Chisinau: Cricova Wine tour &Old Orhei Archeological Complex

If you’re after a day that combines Moldova’s captivating landscapes, fascinating history, and world-renowned wine, this tour promises an experience packed with variety and authenticity. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews offer a vivid picture of what to expect.

What draws many travelers to this adventure is the chance to see three standout highlights: the massive underground Cricova wine cellars, the Old Orhei archaeological site, and the quaint villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni. All these spots showcase different facets of Moldovan culture—whether through the lens of ancient history, modern viticulture, or traditional village life.

One thing to keep in mind is the full-day length, which involves several stops and some walking, including climbing stairs at the cave monastery. So, this experience suits those with a decent level of mobility and a curiosity for diverse sights. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who love a mix of scenic beauty, delicious wine, and historical sites in one seamless journey.

This tour is perfect if you’re seeking a structured, guided day that balances cultural insights with sensory pleasures—especially wine tasting—and want to explore Moldova beyond the capital.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary covering wineries, archaeological sites, and villages.
• Expert guides providing knowledgeable insights and local tips.
• Underground Cricova cellars are a highlight with their extensive tunnels and wine collections.
• Authentic village visits unveil Moldova’s rural charm and cultural traditions.
• Wine tasting includes four different wines and snacks, showcasing Moldova’s winemaking excellence.
• Small group size (limited to four people) ensures a personal experience.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics.
• One of the best values for a full-day experience combining history, culture, and wine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Full Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup in Chisinau

Your day begins with a convenient hotel pickup, ensuring you don’t have to worry about transport logistics. The small group size (up to four participants) promises a more intimate and flexible experience, with attentive guiding and personal attention.

First Stop: Old Orhei (2 hours)

Old Orhei is a central highlight of the tour—an open-air archaeological complex that showcases ancient settlements and carved cave dwellings. The tour typically lasts around two hours, giving you ample time to soak in the historical atmosphere.

Reviewers like Christine praised the site as “spectacular,” and the guide’s local knowledge enhanced the experience. Be prepared to walk around uneven terrain and wear comfortable shoes, especially since exploring involves some uneven paths and steps.

Stop at Butuceni Village (1 hour)

Next, you’ll visit the quaint village of Butuceni, known for its traditional Moldovan lifestyle. Here, you can enjoy guided sightseeing and a walk through authentic rural streets. Some travelers, like Giuseppe Giancarlo, appreciated the “personal touch and deep knowledge” their guides brought during these stops.

This area offers a peaceful contrast to the archaeological site, with opportunities to see local houses, meet villagers, or just enjoy the scenic countryside.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cave Monastery at Bodie

A highlight of the trip is the Bodie Cave Monastery, accessible after climbing approximately 200 steps. The guided visit here reveals the intriguing history of this cave complex, carved into the cliffs over centuries. The climb might be a consideration for those with mobility concerns or altitude sickness, but the views and sense of stepping back in time make it worthwhile.

Break Time in Butuceni

After the monastery, you’ll have about an hour to relax in Butuceni. Many visitors find this a good chance to grab a coffee, reflect on the morning’s sights, or simply enjoy the tranquil rural landscape.

Cricova Winery Tour and Wine Tasting (Almost 3 hours)

The centerpiece of the day is the Cricova underground wine cellar, the largest in the world, with miles of tunnels and streets named after famous wine varieties like Cabernet, Feteasca, and Riesling. The tour here offers a chance to walk through the underground city—an impressive feat of viticulture engineering.

Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll see the wine maturation sections, sparkling wine production areas, and the famous underground cinema. The tour includes tasting four wines, paired with nuts and biscuits, allowing you to savor some of Moldova’s best vintages—something reviewers like Karolina called “incredible” and Giuseppe appreciated for the “deep knowledge” of the guides.

Return to Chisinau

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be taken back to your hotel, with plenty of time to reflect on the diversity of Moldova’s culture and landscape. The comfortable vehicle and guided experience help keep the day smooth, especially after a busy schedule.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Expert Guides and Personal Touch

Many reviews highlighted the quality of guides—Liliya was praised for her kindness, knowledge, and personal attention. Guests appreciated her international standing and the way she made the tour engaging and informative.

Authentic Cultural Experiences

Visiting villages like Butuceni and Trebujeni offers a glimpse into traditional Moldovan life, far from touristy spots. These stops are not just sightseeing points but windows into local customs, architecture, and rural landscapes.

The Winery Experience

Cricova’s underground tunnels are an absolute highlight—walking through a subterranean city of wine, with its own underground cinema, makes for a memorable visit. The wine tasting, with four varieties and snacks, offers excellent value, especially considering the scale and quality of the cellar.

Scenic and Historic Balance

From ancient cave dwellings and archaeological sites to lush countryside and wine cellars, this tour balances history and nature beautifully. You get the chance to walk through centuries-old sites while also experiencing Moldova’s modern viticulture.

Value for Money

Considering the extensive itinerary, expert guiding, entry tickets, and tastings included, this experience offers great value. The price reflects a full day of immersive experiences, not just a quick look at key sights.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs.
• The tour involves several hours of walking, so be prepared for some physical activity.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for photos—especially in Cricova’s tunnels and the cave monastery.
• Check the availability and starting times in advance, as it’s a one-day experience.
• The tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, people with altitude sickness, or those over 95 years old.
• Hotel pickup simplifies the day, but be ready 10 minutes early.
• The small group size means a more personalized experience, but also requires early booking due to limited spots.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Moldova’s unique blend of history, culture, and wine. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy immersive experiences, authentic local culture, and high-quality wine tastings. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Liliya and Vasilii, make the journey both informative and personal.

It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see the highlights without rushing, with plenty of scenic views and cultural insights along the way. If you’re curious about Moldova beyond the capital, crave good wine, and enjoy exploring archaeological sites, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The only caveat is the physical activity required, especially climbing stairs at the cave monastery, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue. But overall, this is a rich, engaging day that offers excellent value and authentic experiences—perfect for making your Moldovan trip truly memorable.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics hassle-free.

How long is the total tour?
The entire day usually lasts around 8 hours, with multiple stops and some walking.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of 1 to 4 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What can I expect at Cricova?
You’ll explore underground streets and tunnels, see the wine maturation and sparkling wine production areas, and enjoy a tasting of four different wines.

Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, the tasting of four wines is part of the package, served with nuts and biscuits.

Can children join this tour?
It’s not explicitly stated, but given the physical activity involved, it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, due to stairs at the cave monastery and uneven terrain, it’s not suitable for wheelchairs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a camera for photos.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the guide speaks English, Russian, and Romanian, accommodating diverse travelers.

This full-day journey into Moldova’s wine, history, and rural charm offers a rewarding experience that balances cultural learning with sensory indulgence. Whether you’re a history buff, wine lover, or simply seeking a scenic escape, this tour provides a solid introduction to what Moldova has to offer.

You can check if your dates are available here: