Moldova: Cricova Winery, Old Orhei & Curchi Monastery Day Trip

Summary

Cricova cellars old orhei caves and curchi monastery in one day

You’ll start your Moldova day trip exploring Curchi Monastery’s peaceful grounds before wandering Old Orhei’s cave monastery and ruins. Taste traditional Moldovan dishes in a village restaurant, then descend into Cricova Winery’s underground labyrinth for a guided tasting. Expect laughter, local stories, and moments of quiet that linger after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the cool air hitting my face when we stepped out at Curchi Monastery — it’s so green there, almost too green, with the domes just peeking through the trees. Our guide, Ion, waved us over to see the frescoes up close. He told stories about monks hiding here during harder times (he said “harder” with this little shrug). The bells echoed off the hills and I caught myself just standing still for a minute. I think it was the quiet that got me.

Then we drove on those winding Moldovan roads to Old Orhei — honestly, I’d seen photos but you can’t really get how wide open it feels until you’re there. The cave monastery is carved right into the cliffside. Inside, it smelled like wax and stone. There was an old woman lighting a candle; she nodded at us but didn’t say anything. Afterward Ion pointed out where Tatar ruins used to be — just bits of wall left now, grass growing everywhere.

Lunch was in Butuceni village at this place with embroidered tablecloths and soup that tasted like dill and something smoky (I should’ve asked what it was). We tried placinta — kind of flaky pastry with cheese inside. The owner’s son came by to pour us homemade wine; he grinned when we tried to say “noroc”. Not sure if we got it right but he laughed anyway.

The last stop was Cricova Winery. You go underground in these tunnels — they call them streets, which makes sense once you see how huge it is down there. It’s chilly and smells faintly sweet from all the barrels stacked along the walls. We tasted three wines (the sparkling one was my favorite) and nibbled on walnuts while Ion explained how some bottles have been aging longer than I’ve been alive. I still think about that echo when someone clinked their glass against the stone table.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Curchi Monastery and Old Orhei

• Visit Curchi Monastery complex
• Explore Old Orhei archaeological complex
• Tour Cricova Winery underground cellars
• Enjoy wine tasting at Cricova Winery
• Have lunch at local Moldavian restaurant

Top questions

How long does the Moldova day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, including travel between sites and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for the Cricova Winery & Old Orhei tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are entrance fees covered on this Moldova day trip?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price.

What food is served for lunch during the tour?

You’ll have traditional Moldovan dishes at a local restaurant in Butuceni village.

How many wines do you taste at Cricova Winery?

The guided tasting includes three types of wine plus snacks.

Is this tour private or shared?

The tour can be private or shared with small groups up to 8-10 people; usually groups are 3-5 people.

Are there guides throughout the Moldova day trip?

A professional guide leads you through all locations and shares local stories.

Is transportation provided between sites?

Private transportation is provided throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entry fees for Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, and Cricova Winery, private transport between each site, a traditional Moldovan lunch in Butuceni village with homemade wine tasting at Cricova, plus guidance from a knowledgeable local throughout your journey.