Best of Moldova: Cricova Winery & Old Orhei Tour including Curchi Monastery

If you’re considering a day trip from Chisinau that combines history, culture, and a little bit of wine magic, this tour might be just the thing. We haven’t done it ourselves but have gone through the details, reviews, and itinerary to give you an honest, practical look at what to expect.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances unique Moldovan sites with the chance to taste some of the country’s best wines. Plus, it offers a structured way to cover several highlights in just one day, which is perfect if your time in Moldova is limited. On the flip side, some might find the tour a bit long, especially the winery portion, which can feel a little touristy and time-consuming.

This tour is best suited for those who love history, architecture, and wine—if you’re after a relaxed, informative day exploring Moldovan culture with a friendly guide, this could be a great fit. Families, couples, and solo travelers all seem to enjoy it, especially given its small-group size and personalized approach.

Key Points

• Cultural and historical sites: Visit impressive monasteries and archaeological sites, gaining insights into Moldova’s religious and ancient past.
• Wine experience: Cricova’s underground wine cellars are a highlight, offering tastings and tours through a labyrinth of tunnels.
• Comfort and convenience: Private transportation and hotel pickup make for a smooth day.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines outdoor, indoor, spiritual, and indulgent experiences for a well-rounded day.
• Price vs value: At $160 per person, it offers good value, especially considering the included entrance fees and tastings, although some reviews note the cost can feel high for what’s included.

An Overview of the Tour

This full-day trip from Chisinau offers a chance to explore Moldova’s compelling mix of history, nature, and wine. The tour lasts about 8 hours, and with hotel pickup and drop-off included, it’s designed to be hassle-free. The group size is small, limited to around 10 people, which helps keep things intimate and personalized.

Starting at Curchi Monastery

Your day begins with a visit to the Curchi Monastery, located roughly 30 km from Old Orhei. Built over two centuries ago, this site is one of Moldova’s significant religious monuments, showcasing stunning architecture and spiritual history. You’ll spend around 45 minutes here, and the entrance fee is included, giving you ample time to soak in the serenity and beauty of the complex.

Many reviews highlight the monastery as a peaceful, impressive site—it’s a great way to start your day on a contemplative note. The guide will likely share insights into the monastery’s history, adding depth to your visit.

Exploring Old Orhei

Next, you head to the Old Orhei Archeological Complex, a natural and historical marvel. This open-air site features the Cave Monastery, ruins of a Tartar city, and the early 20th-century Butuceni Ethnographic Museum. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours exploring, with admission fees included.

This stop is perfect for history buffs and those interested in authentic local culture. The cave monastery is particularly striking—many visitors have called it a must-see, and guides tend to be very knowledgeable, often explaining the site’s significance in detail. One reviewer raved about the “fabulous” Cave Monastery and called Old Orhei a must-see for anyone wanting to understand Moldova better.

Cricova Winery Tour and Tasting

The crown jewel for many on this tour is Cricova Winery. Set deep underground in tunnels that stretch 60-80 meters below the surface, Cricova is a true underground city built for wine storage. You’ll spend about 2.5 hours here, exploring the labyrinthine tunnels, discovering how the wines are stored and matured, and enjoying a tasting session of three different wines, complemented by nuts, biscuits, and water.

Expect impressive sights—these tunnels are as much a historical attraction as they are a wine cellar. Visitors often mention the uniqueness of the underground experience, with one review noting that Cricova is “a big underground kingdom” and “the biggest wine seller ever.”

While the wine tasting is generally well-received, some reviews point out that the winery visit feels quite touristy and can be lengthy. A guide might give a detailed explanation, but the large groups can sometimes make it hard to hear everything or ask questions comfortably.

Lunch and Ethnic Village Visit

After Cricova, you’ll get some downtime for lunch—though the actual meal isn’t included, the tour usually offers an authentic Moldovan experience at a local, traditional restaurant in the Ethnic Village. The reviews highlight the excellent, ecological Moldovan food served at these types of venues, making it a tasty break from sightseeing.

Final Stop at Old Orhei

The tour wraps up with a return to Old Orhei for a final visit or perhaps some free time to wander. It’s a good chance to revisit your favorite spots or snap some last photos before heading back to Chisinau.

What the Reviews Say

The overall feedback is highly positive, with a 4.9-star rating based on 141 reviews. Many travelers mention how well-organized and informative the guides are, with Ecaterina, Slava, and Nikolai receiving specific praise for their knowledge and friendliness.

One reviewer loved the “hidden gems” of the caves and monasteries, noting Ecaterina’s careful explanations that avoided just dropping facts. Another appreciated the “personalized experience” and the guide’s willingness to accommodate individual needs—something that elevates this tour above generic options.

The wine tasting at Cricova is a consistent highlight, described as “excellent” and “a unique underground experience.” Even those who felt the winery visit was too touristy acknowledged the visual impact of the tunnels and the quality of the wines.

Some travelers highlighted the value for money, especially given that entrance fees, tastings, and transportation are included. However, a few reviews pointed out the pricing as steep, with one considering the $200 price tag (per person) as too high, especially if expecting an “exclusive” or private experience.

Others mentioned organizational hiccups, such as last-minute changes or delays, but overall, these seem to be minor compared to the richness of the sites visited and the guide’s knowledge.

The Logistics and Practical Aspects

The tour starts at 9:00 am with hotel pickup, which simplifies logistics. You’ll be transported comfortably in a private vehicle, ensuring a smooth day without the hassle of navigating public transport or hailing taxis. The small group size fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized attention from your guide.

The tour lasts roughly 8 hours, which is quite a full day but allows enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. The inclusion of entrance fees, wine tasting, and pick-up/drop-off makes this a convenient package.

However, the winery visit is lengthy, and some reviews suggest it can feel overly touristy or too time-consuming. If you’re not a wine lover or prefer more outdoor exploration, you might find that part less engaging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers interested in Moldova’s culture, history, and wine. It’s perfect if you want a well-organized, small-group trip with knowledgeable guides. The sites visited are significant and photogenic, making it suitable for those who enjoy learning and sightseeing.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate wine and history, this tour will likely satisfy everyone’s interests. Solo travelers might also find it a great way to connect with others while exploring Moldova’s key highlights.

However, if your main goal is to explore the Moldovan countryside more deeply, or if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider whether the price aligns with your expectations. The tour is a bit pricey compared to other local options, but the convenience and quality often justify the expense.

Final thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-curated look at some of Moldova’s most treasured sites. You’ll enjoy the blend of heritage, spiritual sites, and wine—each with its own story and appeal. Guides tend to be praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging.

While it’s not perfect—some might find the winery visit a little lengthy or touristy—the overall experience is memorable and educational. If you value good organization, expert guides, and want to get a real taste of Moldova in a day, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While the tour involves walking around outdoor sites and tunnels, it’s best to check with the provider for specific accessibility needs.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but a traditional Moldovan meal is available at the Ethnic Village, which many travelers find authentic and delicious.

How long is the winery visit?
The Cricova Winery tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including the wine tasting, exploration of the tunnels, and a chance to sample some top-quality Moldovan wines.

Can I customize this tour?
This specific tour runs as a set package. For personalized options, you might want to contact Moldova Tours directly.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, making it intimate and conducive to personal interaction with guides.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers find this tour engaging and feel safe, especially with the small-group setting and guided experience.

If you’re looking for a balanced day in Moldova filled with history, stunning sights, and wine, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. Just be ready for a full day, and bring your curiosity—and maybe your wine glass.