Itinerary Overview

D1-D2 Chișinău → D3 Cricova → D4 Orhei → D5 Mileștii Mici → D6 Tiraspol → D7 Return to Chișinău for departure. Moldova is a small country, so you can base yourself in Chișinău for the entire trip, making day trips or staying overnight in other cities. Most intercity drives take 1–2 hours.

D1-D2 Chișinău: City and Market

• D1: Arrive at Chișinău Airport → Explore Piata Centrala (Central Market) for local vibes → Visit the Metropolitan Christmas Cathedral → Stroll through Ștefan cel Mare Park and see the Triumphal Arch → Enjoy a traditional Moldovan dinner.
• D2: Tour the National History Museum → Walk in Catedrala Park → In the afternoon, visit the nearby Căpriana Monastery or Mimi Castle Winery, then return to the city for a homemade Moldovan meal in the evening.

D3 Cricova Wine Cellar: A Tasting Day in an Underground City

About 25 km north of Chișinău lies Cricova, where underground tunnels stretch approximately 120 km at a constant temperature of 10–14°C. Take a sightseeing vehicle through streets named after wines, visit the old wine collection museum, and sample sparkling wines. Guided tours are available in standard and VIP options—book in advance. Return to Chișinău in the afternoon and consider catching a ballet performance at the National Opera House in the evening, with tickets often costing just a few dozen lei.

D4 Orhei: A Monastery in the River Valley

The Orheiul Vechi cave complex is Moldova’s most famous cultural site: cliff-carved monastic cells overlook the Răut River Valley, while the 19th-century cave monastery and Trebujeni Village Museum sit atop the ridge. Take a minibus or book a private transfer. Set aside half a day for hiking and photography, and arrange a farmhouse lunch in the village with your guide if desired.

D5 Mileștii Mici: The World’s Largest Wine Cellar

The Mileștii Mici underground wine tunnels span about 200 km and house over a million bottles, earning the Guinness record as the largest wine collection in the world. The tunnels feature streets named after wines, with vintages stored by year. The guided tour and tasting take about half a day. Wine enthusiasts can opt for a premium tasting package, and rare vintage bottles can be purchased on-site for shipment home.

D6 Tiraspol: A Different World Across the River

Take a minibus or train (seasonal) to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. Soviet-style squares, Lenin statues, tank monuments, and old-world streets feel like a step back in time. After completing entry registration, you can stay for a few hours, try a local restaurant for lunch, and return to Chișinău in the evening.

D7 Wrap-Up and Departure

Spend the morning shopping for honey and jams at the market, or visit a liquor store to pick up vintage wines to take home (pack for shockproof shipping). Head to the airport in the afternoon for departure.

Tips

• Winery tours require advance booking, especially in summer and the week leading up to the Wine Day festival.
• Intercity transport relies on minibuses (marshrutkas), which run more frequently in the morning. Confirm schedules a day in advance at the station.
• Tiraspol uses its own ruble currency in cash, so exchange euros or dollars in Chișinău before crossing the border.
• Budget reference: Economy travelers can expect to spend around $35–$56 per day, while a more comfortable option with wine tastings costs about $70–$115 per day.

Budget and Booking

This itinerary costs approximately $35–$56 per day for budget travelers (including intercity transport and basic meals), or $70–$115 per day for a more comfortable experience including two winery tastings. Tours at Mileștii Mici and Cricova require booking 2–3 days in advance, and it’s best to reserve a week ahead during peak season (September–October). Minibus schedules are more frequent in the morning, so confirm departure times the day before your trip.