Moldova Discovery
7 days, Chişinău to Chişinău
Itinerary
Day 1Chişinău
Arrive at any time. After an evening welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk Chisinau
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, ATMs and some of the main sights.
Day 2Chişinău
Set out this morning with a local guide on a walking tour of Chisinau. Pass by some of the city's main sights and historical landmarks like the Parliament building and gaze at the beautiful architecture of the City Hall and St. Pantelimon Church. In the afternoon, visit Cricova Winery for a tour of the underground wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of some of the wines Moldova is famous for. Return to Chisinau for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.
Guided Walking Tour Chisinau
Head out on foot with a local guide and walk around downtown Chisinau. Visit the Nativity Cathedral, Central Square, home to the Government buildings, Park of Stephen the Great, etc. Learn about the unique architectural style featuring Gothic and Renaissance elements with strong Italian influences. Depart with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the unique culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cricova Winery Tour and Tasting
Explore one of the most popular underground wineries in Moldova and contains the largest collection of exclusive wines in the country. Moldova is home to three cellars located in limestone caves and this is located at a depth of 80 meters and spans 160 km in length. Witness more than 70 streets covering an area of 53 hectares, each bearing Bacchic names - Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cahor, as well as the oldest bottle in Moldova, dated from 1902. Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars and learn of the process that makes these wines so special.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Chişinău/Butuceni
This morning, depart Chisinau for the North of Moldova. Stop at the Monastery of Saharna, a picturesque complex where you can relax in the shadow of a cascading waterfall, paired with ancient relics and deep history. Next, transfer to a local cheese factory in a small village for a light lunch sampling fresh cheeses, jams and wine. Learn how the initiative serves to support the community by providing employment and preserving Moldovan traditions. Continue to Butuceni Village for the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Saharna Monastery Visit
Set out on a self guided exploration of the Saharna Monastery, situated on the bank of the Nistru River. The picturesque Saharna offers views of soarkling waterfalls and lies in the shadow of rolling hills and lush forests. The relics of Saint Suvios Macarie are found in the complex and views of the chapel can be seen from the top of Grimidon hill. Legend has it that the footprints of the mother of God appeared in front of Saint Varfolomei in this location.
Your Local Living Moment: Fromage - Made in Moldova
Settle in for a light lunch and learn about Thierry Ernst, a frenchman who came to Moldova to offer humanitarian aid. He and his wife transformed an old school into an eco-friendly cheese factory using locally sourced milk and blending French and Moldovan traditions, creating employment, and directly helping local families. Learn about Thierry's program development beyond the cheese factory, and finish the experience by sampling locally produced cheeses, jams, and wine.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Butuceni
This morning enjoy some light hiking to Orheiul Vechi, an area of natural beauty shaped by the river Raut as it cuts into the rocky hills of central Moldova. In medieval times, the river Raut served as a travel route for merchants from as far away as Greece. After free time in the village, join a cooking class at an agro-pension in Trebujeni, then stroll back to the eco resort in Butuceni. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore or relax.
Hike to Trebujeni Village
Hike your way around Orheiul Vechi, beginning at your Butuceni homestead. Explore the landscape around the Raut riverbed and the Cave Monastery where you'll be rewarded with beautiful vistas and ample birdwatching.
Free Time
Relax and unwind after a morning of exploration. Take a free afternoon to explore however you wish.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class in Trebujeni
Take part in a cooking class and lunch at an agro pension in the village of Trebujeni. Learn to prepare local specialties like placinte, traditional pies with cheese, potatoes, cabbage and other seasonal ingredients. Savour the delicious flavours from fresh ingredients before returning to Butuceni.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Butuceni/Congaz
Embark on a day of cultural immersion into the Gaugazia region of Moldova. Start at the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum and learn of the local wedding traditions with an interactive presentation. Continue on to Comrat for a winery tour and tasting, then visit Gagauz Sofrasi, a cultural and culinary complex where you'll learn about local traditions and indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum Visit
Dive headfirst into the local culture as you join a mock traditional Gagauzian wedding ceremony located in the museum hall. Listen to local wedding songs and witness the gift giving traditions, one where women from both families unite and the mother-in-law provides an offering to her new daughter-in-law. Opt to participate in an artistic performance within the museum right in the hall where wedding dresses and the bride's dowry are exhibited.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vinuri De Comrat Winery Tour and Tasting
Tour the facility and sample the local flavours of the Vinuri de Comrat winery, in operation for 120 years. Learn of the traditions passed from generation to generation that lead to the unique Moldovan flavours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Gagauz Sofrası Meal and Experience
Enjoy Gagauz Sofrası, a cultural and culinary experience where you'll indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines. Enjoy a bread and salt greeting before your meal, alongside a short introduction to Gagauzian hospitality. Visit a traditional guesthouse, the ethnographic museum, the wine cellar, and the terrace. In the museum, you have the unique opportunity to try on Gagauz attire to immerse yourself deeper in the local culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Congaz/Chişinău
Wave goodbye to Congaz this morning and depart for the drive back to Chisinau. The remainder of the day is free to explore Moldova's capital city before regrouping in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your chance to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chişinău
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.