Top Attractions to Visit on Your Moldova Tour

Even though it is a small but fascinating nation, peeking between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova belongs to the list of most underestimated traveling spots in Europe. This small diamond is full of surprises but it is a small place that has a lot of charm to offer the travelers, and they have the opportunity to visit it combining the historical sites, the beautiful vineyards, the antique monasteries and good hospitality. A visit to Moldova is like entering into a fiction book- cobblestone streets give way to rustic villages and scenic hills are interspersed with monasteries hewn out of cliffs. As a history lover, wine tasting expert or a nature enthusiast, a vacation in Moldova will be a refreshing and genuine experience unlike the other tourist spots.

Visiting the best tourist destinations in Moldova enables one to see the best culture and amazing scenery of the country. Starting with the magical Orheiul Vechi Monastery to the wine cellars of Cricova, buried under the ground, Moldova is offering you a chance to experience the world where time apparently slows down and traditions come alive. Under the Customized Moldova travel packages, you have the option of making your trip what you want it to be, whether a cultural tour, a nature trip, or a wine tasting tour. Go Kite Tours is one of the best travel companies that offer vacation tours to Moldova and when planning your trip, you are guaranteed of a seamless and memorable experience. We are going to reveal the most significant sightseeing places that render Moldova a place to visit.

1. Complex of Monasteries of Orheiul Vechi.

One cannot visit Moldova without visiting one of the most stereotypical Moldovan landmarks, namely, Orheiul Vechi. The complex is a 60 km northeast of Chisinau in a beautiful river valley cut through by the Rau river. The cave monastery is the best highlight as it is cut right through the cliffs of limestone by monks over centuries ago. The spiritual experience can be enjoyed by walking in the old caves, whereas the overall view of the valley at the bottom is breathtaking. Besides the monastery, there are historical ruins in the city of Orheiul Vechi that date back to the time of Dacians and Tatars. The open-air museum in the area is the representative of the ancient culture of Moldova, which is why it is the location every history enthusiast should visit. Orheiul Vechi is often included in many Moldova vacation tours by Go Kite so that the tourist can have the opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Moldova.

2. Cricova Wine Cellars

Cricova Wine Cellars which is often referred to as one of the largest underground wine cellars in the world is a heaven of wine lovers. These tunnels built underground with a distance of 120 kilometers hold millions of bottles of wine of fine Moldovan wine. The humidity and temperature in the inside remain the same throughout the year making it the ideal place to age wines. Tours around the cellars can be used by the visitors who will get to know about the winemaking traditions of Moldova, which are as old as thousands of years. The tour is usually finished in a nice wine-tasting session in beautifully decorated halls. The sparkling wines made in this place are particularly well known - even the world leaders have tried them! To any visitor who is part of the Customized Moldova travel packages, Cricova is quite a must visit destination that blends with both luxury and history coupled with the real Moldovan culture.

3. Milestii Mici Wine Cellars

Although Cricova is popular, Milestii Mici is the holder of the Guinness world record in ranking the largest wine collection in the world having more than two million bottles. Due to its location right south of Chisinau, this underground city of wine covers an astonishing 200 kilometers. The tunnels are frequently used by the tourists who drive through the tunnels going to the wine storage facilities that are named after the grape varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot. A vacation tour of Moldova, which includes a visit to Milestii Mici, is a trip that will live up to the memories. You will see the ancient customs of production, will experience the world-quality wine, and understand how Moldova has gained their status as one of the best wine destinations in Europe.

4. The Capital City – Chisinau

Modern life is something that comes into conflict with rich cultural heritage and Chisinau, the colorful capital of Moldova is where it all revolves around. Parks, Soviet structures, museums, and a vibrant cafe culture are the city draws. The Nativity Cathedral, Triumphal Arch, Stefan cel Mare Park, and National Museum of History of Moldova are some of the major attractions. The main market that can be located in the city center is a good experience of the typical life in the city, fresh products, crafts, hand-made goods and the traditional snacks of Moldovan cuisine. The lovers of night life will get a chance to visit the fashionable bars and restaurants in Chisinau where one can drink local wine freely and listen to live music in the air. Numerous Moldova vacation tours through Go Kite start and finish with Chisinau that allow the tourists to absorb the vibrant charm of Chisinau.

5. Soroca Fortress

Soroca Fortress is one of the most impressive medieval monuments of Moldova that is situated on the banks of Dniester River. The circular stone fortress constructed by Stephen the great during the 15 th century was a major defense mechanism against invasions. The marvellous architecture of the Moldovan medieval architecture is reflected in its five towers and strong walls. The fortress also has its own cultural importance, because there is a huge Roma community in the fortress, which brings the multicultural color to the place. The fortress walls are built on a panoramic view of the river Dniester which makes it an ideal tourist destinations among history lovers and photographers.

6. Tipova Monastery

One more spiritual treasure is the Tipova Monastery which is one of the oldest cave monasteries of Eastern Europe. It is located close to Dniester River and is surrounded by natural beauty, i.e. waterfalls, cliffs and greenery. The complex has a series of cave cells and churches hewn out of the rock, dating back to the 11th century. The nature and adventure tourists will find Tipova to be the best place to visit due to the scenic hiking trails it has to offer. A good number of Customized Moldova travel packages will encompass the visiting of Tipova to a person who is interested in tranquility and also sightseeing.

7. Saharan Monastery and Waterfalls.

The Saharna Monastery is a very popular pilgrimage site situated close to Tipova and is one of the most frequented monuments in Moldova. The monastery is located in a valley and is surrounded by hills and it has a miraculous icon of the mother of god. The Saharna River flows down into more than 20 small waterfalls that near each other and the most holy place is the Holy Footprint, supposedly the footprint of the Virgin Mary. The blend of spiritual and natural beauty makes Saharna a relaxing getaway to people who are seeking to experience nature and religion.

8. The Codru Forest Reserve

The Codru Forest Reserve is a place of interest to those who love nature and animals. It is the oldest nature reserve in Moldova that occupies large areas of forestland with flora and fauna. Tourists would be able to visit the reserve on guided eco-trails and visit the Forest Museum that exhibits local wildlife. The reserve is a great way to forget about the city hustle and get into the nature providing another side of the charm of Moldova peaceful, green, and untouched.

9. Old Orhei Archaeological Complex.

The town of Old Orhei in itself is a cultural and historical treasure on top of its monastery. The site contains the traces of the several civilizations, such as the Dacians, Mongols, and Moldovans. The tourists are able to find the ancient fortresses, ruins and outdoor exhibits that show us how people used to live here throughout centuries. The history lovers will find this site a profound overview of the past of Moldova. Old Orhei, together with a trip to the neighboring villages, will be a perfect rural experience that characterizes Moldovan hospitality.

10. Transnistria A Travel Back in Time.

It is impossible to complete the list of Moldova tour without visiting the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria, which still preserves the Soviet customs. In the capital, Tiraspol, it is possible to experience a time-warp, those Lenin statues, Soviet style buildings and old cars. Although Transnistria has complicated political situation, the country remains safe to tourists and provides an intriguing look at a unique culture that has preserved most of the Soviet culture. The walk along Dniester River, the Suvorov Monument or the taste of the local caviar are all recollections of this off beat destination.

11. Purcari Winery

Purcari Winery is one of the oldest and the most prestigious Moldovan wineries, which is located near the Ukrainian border. It was founded in 1827 and is known because of its red wine purcari negral which used to be offered in the royal families of Europe. The superb estate blends luxury and heritage, as one can visit the vineyards, taste and even spend some night in luxurious rooms amongst gorgeous vineyards.

12. Capriana Monastery

Capriana Monastery is one of the most significant religious places in Moldova which was built in the 15th century. It used to be a dwelling of the Moldovan Metropolitan and is full of ancient manuscripts and frescoes that have been restored recently. The monastery is located in the very center of green forests, which provides rest and contemplation to the pilgrims and the tourists who come to visit.

13. Gagauzia Autonomous Region

Gagauzia is a fascinating territory, which is situated in the south of Moldova, being characterized by the unique mixture of cultures. Gagauz is a people of Turkic origin but which practices the Eastern Orthodox Christianity and therefore this has given it a unique cultural identity. Tourists may also visit the traditional villages, sample the local foods and even visit folk festivals where their traditional celebrations are done. The addition of Gagauzia to the Moldova vacation tours with Go Kite enables the tourists to get to know Moldova diversity even outside the country.

Conclusion

Moldova is possibly some of the unknown destinations in Europe but its beauty is in its authenticity, hospitality and untainted scenery. Every single corner of the country has a story, whether in its ancient monasteries, medieval castles, or its world-renowned wine cellars and nature reserves that have never been changed. The best Moldova attractions sites have something that can please any traveller, be it history, culture, wine, or nature.

Using Customized Moldova travel packages, you will be able to shape your trip according to your liking, visiting the best attractions and the less popular ones of the fascinating country. By going with Go Kite Tours, you will be guaranteed of a well structured, outstanding, and hassle-free experience, enabling you to have maximum enjoyment of the Moldova beauty, without having to worry about a complicated schedule. Get your Moldova adventure going and have the opportunity to explore the country where time is slowed down, traditions are flourishing and every minute seems truly memorable.