Moldova: Old Orhei, Curchi Monastery & Optional Cricova

Thinking about a trip to Moldova? This one-day tour promises a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s highlights, combining history, architecture, spirituality, and even a touch of wine tasting. It’s perfect if you want to make the most of your time without a ton of planning or if you’re just curious about what makes Moldova special.

What really catches our eye about this tour are the knowledgeable guides—they seem to bring each spot to life—and the beautiful scenery at both Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery. The optional visit to Cricova adds a layer of excitement for wine lovers, with the chance to explore one of the world’s most famous underground wine cellars.

That said, it’s a full day and involves quite a bit of walking and standing—so if mobility is a concern, you might want to think twice. Also, the Cricova visit is an extra cost, but many say it’s worth it if wine tasting is your thing. This tour suits travelers who love a mix of culture, history, and scenic landscapes, and who want a guided experience that covers Moldova’s key attractions without the hassle.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Our favorite part is the guide’s knowledge, making every stop engaging and informative.
• Diverse Attractions: Covering three iconic sites in one day, from spiritual sites to ancient caves and underground wineries.
• Beautiful Scenery: You’ll love the views at Old Orhei and the peaceful atmosphere of Curchi Monastery.
• Flexible Options: The Cricova wine tasting adds a fun, premium experience, but it’s an extra charge.
• Well-Organized: The itinerary flows smoothly, with enough time at each site to appreciate it without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Limited to 15, so it feels intimate and personalized rather than a big tour bus.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect: Your Day in Moldova

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Moldova’s most notable sites, all within about 8 hours. From the moment you’re picked up in Chisinau, you’re in good hands with a guide who makes the journey enjoyable and informative.

Starting at Curchi Monastery

Your day begins at Curchi Monastery, one of Moldova’s most beautiful and tranquil spiritual complexes. The guided tour lasts around an hour, during which you’ll stroll through manicured gardens and marvel at the impressive St. Nicholas Cathedral. The guide shares insights into the monastery’s history and traditions, giving you a sense of its spiritual significance. The architecture here is quite majestic, and the peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect starting point for your day.

Exploring Old Orhei

Next, you’ll head to Old Orhei, one of the highlights of the trip. This archaeological and historical site features an ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs, offering a glimpse into centuries past. The views over the canyon are spectacular—think rugged landscape, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to imagine what life was like for monks centuries ago.

Your guide points out key features of the site, explaining the historical importance and architecture, while you soak in the scenery. The highlight here is exploring the cave complex, which has been used for centuries and still retains a sense of mystery and serenity. Expect to spend about an hour here, with time for some photos and personal reflection.

Lunch Break

After the exploration, there’s about 45 minutes allocated for lunch. Depending on the tour operator’s arrangements, this might be at a local spot or a prepared picnic, giving you a chance to relax and discuss what you’ve seen so far.

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Optional Cricova Winery Tour

The optional part of the tour is a visit to Cricova, a renowned underground wine cellar just outside Chisinau. For an extra 38 euros, you’ll get a guided tour through historic tunnels and a tasting of some of Moldova’s finest wines. Many travelers find this a lovely way to unwind after the cultural visits and to experience Moldova’s famous winemaking tradition firsthand.

The winery visit is often described as a highlight, especially for wine enthusiasts, with some reviewers mentioning that the guide’s knowledge and the exclusive environment make it a memorable experience. However, keep in mind this is an extra cost and may require cash or card payment on-site.

The Practical Details

The tour lasts about 8 hours from pickup to return, making it a full and enriching day. The small group size (limited to 15 people) helps ensure a more personal experience, and the live guide provides insights in English, making it easy to follow along.

Transportation is arranged, and the pickup point is in Chisinau, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. The tour is kid-friendly in terms of interest, but not specifically designed for children with mobility issues.

What to Wear and Bring

Comfortable shoes are a must, especially since you’ll be exploring uneven terrain at Old Orhei and walking around the monastery and caves. Bringing a water bottle, sun protection, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenic views will make your experience more enjoyable.

Cancellation & Booking

Flexibility is built into the booking process—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still flexible.

The Authentic Voice from Reviews

One reviewer, Philipp from Germany, summed it up nicely: “We enjoyed the time with Natalja very much—she has profound knowledge of the country combined with a great personality. Her talent to show paths off the normal ones make you fall in love with Moldova.” That personal touch from guides really seems to elevate this experience for many travelers.

Another common theme is that the tour offers a blend of culture, history, food, and scenery, making it a well-rounded day trip. The views and the guide’s storytelling appear to be what sticks with travelers long after the tour ends.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you want a comprehensive introduction to Moldova’s cultural and natural highlights in a single day. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided tours, want to avoid logistical hassles, and are interested in a mix of spiritual sites, ancient ruins, and wine tasting.

While not specifically tailored for families or those with mobility challenges, the tour’s pace and focus on cultural and scenic highlights make it accessible to most able-bodied travelers. If wine tasting excites you, the Cricova add-on is a real bonus.

Final Thoughts

This Moldova tour offers an authentic, well-organized way to see some of the country’s most iconic sites comfortably and with insightful commentary. The combination of historic monasteries, dramatic landscapes, and underground wine cellars makes it a well-rounded choice for curious explorers.

If you’re after a tour that balances learning, scenery, and a touch of indulgence, this might just be your perfect Moldova day trip. The small group size and experienced guide ensure a personalized experience that’s both informative and relaxed.

For anyone eager to get a meaningful taste of Moldova without spending days on the road, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and bring your camera—you’ll want to remember these views.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for capable travelers, but it’s not specifically designed for kids and involves walking and standing, especially at Old Orhei and the caves.

• How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, guided visits, and the optional Cricova winery tour.

• What is included in the main tour? Transportation, a knowledgeable live guide in English, visits to Curchi Monastery and Old Orhei, and a 1-hour guided tour at each site.

• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• How do I pay for the Cricova wine tasting? The extra cost (38 euros per person) can be paid by cash or card directly at the winery.

• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera are recommended.

• Is vegetarian or special dietary options available? The itinerary mentions lunch but does not specify dietary options, so you might need to inquire with the provider ahead of time.

• How big are the groups? The tour is limited to 15 participants for a more personalized experience.

• What languages are the tours offered in? The guide speaks English, making it accessible for most travelers.

  You can check availability for your dates here: