Moldova Tours

Fly to Chisinau and transfer to hotel for 7 nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a typical Moldovan restaurant while serenaded with traditional musical performances. (D)

Morning walking tour of Chisinau  including the main street of the capital – Stefan cel Mare, the Central Cathedral, the Parliament building and the alley of literature classics in the park of Stefan cel Mare. In the afternoon, visit the Capriana Monastery. Rest of day free to explore at leisure. (B,L)

Drive to Causeni and visit a marvellously preserved church from the Tatar-Mongolian era in the 15th century. Continue to the Purcari Winery and enjoy a tour of its cellars followed by a wine-tasting session where you will sample varieties such as Rosu de Purcari and Negru de Purcari – known as ‘the Queen’s wine’ as the 1990 vintage is a particular favourite of Queen Elizabeth II. (B,L)

Begin the day with an excursion to the Cricova wine cellars – one of Moldova’s most popular cellars, housing a huge collection of exclusive wines. Head to the north of the country to visit Tipova, one of the oldest cave monasteries in the country, before continuing to the Orheiul Vechi region to explore its uniquely picturesque 13th century cave monastery carved into limestone rock. Visit a museum showing the traditional life of Moldavian farmers in the 19th century, before returning to Chisinau. (B,L)

In the morning, depart for Soroca city where you will visit a medieval fortress which played a key role in defending the country against the Turks, the ‘Candle of Gratitude’ monument and a gypsy district. See the traditional village of Pokrovka before a short excursion to the scenically located Rudi nunnery and Kalarashevka monastery. (B,L)

Today, travel to the south of Moldova to explore the Gagauzia region, inhabited by Gagauzians and Bulgarians. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of area’s capital, Gagauzia-Comrat and visit the National Gagauz history and ethnographic museum to gain an understanding of the culture of this region. After lunch, visit a stud farm in Ceadir-Lunga where thoroughbred Vladimir’s Trotters are raised, before returning to Chisinau for some Gaugazian cuisine. (B,L)

Today visit the capital of Transdniestr, a self proclaimed independent republic, which has dreams of joining Russia. Located 40 miles southeast of Chisinau in the Nistru Valley, Tiraspol is considered to be a living museum of Soviet culture. With a population of 200,000 the city still has its share of Lenin statues, monuments such as a T-34 tank on a pedestal and retained names of its streets like Lenin Street. Tour the Historical Museum and visit the KVINT brandy factory to sample some high quality cognac before taking a sightseeing tour of Tiraspol. Return to Chisinau in the evening. (B,L,D)

Transfer to airport for flight back to UK. (B)