How to Plan a 5-Day Moldova Tour Itinerary

Organizing a Moldova tour could be one of the most satisfying traveling experiences one might have in his or her life getting to experience authenticity, old-world beauty, and the warmth of a home. Moldova is Europe’s secret country that is situated between Romania and Ukraine, where rolling vineyards, medieval monasteries, and peaceful countryside getaways are. As an Indian traveler who wants to hit the off-beat tour trail in Moldova, this 5-day tourism itinerary of Moldova will be the best choice ever in the history, food, and culture front.

We shall go into an elaborate itinerary of your memorable five days stay in this exquisite European destination.

Day 1: Arrival in Chișinău – The Capital of Charm

It all starts in Chișinău, the capital and cultural centre of the country of Moldova. Once you have landed at Chișinău International Airport, relax in your hotel and go on a cool evening walk in the city.

Begin your adventure with Stefan cel Mare Central Park, a green island that is ideal in relaxing after your flight. The Triumphal Arch and Cathedral Park, which are two of the most photographed in the city, are situated nearby. You should not forget to walk along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, which is full of local cafes, shops and wine bars.

To eat dinner, go to La Taifas or Propaganda Café where you should sample such Moldovan delicacies as mamaligă (cornmeal porridge), cheese pies, and the local wine. Your first night is spent in the warm and hospitable atmosphere, a promise of your pleasant days to come.

Day 2: Exploring Chișinău’s Cultural and Wine Heritage

Learn more about Chișinău and its culture on the next day. Begin with the National Museum of History of Moldova and there you will receive the hint of how the country went through centuries. Following that, make a short trip to Cricova Winery, one of the most popular underground wine cities in Moldova.

The tunnels of Cricova labyrinth cover more than 120 kilometers long and contain millions of bottles containing fine wine. One can do a guided tour, ride on a mini electric train going through tunnels, and also have a wine-tasting session in one of their fine halls.

In the afternoon, visit the Pushkin Museum, the residence of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in the course of his exile. Spend the evening having a peaceful dinner in one of the local restaurants, and taste more of the amazing wines of the country.

Day 3: Day Trip to Orheiul Vechi – Moldova’s Timeless Treasure

On the third day, you will explore the very core of the Moldovan spirituality and history, visiting Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei). This archaeological complex is listed by UNESCO and it is located along the Răut River and features cave monasteries hewn out of limestone cliffs.

Begin your trip by visiting the Orheiul Vechi Monastery, which houses the living and praying monks in caves as old as 13th-century. Next, visit the open-air museum of the traces of the ancient civilizations, i.e. the Dacian fortresses and medieval villages.

During lunch, have a classic lunch at a nearby village called Butuceni where people are serving home made meals using fresh products which are directly produced in their farms. This is the opportunity to enjoy the real rural beauty of Moldova.Return to Chișinău in the evening or stay the night in a rural guesthouse to have a relaxing time in the forest by the stars.

Day 4: Wine Country Adventures – Mileștii Mici & Castel Mimi

Any Moldova itinerary can never be complete without tasting its famous world wines. Today, you are going to spend the day on a wine tour to two of the most renowned estates in the country Mileștii Mici and Castel Mimi.

Start by visiting Mileștii Mici with the largest wine cellar in the world; 200 kilometers of underground tunnels! You will ride through the dark corridors that have thousands of wooden barrels and bottles. Do not pass up on trying their award winning red blends and sweet dessert wines.

Then, come to Castel Mimi, a beautiful winery and a masterpiece of architecture constructed at the end of the 19 th century. In this case, you have the opportunity to visit the vineyards, the wine-making process, and enjoy a gourmet lunch accompanied with their wine brand.

In case you do not want to inconvenience yourself, Go Kite Tours is an established travel agency in India that can plan a hassle-free time in Moldova, including personal transportation, sightseeing, and wine tasting. In the evening, go back to Chișinău, where you can get used to a rooftop shop or even have a dinner and watch the lights of the city.

Day 5: Transnistria Excursion – Step Back in Time

On an interesting last day, make a day trip to Transnistria, an independence movement of the country that seems like it is still in the Soviet era. Only a 1.5-hour drive off Chișinău, this self-proclaimed republic has a flag, a currency and a government of its own thus qualifying as one of the most interesting places to visit in Eastern Europe.

Go to Tiraspol, the capital of the region and visit such landmarks as Victory Park, Suvorov Square, and the House of Soviets. The nostalgic feeling and Soviet-era buildings are an unforgettable experience to history lovers in the city.

Eat lunch in one of the local restaurants to taste the menu that is affected by the Russian and Moldovan cuisines. Next, visit Bender Fortress, a huge, 16 th century fort located at the Dniester River and then head back to Chișinău. Finish up with a tranquil evening spent considering your motor trips - peaceful monasteries and subterranean wineries and monuments.

Final Thoughts: Moldova – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Moldova is not the first country a person would think of when organizing a European vacation and that is the very point. Its beauty is its simplicity the picturesque landscapes, the good-natured people, and the unchanging traditions. You can start by seeing the old monasteries or chat over wines in large vineyards, but all the time you are here you are experiencing something so genuine and so renewing to the soul.

Moldova is an ideal destination to tourists in India to experience comfort, discovery, and cost effectiveness. And in case you want an un-trodden European experience, there is nothing like the peace of Moldova countryside travel where time takes a back seat and each sunset is an intimate affair.