Curchi, Old Orhei & Cricova Tour: 3 Sites in One Day

Three centuries of Moldovan history in one morning, then underground galleries the size of a small city.

A full-day tour from Chisinau takes you to three landmarks: Curchi Monastery, the Old Orhei archaeological complex with its functioning cave monastery carved into cliffs, and Cricova's 70 underground streets. A live English guide, air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup are included. Wine tasting at Cricova is optional and paid separately at the winery. The tour runs 8 hours with driving time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Curchi, Old Orhei and Cricova

• Meet and greet in Chisinau
• Drive to Curchi Monastic Complex
• Visit Curchi Monastery and churches
• Explore Old Orhei archaeological site
• Visit Orthodox Cave Monastery
• Free time for lunch
• Tour Cricova underground galleries
• Drive back to hotel in Chisinau

The experience

The day starts with a one-hour drive from Chisinau to Curchi Monastery, one of Moldova's most recognizable religious sites. You'll walk through churches including the Virgin's Assumption Cathedral, designed by the architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. From there it's on to Old Orhei, where the archaeological complex sits on a bend in the river and holds the ruins of two cities that stood from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Orthodox Cave Monastery, expanded and modified inside the cliffs over centuries by monks, still functions today. The windows frame views across the valley.

After 50 minutes of free time for lunch (you arrange and pay for it separately), the tour moves to Cricova. The underground galleries stretch across 70 named streets covering nearly 53 hectares, each street named after a wine varietal: Sauvignon, Cabernet and others. The temperature stays around 12°C (52°F), so bring a warm layer. Wine tasting is optional: you can add one wine for 24 euros per person or four wines for 37 euros, paid directly at the winery in cash or card. The return to your Chisinau hotel wraps the day.

You can book this as a private tour or join a group. Both options include the guide, vehicle and pickup. Children from age 1 are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available on request.

What’s included

• Guide services in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup in Chisinau.
• parking fees at all three sites.
• entry to Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei archaeological complex and the Cricova underground galleries.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group tour with optional Cricova visitGuide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Includes pickup

Private tour with optional Cricova visitGuide in English or Romanian · 08:30 and 09:00Private tour, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Romanian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TopToursMoldova

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour if you're traveling as a family or small group and want the flexibility to set your own pace at each stop. The group tour works well if you're a solo traveler or couple and prefer to share the cost with others following the same route.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Romanian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the private tour and the group tour option?

Both options follow the same itinerary and include the same guide services, vehicle and hotel pickup. The private tour is booked for your group alone. The group tour joins other travelers on the same day.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but you'll have 50 minutes of free time at Old Orhei to eat. The operator can help you arrange a meal on request.

Do I have to do the wine tasting at Cricova?

Wine tasting is optional and costs extra, paid directly at the winery. You can choose one wine for 24 euros or four wines for 37 euros per person, or skip it and just tour the underground galleries.

How cold is it inside the Cricova wine cellars?

The temperature inside stays around 12°C (52°F), so bring a warm jacket or sweater even if it's warm outside in Chisinau.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a live English guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup in Chisinau, and parking fees. Wine tasting, lunch and any extras at the sites are paid separately.