Half day: Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery
Description
What makes this tour unique? Unlike a typical tour, there’s no script, no rushing, and no list of things you have to see. This is a private and completely customizable day — if you want to change the plan, stay longer somewhere, or skip something, we simply do it. Your guide is not a teacher giving you a history lesson. He’s a local who has lived his whole life in Moldova, showing you his country the way he would show it to a friend. Expect relaxed conversations, jokes, stories, spontaneous stops, and honest, non-biased opinions about Moldova and everyday life. Come as a guest, leave feeling like you spent the day with a local friend.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet and greet in Chisinau, followed by a scenic one-hour drive to the Churchi Monastic Complex.
Mănăstirea Curchi is one of the most beautiful and important monastic complexes in Moldova, located in the forests of Codrii Orheiului, near Orhei. Founded in 1773, the monastery developed into an impressive architectural ensemble of five churches built between the 18th and 19th centuries. The main church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, features elegant classical and baroque elements and dominates the peaceful valley landscape. Closed during the Soviet period and later restored, Curchi today stands as a symbol of spiritual revival and architectural heritage. A must-visit destination for lovers of history, culture, and sacred
The Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Complex represents one of the most important tourist and archaeological sites of the Republic of Moldova, located in Orhei district, along the course of the Răut River, near the villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni. The area covers a vast territory characterized by limestone gorges, spectacular natural landscapes, and historical remains of exceptional value.
Cricova Winery is one of Moldova’s most renowned wine destinations, located just 11 km from Chișinău. Famous for its vast underground wine city, Cricova features over 120 km of limestone tunnels, ideal conditions for wine aging, and an impressive collection of rare wines. Visitors can explore the underground galleries, discover traditional winemaking techniques, and enjoy wine tastings in beautifully decorated cellars.
Return to Chisinau, followed by a scenic one-hour drive back to the capital.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We’ll pick you up from your preferred location. Once your tour is confirmed, your guide will contact you via WhatsApp or your preferred app. You’ll receive all details about the guide and vehicle in advance, so everything is clear and stress-free.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
Tour guide, Gabriel, was excellent. Very professional, knowledgeable and straightforward in sharing information and views. He flexed with my desires to speed things up or go more slowly. It was the perfect way for me to see things outside of Chisinau for a half day, that would be difficult for me to get to on my own. I thought all of the tours were quite pricey, so my rating on value is not a reflection of this specific tour.
Our guide, Cristian, was very kind and explained everything clearly. It was a pleasure to learn about traditional Moldovan life and nature.
Our private tour with Moldovan Guides was fantastic, our guide and driver Christian was very friendly and helpful, provided water and snacks and told us the history of this amazing country. Visiting Old Orhei and Curchi monasteries were a great experience. Christian took us to a very special restaurant call Época de Pietra which is a restaurant inside a cave, food was delicious and the service was great. On our way back to Chisinau Christian went out of his way to take us to another site not included in our tour. We really enjoyed our day on our tour and will advice anyone visiting Moldova to do it.
