Day 1: Arrive in Chișinău
Welcome to Moldova! When you arrive in Chișinău, take the day to settle in. This city is the country’s capital and offers a mix of Soviet architecture and modern touches. The streets are full of leafy green parks, historical buildings, and cozy cafes.
Spend some time strolling through Stefan cel Mare Central Park. If you’re up for it, visit the Triumphal Arch, an iconic landmark of the city. For lunch or dinner, try one of the many local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Moldovan dishes like “mămăligă” (cornmeal porridge) or “plăcintă” (a type of pastry).
Keep it light today, as there’s plenty more to explore over the next few days.
Day 2: Explore Chișinău
Dive deeper into Chișinău today. Start the day by visiting the National Museum of History of Moldova. It has a great collection of artifacts dating back several centuries, including exhibits on the country’s Soviet past.
Afterward, head to the Nativity Cathedral. This beautiful Orthodox cathedral is located in Cathedral Park, a great place to relax or people-watch.
Take a break at one of the many sidewalk cafes downtown and enjoy a local beer or wine. Moldova is famous for its wine, so get ready to experience more of that throughout your trip!
End your day at the local Piata Centrala, the central market in Chișinău. It’s chaotic, but it’s the perfect place to get a real feel for local life and pick up some snacks for the road.
Day 3: Cricova Winery
Today, take a short day trip to Cricova Winery, just 30 minutes outside of Chișinău. This place is famous for its vast underground wine cellars and is one of the largest in the world.
You’ll take a guided tour through these tunnels and learn all about the wine-making process and Moldova’s rich wine culture. Of course, no tour is complete without a wine tasting, so be sure to try the local varieties. Cricova is known for its sparkling wines.
After the tour, head back to Chișinău and enjoy a quiet evening in the city. If you didn’t try “zeamă” (Moldovan chicken soup) yet, now’s the time to do so.
Day 4: Orheiul Vechi Monastery and Butuceni Village
Head out of Chișinău today for a visit to one of Moldova’s most iconic sites: Orheiul Vechi. This is an ancient monastery built into cliffs that dates back hundreds of years. It’s rural Moldova at its finest. The landscape here is incredible, and the monastery is still used by monks today.
After exploring the monastery, spend some time in Butuceni Village nearby. Many homes here have maintained their traditional look, so it feels like stepping back in time. It’s a great place to have a meal in a local guesthouse, where you can taste fresh and homemade Moldovan dishes.
Return to Chișinău in the evening.
Day 5: Free Day in Chișinău
After several days of intense cultural experiences, take it easy today. Use this day to relax and explore Chișinău at your own pace.
You can revisit places you liked or head to one of the city’s many parks. Roses Park is particularly nice. If you’re into art, check out the National Art Museum of Moldova. Or, if you’re looking to relax, grab a coffee and people-watch in downtown Chișinău.
The city’s calm and laid-back vibe will help recharge your batteries after a busy few days.
Day 6: Day Trip to Transnistria
Today, take a day trip to Transnistria, a breakaway province that feels like stepping into a different world. Transnistria has retained much of the Soviet flair, with statues of Lenin still standing. Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, is about a two-hour drive from Chișinău.
Visit the House of Soviets, the Lenovo statue, and the Eternal Flame monument. Don’t be surprised if this place feels different from the rest of Moldova. It operates almost like its own country.
Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some “borscht” (beet soup). Then, head back to Chișinău for a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Soroca
Today, we’re heading north to Soroca. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive, but it’s worth it for its historical significance. Soroca is known for the Soroca Fortress, a medieval fortress that played an important role in protecting Moldova from invaders throughout history.
After visiting the fortress, spend some time exploring the town. Soroca is home to a large Roma community, and you’ll see lots of impressive homes in the Roma quarter.
Head back to Chișinău in the afternoon.
Day 8: Gagauzia Region
Today, venture south to Gagauzia, an autonomous region that’s mostly inhabited by the Gagauz people, an ethnic group with Turkish roots. This region offers a completely different vibe than the rest of Moldova.
Explore the town of Comrat, the unofficial capital of the region. Visit the local museum, which explains the history and culture of the Gagauz people. If you’re lucky, you might come across some local festivals and events, as Gagauzia is known for its lively cultural celebrations.
After a day of exploring, return to Chișinău.
Day 9: Milestii Mici Winery
Another wine day! Moldova is known worldwide for its wine, and today you’ll visit Milestii Mici, home to the largest wine collection in the world. The cellars here stretch for over 200 kilometers!
You’ll get to explore these vast underground wine storage rooms and, of course, taste some of the outstanding wines. This is an experience no wine lover should miss. (Pro tip: pack a snack—wine tastings can be quite extensive!)
After the tour, head back to Chișinău for a quiet evening.
Day 10: Hike in Codru Nature Reserve
Time for some nature! Take a day trip to Codru Nature Reserve, about an hour outside of Chișinău. This is one of Moldova’s largest national parks. Aside from the beautiful forests and trails, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot.
Spend your day hiking through the park’s trails, taking in the scenery and fresh air. It’s a great way to balance all the history and wine you’ve been indulging in.
After a day in nature, return to Chișinău and treat yourself to some hearty Moldovan food in the city.
Day 11: Căpriana Monastery
Today, visit Căpriana Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova. It’s located about 40 minutes from Chișinău and dates back to the 15th century. The monastery is set in a stunning rural area, surrounded by forests, and is still home to monks today.
You can take a peaceful walk around the grounds and learn about the monastery’s fascinating history.
After your visit, relax in one of the nearby villages with a local lunch. The countryside is incredibly tranquil.
Day 12: Back to Chișinău
Take the day to yourself. Whether you want to stroll around Chișinău one last time or catch up on some rest, today is your day to wind down.
If you missed some sightseeing earlier in the week—like the Pushkin Museum or the Parliament building—now’s a great time to check these out.
In the evening, consider taking a riverboat trip along the Dniester River. It’s a nice way to enjoy a final sunset in Moldova.
Day 13: Free Day or Shopping
You’re almost at the end of the trip! Use today to pick up any souvenirs, grab some last-minute photos, or revisit a favorite neighborhood.
There are plenty of markets scattered around the city where you can buy local handicrafts or wine to take home. Check out the small stalls near the central market for affordable local handicrafts, as well as wine shops for one last taste of Moldovan grapes.
Day 14: Departure from Chișinău
It’s time to say goodbye to Moldova. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have a bit of time for one last stroll around the city. Grab a coffee or have one final meal before heading to the airport.
This 14-day trip has given you a great mix of Moldovan highlights and hidden gems, with plenty of time to immerse yourself in the culture. Safe travels home!
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