Moldova’s main attractions are concentrated within Chișinău and the surrounding 100 km area. Organize your trip into three sections: 'City – Wineries – Valley' for a relaxed itinerary without the hassle of moving luggage between cities.
Metropolitan Christmas Cathedral → Triumphal Arch → Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard and Park → National Museum of History → evening shopping for dried fruits and honey at the Central Market. Everything in the city center is walkable, with no need for transportation tickets; for dinner, try a homestyle restaurant serving cornmeal polenta with grilled meat.
In the morning, take a taxi or book a guided tour to Cricova. Enjoy a roughly 2–3-hour underground train tour and sparkling wine tasting. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Mimi Castle Winery and enjoy a glass of Chardonnay in the French-style castle courtyard. Return to Chișinău for dinner in the evening.
Book a full-day private car or join a day tour to Orheiul Vechi Cave Monastery: explore the cliffside monastery, take in the valley viewpoints, and have lunch at a farmhouse in the village of Trebujeni. Watching the sunset over the golden valley from the ridge is the highlight of the day. The hiking trails are easy—wear sneakers and you’re good to go.
In the morning, visit the Mileștii Mici underground winery for a tour and tasting, return to the city for lunch, and head to the airport in the afternoon for check-in and departure. If your flight is late, pick up some rural cheese and honey at a suburban market as souvenirs.
| Item | Reference Price |
|---|---|
| Cricova Guided Tour + Tasting | 150–350 lei |
| Mileștii Mici Guided Tour + Tasting | 200–500 lei |
| Orheiul Vechi Private Car Day Tour | Approximately 1,000–1,300 lei (can be shared) |
| Homestyle Restaurant Meal | Per person 100–200 lei |
This 4-day itinerary is based in Chișinău, with no need to switch cities. Winery and monastery routes involve car or bus rides of 40 minutes to 1.5 hours one way. If traveling on weekends, book visits to Cricova and Mileștii Mici at least two days in advance. To add an extra day, combine a visit to Orheiul Vechi with the Căpriana Monastery for an Eastern Culture Day.