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Cricova – Orheiul Vechi – Curchi Monastery

Type Cultural
Duration 1 day
Difficulty Easy
Tur Cricova – Orheiul Vechi – Curchi Monastery
Price From €300
Looking for the best day trip from Chișinău? Discover the authentic heart of Moldova with a full-day excursion to Orheiul Vechi and the famous Cricova Winery – a journey that blends nature, history, spirituality, and fine wine. Orheiul Vechi is...

Looking for the best day trip from Chișinău? Discover the authentic heart of Moldova with a full-day excursion to Orheiul Vechi and the famous Cricova Winery – a journey that blends nature, history, spirituality, and fine wine.

Orheiul Vechi is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Moldova. Just one hour from the capital, this open-air complex offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient rock-carved monasteries, and a deep sense of peace. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature or explore Moldova’s spiritual heritage, Orheiul Vechi is a place where time seems to stand still.

Locals and visitors alike often describe Orheiul Vechi as a place filled with pure energy – the kind of destination where you can recharge both physically and mentally. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the winding Răut River, it's a must-see for anyone interested in nature tourism in Moldova.

After exploring the peaceful scenery and centuries-old monastic sites, the tour continues underground – literally – with a visit to Cricova Winery, one of the most famous wine cellars in Eastern Europe. Known as the underground city of wine, Cricova’s labyrinth of wine tunnels stretches over 120 kilometers.

During the Cricova winery tour, you’ll learn about traditional Moldovan winemaking, explore the impressive wine collections, and enjoy professional wine tastings in elegant underground halls. This is not just a visit – it's a full sensory experience. Whether you're a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Moldovan culture, this day trip combines the best of what Moldova has to offer: stunning nature, sacred sites, and world-class wine.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups, the Orheiul Vechi & Cricova day tour is one of the most recommended places to visit in Moldova for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

Book your Moldova day trip today and uncover the true essence of this beautiful country – above and below ground.

Itinerary

Discover Moldova in one unforgettable day with a guided tour to three of the country’s most iconic landmarks: Cricova Winery, Orheiul Vechi, and Curchi Monastery. This day trip from Chișinău is the perfect combination of history, nature, spirituality, and local wine culture.

Tour details:

Departure location: Chișinău
Departure time: 09:30 AM
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Route: Chișinău – Cricova – Orheiul Vechi – Curchi Monastery – Chișinău

Included in the tour price:

• Round-trip transportation for the entire itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking tour guide
Guided tour of Cricova Winery, Moldova’s famous underground wine city
• Visit to Orheiul Vechi, a stunning historical and natural complex with cave monasteries
• Tour of the beautiful Curchi Monastery, a jewel of Moldovan religious architecture
Traditional Moldovan lunch included, served in a local venue near Orheiul Vechi

Not included:

• Souvenirs and personal expenses

We recommend bringing:

• A compact umbrella in case of rain
Sun hat or cap for warm days
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain

This Moldova guided day tour is ideal for international visitors, local explorers, and groups seeking to experience the authentic spirit of the country.
From underground wine cellars and sacred hills to breathtaking views and traditional food – explore the best of Moldova in just one day.

Cricova – Orheiul Vechi – Mănăstirea Curchi

Day Trip: Cricova, Orheiul Vechi, Curchi Monastery

 

09:30 – Pick-up from your preferred location in Chișinău
Our guide will meet you at the place of your choice. Get ready for a full day exploring Moldova’s most iconic cultural, historical, and spiritual landmarks.

10:00 – Guided tour of Cricova Winery
Start your journey with a visit to Cricova Winery, the world-famous underground wine complex. Established in 1952, Cricova features over 80 km of wine galleries, constant year-round temperature and humidity, and a legendary wine collection. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the fascinating underground “streets” named after wine varieties.

12:00 – Departure to Orheiul Vechi
We continue our journey to one of Moldova’s most picturesque sites.

13:00 – Traditional lunch in Butuceni village
Enjoy a delicious Moldovan meal at a traditional guesthouse in the scenic village of Butuceni – known for its rustic charm and warm hospitality.

14:00 – Guided visit at Orheiul Vechi (1.5 hours)
Explore Orheiul Vechi, an open-air museum and cultural-historical complex. The tour includes ancient cave monasteries, medieval ruins, and spectacular natural landscapes shaped by Sarmatian geological formations. Orheiul Vechi is currently in the process of being added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

15:30 – Departure to Curchi Monastery

16:00 – Visit to Curchi Monastery (1 hour)
Arrive at Curchi Monastery, a masterpiece of Moldovan religious architecture, founded in 1773. The complex includes five churches, centuries-old oak trees, orchards, gardens, and a tranquil lake. A guided tour will reveal the spiritual and historical richness of this sacred place.

18:00 – Return to Chișinău
We’ll bring you back to Chișinău and drop you off at your preferred location, concluding a day filled with beauty, culture, and authentic Moldovan experiences.

Prices

Prices include transportation, depending on the size of the group.

1 person
€300
2 persons
€370
3 persons
€405
4 persons
€572
5 persons
€700
6 persons
€768
Is your group larger than 6 people? Send us a request, and we’ll prepare a personalized offer for you.
Request an offer

Map

  1. Cricova – Orheiul Vechi – Mănăstirea Curchi