Day trips and tours in Moldova
The kinds of trip that run here, what each one involves, and when a guided tour is worth it instead of your own car.
A day of wine
Two wineries in a day, with a tasting at each. The most requested trip out of Chișinău — and the one where organised transport genuinely matters, because nobody drives after a tasting.
See the wineriesA wine weekend
Three or four wineries over two days, with a night on the road. It reaches the south, to Purcari, which is too far for a there-and-back day trip.
See the itineraryOrheiul Vechi in a day
The cave complex in the Răut valley, an hour from the capital. Marked trails run from one kilometre to over twenty, so it suits people who would rather not work for it.
About Orheiul VechiA monastery circuit
Țipova and Saharna are 35 km apart, on the bank of the Dniester — both fit into one day. Curchi is a separate addition, lying in the opposite direction.
See the routeCountryside and walking
The Codri forests, the Dniester gorges and the southern wetlands. A local guide earns their keep here: many paths are unmarked, and access shifts with the water level.
See the placesMoldova in 3–5 days
The capital, the wineries, the Dniester monasteries and a traditional village. Based in Chișinău, fanning out each day, it all fits comfortably.
See the itinerariesGuided tour or under your own steam?
It comes down to one thing: whether you are going tasting. Moldova is best seen by car — the distances are short, the main roads are good, and you can linger wherever you like. But if the day takes in two wineries and three tastings, somebody has to drive, and that somebody cannot drink. That is where a tour with transport included earns its money, even if you would happily have driven the rest yourself.
The second case for a guided tour is places without infrastructure. At Țipova you go down a dirt path with about 200 metres of descent, and the climb back takes some 40 minutes. A local guide knows where to park, how long it realistically takes and when it is too slippery.
What a tour usually includes
- Return transport from Chișinău — normally a minibus or a car, depending on group size
- Entry fees at the winery or the site
- The tasting — the number of samples varies a great deal between packages
- A Romanian-speaking guide, sometimes English or Russian as well
What is almost never included: lunch (paid separately, even when it is eaten at the winery), the bottles you buy at the end, and tips. Ask outright before you confirm.
When to go
Autumn, during the harvest, is the busiest time — above all the first weekend of October, when Chișinău holds National Wine Day. Rooms and tours are booked weeks ahead then. Spring and early summer give you the same wineries with smaller groups and more attention from the guides.
One thing that wrecks schedules: Soroca fortress is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and only opens from spring until November. If your tour includes it, check the day before you pay.
How the enquiry below works
We are not a travel agency and we do not sell the tours ourselves. We take your enquiry, match it to a local operator who actually runs the route, and put you in touch. The contract and the payment are between you and the operator. We do not publish prices, because they are not ours to set — the operator does, based on group size, the wineries chosen and the season.
If you would rather go under your own steam, we have ready-made itineraries with real distances and the route opening straight into Google Maps, plus everything you need to know about the trip from Romania.
Would you like us to put you in touch with an operator?
Tell us what interests you, for how many people and when. We will suggest the right option and connect you with the operator.
Everything you need for the journey
Airport transfer, car hire and travel insurance — book them all before you set off.
Chișinău airport transfer
Book a private transfer from Chișinău International Airport (KIV) to your hotel, a winery or anywhere else.
Book a transferHire a car in Moldova
The easiest way to reach the wineries, monasteries and villages. Compare prices across local and international suppliers.
See carsTravel insurance
Medical and baggage cover for your stay in the Republic of Moldova. A quote takes seconds.
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Where to stay in Moldova — compare and book
Hotels, apartments and guesthouses on the map, with prices compared across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
Questions about tours in Moldova
What does a wine tour include?
Usually transport from Chișinău, a visit to 1-2 wineries, tastings and, optionally, lunch. The details vary from package to package.
How much does a one-day wine tour cost?
We do not sell tours, so we do not publish prices. The operator sets the price, and it depends on group size, the wineries chosen and the season. Send us your enquiry and we will connect you with someone who can give you a firm quote.
Which day trips are possible from Chișinău?
Orheiul Vechi, Cricova, Mileștii Mici, Castel Mimi and monastery circuits (Saharna, Țipova) — all one to two hours from the capital.
Can I arrange a private tour?
Yes. We are not a travel agency — we take your enquiry, match it to a local operator who actually runs the trip, and put you in touch. The contract is between you and the operator.
Do tours run all year?
Yes, though spring and autumn (the wine season) are the best times to visit Moldova.
