Itinerary

Day 1 Chisinau
Upon arrival in Chisinau you will be met and taken to your centrally located hotel. Afternoon walking tour of the city center. See the main street of the capital, Stefan cel Mare, the Central Cathedral, the Parliament building, the alley of literature classics in the park of Stefan cel Mare. Welcome evening in the typical Moldovan restaurant “La Taifas”. Overnight in Chisinau.

Day 2 Chisinau-Tipova-Orheiul Vechi-Butuceni-Chisinau
Departure to the north part of the country to visit Tipova, one of the oldest cave monasteries in Moldova. On the way back, lunch at a rural pension, which includes national Moldovan dishes, home-made wine and a small folklore program. After lunch, your tour continues with an excursion to the Orheiul Vechi region, visiting the unique cave monastery (13th cent.), carved in limestone rock, part of the picturesque landscape. On the other side you can see the ruins of the Geto- Dacian fortress. Visit the house-museum, that reflects the traditional life style of Moldovan farmers (19 century) in the village Butuceni. Return to Chisinau for overnight.

Day 3 Chisinau-Hincu-Milestii Mici-Chisinau
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Puskin Museum in Chisinau. Then excursion to the house-museum of Puskin located in the Dolnaland estate of Z. Ralli Arbor, where the famous Russian poet had stayed during his exile in Moldova. A short visit to Hincu, the monastery located in the picturesque Codri forest, being one of the favorite places of the pilgrims and tourists. Later visit the monastery of Capriana (15th cent.), which is the residence of the metropolitan bishop and the symbol of national revival. Lunch at a restaurant on the way. In the afternoon-excursion to Milestii Mici, the largest “underground wine city” in Europe (length 200 km), that was included in the book of “Guinness World Records”. Enjoy a small wine tasting. Return to Chisinau for Overnight.

Day 4 Chisinau-Soroca-Pokrovka-Chisinau
After an early breakfast, tour to the city of Soroca. Visit the medieval fortress with its original design, which played an important and key role in defensive battle against the Turks. Visit the monument called, “the Candle of Gratitude” and sightseeing of the district where the Gypsy’s live. Drive to old believer village of Pokrovka. On the way visit the monument “Struve Geodetic Arc”. Lunch in a restaurant with Russian food “Pokrovsky manor”. Later you will enjoy a short excursion to the Rudi Nunnery. Return to Chisinau for overnight.

Day 5 Chisinau-Iasi-Chisinau
Early drive from ChiÅŸinău to IaÅŸi in Romania. Upon arrival enjoy a city tour that includes the Palace Square, a walking tour, along the Åžtefan cel Mare blvd., visiting the “Trei Ierarhi” monastery, the Catholic Diocese, Orthodox Cathedral, National Theater, Assembly Square with its A.I.Cuza monument.Continue to the Eminescu Square and Copou blvd, visiting the University A.I.Cuza ( the exhibition Lost Steps Hall ). Lunch in national style at the restaurant (“Bolta rece”, “Hanul 3 Sarmale” etc.) After lunch visit of the Cetăţuia Monastery. Return to Chisinau for overnight.

Day 6 Chisinau-Gagauzian Area-Ceadir-Lunga-Chisinau
Tour to the south of Moldova visiting the Gagauzian area which is inhabited by Gagauzians and Bulgarians. Short sightseeing tour of the capital of Gagauzia-Comrat. Visit the National Gagauz history and ethnographic museum “D. Cara-Ciobanu” in Beshalma introduces the history and culture of the Bulgarians and Gagauzians in south Moldova. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with Bulgarian and Gagauzian food . Continue to Ceadir-Lunga. Visit a stud-farm in Ceadir-Lunga, where thoroughbred Vladimir’s trotters are raised. Return to Chisinau for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Day 7 Chisinau-Causeni-Purcari Winery-Chisinau
In the morning transfer to Causeni, for a visit to the church (15 century) with its original architecture of the of the Tatar-Mongolian era. Continue for a visit to the Purcari Winery. Enjoy a tour of the cellars and wine-tasting including “Negru de Purcari” and “Rosu de Purcari, which were delivered to the Queen’s court. Lunch at the Purcari’s Winery restaurant. Departure to Chisinau for overnight.

Day 8 Chisinau-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport. You can extend your stay in Moldova or continue to Romania or Ukraine.

Additional nights available.