemaking history without feeling rushed. Since your ticket includes admission, you’ll have access to the cellar labyrinths and the tasting hall, where you’ll sample some of Moldova’s finest wines.

Many reviews highlight the excellent wine selection as a key highlight—if you’re a wine lover or simply enjoy a good tasting, this part of the tour won’t disappoint. The most common praise is for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which makes the experience all the more engaging.

Discovering Old Orhei

Next, you’ll visit Old Orhei, a site that beautifully showcases Moldova’s historical layers. The complex is an archaeological and open-air museum, and many visitors find it an evocative glimpse into the past. Here, you get to wander freely for about two hours, exploring ancient ruins, traditional villages, and scenic views.

The site’s appeal lies in its combination of cultural and natural beauty—the view of the river, the ancient structures, and the local village atmosphere all contribute to a memorable experience. Visitors report that the walkable area and outdoor setting are ideal for stretching your legs and taking photos.

While the site is outdoor, travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity and uneven terrain. The review from Jens_H mentioned being picked up at the hotel and appreciated the personalized aspect of the tour, which makes a day like this feel less rushed and more tailored.

Practical Details and What You Get

The tour costs around $199 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, wine tasting, professional guide, and admission tickets. Considering the transportation alone, this offers good value, especially for those wanting a hassle-free experience with expert insights.

The group size is not explicitly specified, but the mention of a private tour suggests it’s tailored for individual groups, making it more intimate. The timing is flexible within the opening hours (10 AM to 5 PM), allowing you to choose a time that suits your schedule.

The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as exploring Old Orhei involves walking and some uneven surfaces. Also, note that the minimum drinking age is 18, so it’s not suitable for minors or those who prefer alcohol-free experiences.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not provided, so you might want to grab a meal before or after the tour. Drinks other than wine and alcoholic beverages during the tasting are also not included, so plan accordingly. The tour’s main focus is on the two sites, so if you’re craving a longer or more leisurely experience, you might want to extend your day independently.

Real Traveler Insights

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on four reviews. Jens_H, who took the tour in September 2021, called it a “good choice” if you only have a short time in Moldova, especially praising how the guide, Nicolai, made the experience personalized and enjoyable. He also appreciated the beautiful weather and smooth pick-up, which shows how well-organized the trip is.

While the overall experience is highly recommended, some may find the two-hour focus at Cricova a little rushed if they love wine or want to explore more deeply, but for most, it hits the right notes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick but rounded taste of Moldova. It’s ideal if you’re into wines, archaeology, or local culture, and if you prefer having a guide to help interpret the sites. Couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate a personalized experience will find this trip especially satisfying.

If you’re someone who prefers a very slow, in-depth visit, or plans to spend considerable time at each site, this may feel a bit too brisk. However, for those with limited time or a desire for a well-organized overview, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

Is the tour private or in a group?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which provides a more tailored experience.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and tasting.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, wine tasting, admission tickets, and a professional guide.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

Can I customize the timing?
The tour operates between 10 AM and 5 PM, and you can choose a suitable start time within these hours.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical activity and is geared towards adults (minimum drinking age is 18). It’s not specifically designed for children.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking around Old Orhei are recommended.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking; snacks are included but specific preferences should be communicated.

What’s the main highlight?
Many travelers praise the wine tasting at Cricova, with its impressive underground tunnels and collection of wines.

Is the tour worth the price?
Given the inclusion of transportation, guide, tasting, and admissions, most find it offers good value, especially if you want an overview without the hassle of planning.

All in all, if you’re after a well-organized, engaging day that combines Moldova’s wine-making mastery with its archaeological treasures, this tour is a solid pick. It balances education, taste, and cultural exploration without feeling overly rushed—making it a memorable part of any Moldova trip.