Chisinau City Breaks - Moldova 2008

Chisinau is often referred to as 'Small Rome' as it lies over seven hills. However, the similarity ends there. Treelined boulevards and numerous parks make Chisinau feel more like a sleepy provincial capital than the Eternal City. There are plenty of excellent restaurants, all offering varieties of Moldova's national treasure - its wine. Moldova was known as the vineyard of the former Soviet Union and, given the quality of Moldovan wine, it is easy to see why.

Tours are available of the cavernous Cricova wine cellars. If your waistline demands an escape from fine dining, step back in time to the Soviet Union with a day trip to the self-proclaimed republic of Transdniestr. Lenin statues and socialist banners are evident on every main street. Close to Chisinau lies the spectacular Orheiul Vechi cave monsatery. Orthodox monks carved out the monastery in the 13th century and today a handful of monks are slowly restoring the caves.

Regent recommends...eating at one of Chisinau’s best restaurants ‘La Taifas’. This is a cosy traditional restaurant serving the best of Moldova’s national cuisine. Try mamaliga a type of Moldovan polenta or tocana a hearty lamb stew, all accompanied by delicious Moldovan wine – “Pofta buna!” as the Moldovans say!