Day trip to Republic of Moldova – visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.