Moldova from Iasi: Chisinau & Cricova Winery Day Tour

Summary

Private Moldova tour from Iasi with Chisinau city walk and wine caves

You’ll cross into Moldova from Iasi with a local guide who handles everything—visit Capriana Monastery’s peaceful grounds, stroll through Chisinau’s parks and Soviet-era streets, then descend into Cricova’s vast wine cellars for tastings (and maybe lunch). It’s a day full of contrasts and small surprises that stays with you long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we crossed the border from Iasi into Moldova—just a quiet stretch of road, then suddenly Cyrillic signs and that odd feeling you get when everything looks familiar but isn’t. Our guide, Andrei, handled the paperwork (which honestly looked confusing), so we just sat back and watched the landscape flatten out. First stop was Capriana Monastery. The air smelled faintly of incense and old stone, and there was this gentle hush inside, like everyone was holding their breath. Andrei told us about Stefan the Great—his name comes up everywhere here. I tried to imagine him walking these same paths centuries ago.

Chisinau surprised me. It’s not pretty in the usual sense—lots of blocky Soviet buildings—but there’s something honest about it. We wandered past their Arc de Triomphe (smaller than Paris, but people seem proud of it) and through a park where old men played chess on battered boards. At one point, our guide pointed out a statue of Prince Stefan; he said Moldovans see him as a kind of national grandfather. There was this bakery smell drifting from somewhere—I never did find it—and kids chasing pigeons near the Holy Gates. The city feels lived-in, not staged for tourists.

Cricova Winery was next, which is basically an underground city for wine. You actually drive through tunnels lined with bottles—so many that it almost made me dizzy thinking about it. The air down there is cool and smells faintly sweet, like damp stone and grapes. We tasted a few wines (I liked the sparkling one best), and Andrei told us Putin keeps his collection here—didn’t expect that detail. There’s even some old Nazi stash tucked away behind iron gates; history gets weird sometimes. Lunch was optional but honestly worth it—simple food, nothing fancy, but paired with wine it just worked.

The drive back to Romania felt quieter somehow—I guess we were all thinking about how close Moldova is, but how different it feels once you’re there. I still think about those tunnels under Cricova; something about the silence down there sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Moldova and Cricova Winery

• Visit Capriana Monastery
• Tour Chisinau city highlights
• Explore Cricova Winery and wine tasting

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Moldova day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Iasi are included in the tour.

How long does it take to reach Chisinau from Iasi?

The drive from Iasi to Chisinau takes around 2-3 hours each way depending on border crossing times.

Are entrance fees covered in the tour price?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Do you need your passport for this day trip?

Yes, since you cross an international border into Moldova, bring your valid passport.

Is lunch included at Cricova Winery?

Lunch at Cricova Winery is optional—you can choose to add it during your visit.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide; other languages may be available upon request.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 12 years old; children must be accompanied by two paying adults for child rates to apply.

How much walking is involved during the tour?

A small amount of walking is involved in Chisinau and at Capriana Monastery.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Iasi, entry fees to all sites visited—including Capriana Monastery and Cricova Winery—a guided walk through Chisinau’s main sights with a local expert, wine tasting at Cricova’s underground cellars (with optional lunch), transportation by modern vehicle throughout the day, plus bottled water along the way before returning to Romania in the evening.