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Moldova
Soviet Legacy & Wine Cellars: Exploring Moldova's Capital & Countryside Treasures
≈ 7
Days
351
Km
6
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Descend into Milestii Mici, the largest wine cellar in the world located just 18 kilometers from Chisinau. With over 200 kilometers of underground tunnels for wine storage, this extraordinary cellar holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection.
2
Drive through the underground streets (yes, you need a car for the tour) past millions of bottles aging in perfect conditions. Moldova's wine heritage reaches its most impressive expression in these endless limestone galleries carved from an old quarry.
Activities
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Tours require your own vehicle due to the immense size of the cellars. Several tour operators offer organized excursions from Chisinau for those without cars.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h20
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Explore Chisinau's Central Park and the Nativity Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Moldovan Orthodox Church. Construction began shortly after the Russian victory over the Ottomans in 1830. During Soviet years it served as an exhibition center, but it has returned to being an active place of worship.
2
Jour 1: Admire the Triumphal Arch, the symbol of Chisinau located near Stefan cel Mare Park. This memorial commemorates the victory of the Russian Empire over the Ottomans in 1830 and stands as a proud landmark of the city.
3
Jour 1: Visit the Moldovan National Opera and Ballet Theatre, a beautiful Soviet building still used for its original purpose. One of the few ex-Soviet opera companies that kept its own orchestra, it offers some of the cheapest opera and ballet tickets in Europe.
4
Jour 1: Walk along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard to see the most important government buildings including the Parliament Building (former Communist Party meeting place) and the President's Residence. While most buildings showcase typical Soviet style, some feature more recent European architecture.
+8 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Discover the Transfiguration of the Saviour Church next to the President's Residence. During Soviet times this church served as a planetarium before being returned to the Moldovan Orthodox Church in 1991.
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Jour 1: Wander through Chisinau's abundance of parks - Central Park and Stefan cel Mare Park offer perfect spots to relax and appreciate how green the city is despite its Soviet-era architecture.
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Jour 2: Visit the War Memorial at the outskirts of Chisinau, an impressive monument to the nearly 200,000 Moldovans who died fighting Nazi Germany as part of the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War.
+3 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
3 km
Travel time:
10min
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Tour the legendary Cricova Wine Cellars, the second-largest wine cellars in the world dating from the 15th century. With a network of tunnels stretching over 120 kilometers, this famous winery has hosted international figures like US Secretary of State John Kerry and even Vladimir Putin's birthday party.
2
Explore the underground city of wine where vintage bottles from around the world are stored at perfect temperature. Moldova produced up to 90% of wine in the Soviet Union, and Cricova represents the pinnacle of this wine heritage.
Activities
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Take Bus Number 2 from central Chisinau (corner of Strada Vasile Alecsandri and Strada Alexandru cel Bun) to Cricova. The journey takes about 30 minutes to Cricova Primaria in the town center. Book tours directly with the winery, available in English, Russian, and Romanian.
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
25min
4
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Visit Orheiul Vechi Monastery, a remarkable cave monastery carved into the limestone cliffs 60 kilometers north of Chisinau. This ancient religious site offers a perfect day trip combining spirituality, archaeology, and stunning natural landscapes.
2
Explore the Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Landscape, a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic and beautiful geomorphology. The area has attracted humans since prehistoric times due to its rich resources, natural defenses, and connection to Black Sea trade routes since the 5th millennium BC.
3
Discover the archaeological remains of the Tatar-Mongol town Şehr al Cedid (meaning 'New Town'), founded around 1241 AD. The ruins include a fortification system, palace, mosque, caravanserai, mausoleum, three baths, and many other structures built of local limestone.
Activities
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Learn about the medieval Moldovan town of Orhei built on the Tatar-Mongol ruins after 1368 AD when Lithuanian and Moldovan armies drove out the Golden Horde. Take a marshrutka from Chisinau's main bus station to Trebujeni or Butuceni village.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
2h30
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Cross into Transnistria to visit Tiraspol, the capital of a country that doesn't officially exist - a Soviet breakaway republic frozen in time. Formed when the USSR collapsed in 1991, this autonomous region operates as an independent nation while remaining unrecognized internationally.
2
Experience what feels like a living Soviet open-air museum, propped up by Russian money and oil. The ethnic Russian population here feared unification with Romania when Moldova declared independence, leading to a brief civil war that ended in stalemate in 1992.
3
Explore the Communist monuments, Soviet architecture, and propaganda displays that make Transnistria the last enclave of the Soviet Union. The hammer and sickle, Lenin statues, and Soviet-style buildings remain proudly displayed.
Activities
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Take frequent minibuses from Chisinau's bus station to Tiraspol. Make sure to register with the Immigration office - if crossing by train, check in at the train station; if by car, register when you cross the border. Brush up on Red Tourism etiquette and Cyrillic before going.
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Rudi Monastery, a gorgeous Orthodox monastery in the middle of flower-laden fields with no tourist crowds. Built towards the end of the 18th century in the distinctive 'witch's hat' architecture popular with contemporary Romanian monasteries.
2
Admire this monastery that miraculously survived throughout the Communist era to be reestablished as a holy center once again. The peaceful setting among fields and orchards creates a contemplative atmosphere far from the bustle of Chisinau.
3
Visit the Struve Geodetic Arc UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in an almost unmarked field in Rudi. This legendary monument to scientific discovery stretches across ten countries from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and standing here you're at an important point in the history of geodesy.
Activities
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Experience one of Moldova's hidden treasures - the Struve Point in Rudi offers no fanfare and no other tourists, just the peaceful satisfaction of visiting a UNESCO site that few travelers ever reach.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
2h30
🗺️ Itinerary map
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures (12-22°C), blooming countryside, and comfortable weather for exploring cities and wine regions. Moderate crowds and reasonable prices make this ideal for sightseeing and vineyard visits.
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather (18-28°C) perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and vineyard tours. Peak tourist season with highest prices but best conditions for experiencing Moldova's wine culture and rural attractions.
Autumn (September-October): Harvest season offers ideal wine tourism with grape picking, festivals, and beautiful fall colors. Cool temperatures (10-20°C), fewer crowds, and authentic local experiences.
Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures (-2 to 8°C) with potential snow, lowest prices, and cozy wine cellar visits. Limited outdoor activities but intimate cultural experiences and authentic local atmosphere.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Moldova?
European hidden gem with wine culture, traditional heritage, and authentic experiences. Experience underground wine cellars, traditional crafts, and genuine European culture. The country offers cultural authenticity with natural beauty and excellent value. Moldova provides authentic European experiences with cultural richness and natural preservation.