Thinking about crossing the border from Romania into Moldova for a day? This full-day private tour from Iasi offers a well-rounded glimpse into Moldova’s history, culture, and, of course, its wines. For those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, history, and wine tasting, it promises a satisfying experience without feeling rushed or superficial.
What we particularly love about this tour is the combination of visiting historic monasteries—like the Capriana Monastery, which has deep roots and stunning artwork—and exploring the underground wine cellars of Cricova, a place so vast it resembles a city beneath the earth. Plus, the personalized experience with a private guide makes it feel more intimate and tailored than a big group tour.
On the flip side, the price might seem a bit steep for some, especially when you consider food and additional expenses aren’t included. Also, since the tour is just over 11 hours, it’s quite a long day, especially if you’re not used to extensive guided trips.
Wonderful day, gorgeous guide, Leonard!.The Capriana monastery with its beautiful paintings, Chisinau and the soon-to be Unesco World Heritage Cricova winery….we had a perfect day!
Although some of what I am writing might seem negative – it is not a reflection on the driver or the tour. Unfortunately, several stops by Moldovan Police for unrelated traffic offences (last year) delayed the tour at the start. Although my driver Leonard handled this admirably even under the threat of goal the lost time meant rearranging the order of places visited. We headed to Chisnau for lunch but walking around was curtailed by the need to make a fixed tour time at the Cricova Winery. This tour was extremely interested and the Cricova tour guide made the trip very informative. If I had one negative issue it was that when the tour ended you were left to negotiate your own way back throug…
Our guide made this trip a winner. He was very personable and a library of knowledge. He answered ALL our questions and accommodated us by taking us to a place we asked to see in Chisinau and to a souvenir store. I suggest you do your research as there are not many tourist attractions in Chisinau. The winery tour, provided by the winery, was nice and we learned a lot.
If you enjoy history, architecture, wine, and an in-depth look at a country that’s often overlooked, this tour hits many of those marks. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want a comprehensive day out that balances sightseeing with tasting and cultural insights.
This experience made our article of 3 Most Highly Rated Wine Tours In Iasi.
- Key Points
- An in-depth look at what this tour offers
- Starting with the Monasteries: Capriana
- Exploring Chisinau’s Landmarks
- Cricova Winery: Wine, tunnels, and history
- What’s included and what’s not
- How the tour runs
- The experience from reviews
- Who is this tour best for?
- Final thoughts
- FAQ
- The Best Of Iasi!
- More 1-Day Tours in Iasi
- More Wine Tours in Iasi
- More Tour Reviews in Iasi
- Our NewestIasi Activity Reviews
Key Points
- Private guide and vehicle ensure a personalized and flexible experience
- Visit two medieval monasteries with significant historical backgrounds
- Get a good overview of Chisinau’s Soviet-style architecture and landmarks
- Experience wine tasting and a tour of Cricova’s underground cellars, one of Europe’s most impressive wine storage sites
- Designed for travelers aged 12 and up, with a friendly, small group atmosphere
- The cost includes transportation, entrance fees, and wine tasting, making it a straightforward day trip
👉 See our pick of the 3 Most Highly Rated Wine Tours In Iasi
An in-depth look at what this tour offers
If you’re considering this trip, you’ll find that it’s not just about ticking boxes but about truly experiencing some of Moldova’s highlights with ease. The tour is carefully crafted to give travelers a taste of Moldova’s past and present, all wrapped into one day packed with sights, stories, and flavors.
You can also read our reviews of more wine tours in Iasi
Starting with the Monasteries: Capriana
The journey kicks off with a visit to Capriana Monastery, a site of great spiritual and historical importance. For a long time, it was the residence of Moldova’s Metropolitan and was patronized by rulers like Stefan the Great. A visit here isn’t just about snapping photos — it’s about soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciating the artwork and architecture that have endured through centuries. According to reviews, visitors love the monastery’s beautiful paintings and the chance to see a piece of Moldova’s religious heritage up close.
Exploring Chisinau’s Landmarks
Next, you’ll stop at Chisinau’s Arc of Triumph—a Soviet-era monument that symbolizes the city’s resilience—and the Alexander Pushkin exile house, where the famous poet was kept under house arrest. The city itself is a mix of Soviet-style buildings and modern developments, which the guide will point out and explain. Travelers have shared that the guide’s knowledge really helps make sense of the city’s complex history, and that the short city tour provides a good overview without feeling overwhelming.
Cricova Winery: Wine, tunnels, and history
The highlight for many is a visit to Cricova Winery, nestled beneath the city. This isn’t just a winery; it’s a vast underground complex, with 50-80 meters of tunnels stretching for miles, resembling a veritable underground city. You’ll get to walk through the labyrinth of wine cellars, see where Moldova’s best wines are stored, and learn about wine production.
The wine tasting is a major attraction, and the reviews suggest that the wines are delicious and well-selected. Interestingly, the winery is known for producing wines enjoyed by world leaders — even Vladimir Putin has his wine stored here — though the tour doesn’t necessarily focus on that. The underground tunnels, which are big enough for trucks to drive through, are a sight to behold, and many find the experience both impressive and fun.
Our guide was punctual and welcomed us with espresso in the car. Also Florin and his driver George took care of us and they provided a good amount of different information about the country, culture, food or traditions. We crossed the borders between Romania and Moldova smoothly and continued the trip to the first stop. We really enjoyed the Monastery and Sunday service, only to observe. Then we went to Chisinau, capital city of the country. Unfortunately we didn't see the main attractions of the city because it was a run competition that day. Sadly our tour guide was surprised too and in our opinion he didn't have a plan B to show us something different in Chisinau. We were waiting over 35 …
Enjoyed the trip very much. Well organised and very informative. Florin, our guide, was great. Very good communication, right on time picking us up from the hotel. Drove us safely to and from Chisinau. Highly recommend the tour.
A great trip. A brilliant guide who was very knowledgable and enthused. Due to it being a very small group we got to chat more generally about travelling which was great. The tour exceeded expectations and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to see some of Moldova.
What’s included and what’s not
The price of around $304 per person covers transportation, a private guide, entrance fees, wine tasting, and a bottle of water — pretty good value for a full day of sightseeing in a different country. Food isn’t included, so you might want to budget around $13 for lunch, or plan to bring snacks. It’s worth noting that the small group size (up to 14 travelers) helps keep things manageable and allows for more interaction.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Iasi
How the tour runs
The tour typically starts at 8:00 am with hotel pickup. It involves a small amount of walking, mostly at the monasteries and winery, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The itinerary is flexible enough that the guide can accommodate some personal interests, like visiting specific sites in Chisinau if you ask.
The experience from reviews
Many travelers praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer said, “Our guide made this trip a winner,” and appreciated the personalized attention. Others enjoyed the wine tour, calling it “awesome” and “not to be missed,” especially for those who appreciate good wines.
However, a few reviewers mentioned delays caused by police stops. While this might be frustrating, it’s good to keep in mind that some delays can happen in border regions, and the tour operators seem to do their best to keep things running smoothly.
Who is this tour best for?
This trip works best for history buffs, wine lovers, and curious travelers who want to explore Moldova with a guide rather than trying to navigate alone. It’s ideal if you value a personalized experience and enjoy detailed explanations about local culture and landmarks. The tour is also suitable for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing — it’s quite a long trip, but many reviews mention how worthwhile the day feels.
The activity is designed for ages 12 and up, making it suitable for families with older children or teenagers interested in history and wine. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to see Moldova’s key sites without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour will suit you well.
Final thoughts
If Moldova is on your radar and you’re eager to get a comprehensive look at what this country offers, this full-day private tour provides a solid, well-rounded experience. You’ll visit historic monasteries, get a sense of Chisinau’s Soviet-influenced architecture, and marvel at the impressive underground wine cellars of Cricova — all with the comfort of a private guide.
The value here lies in the expertise of the guide, the ease of transportation, and the chance to sample Moldova’s best wines in a truly unique setting. You won’t go home with everything, but you’ll leave with a good understanding of Moldova’s cultural roots, a handful of memorable sights, and plenty of stories to tell.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want an engaging, comfortable, and informative day trip with some local flavor. If you appreciate historical sites, enjoy wine tasting, and prefer having a guide to enhance your understanding, this tour ticks many boxes.
Day trip to Republic of Moldova – visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery
"Wonderful day, gorgeous guide, Leonard!.The Capriana monastery with its beautiful paintings, Chisinau and the soon-to be Unesco World Heritage Cric..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 12 and up are welcome, but they should enjoy walking and be interested in history and wine. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
What’s included in the price?
Transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees to sites, wine tasting, and a bottle of water are included. Food is not included.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am with hotel pickup.
Can I customize the tour?
While the itinerary covers the main highlights, guides are often willing to accommodate special requests or minor adjustments.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour conducted in English?
Most travelers report that the guide speaks English fluently, but it may be available in multiple languages.
Are there any safety concerns?
Border crossings and police stops are part of the experience, but delays are usually minor. The vehicle and guide are professional, and safety is a priority.
How much does the wine tasting cost?
The wine tasting is included in the tour price, giving you a chance to sample some of Moldova’s finest wines.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket if needed, and some cash or cards for souvenirs or optional extras.
Is lunch included?
No, but you should budget around $13 for lunch or plan to bring your own snacks.
If you’re after a day that combines history, culture, and wine in a relaxed, guided setting, this tour offers a compelling peek into Moldova’s charm. It’s a good choice for those who want a hassle-free, authentic experience without sacrificing depth or comfort.
