2 Days: an Interesting Tour Old Orhei&Cricova &Transnistria

Tucked away in the heart of Eastern Europe, Moldova offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and Soviet-era relics. This 2-day tour promises to whisk travelers through the country’s rich heritage, from the awe-inspiring Old Orhei archaeological site to the renowned Cricova Underground Wine Cellars. But the journey doesn’t end there – venture across the Dniester River and explore the intriguing region of Transnistria, where time seems to have stood still. With each step, this immersive experience unveils the unique essence of Moldova, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for its complexities.

Quick Points

• Explore Moldova’s rich history and culture by visiting the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, featuring a cave monastery and defensive walls.
• Discover the world’s second-largest wine cellar at Cricova, with guided tastings and a chance to immerse in Moldova’s winemaking heritage.
• Cross the Dniester River to Transnistria, a region with a distinct Soviet-influenced identity, and witness its striking communist-era monuments.
• Indulge in Moldova’s culinary delights, including hearty local dishes and a selection of renowned Moldovan wines.
• Utilize a combination of private and public transportation, including buses, minibuses, and trolleybuses, to navigate the tour comfortably.

Exploring Old Orhei’s Wonders

One of the highlights of the tour is the Old Orhei Archaeological Complex, where visitors can enjoy the region’s rich history.

This former medieval town dates back to the 13th century and features a breathtaking cave monastery carved into the limestone cliffs. Guests can explore the intricate network of caves, churches, and dwellings that were once home to Orthodox hermits.

The complex also boasts impressive defensive walls and towers, reminders of the site’s strategic importance over the centuries.

With its stunning natural setting and well-preserved historical structures, Old Orhei offers a captivating glimpse into Moldova’s fascinating past.

Discovering Cricova’s Underground Wine Cellars

After exploring the captivating historical wonders of Old Orhei, the tour takes visitors underground to discover the renowned Cricova wine cellars.

Descending into the vast labyrinth of limestone tunnels, guests are immersed in the world’s second-largest wine cellar. Stretching over 120 km, the underground city houses millions of bottles, some aged for decades.

Visitors can stroll through the enchanting "streets" named after famous composers and savor the robust flavors of Cricova’s renowned wines during a guided tasting.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Moldova’s vibrant winemaking heritage and appreciate the dedication behind crafting these exceptional vintages.

Crossing the Dniester River

As the tour traverses eastward, participants cross the Dniester River, the natural border separating Moldova from the breakaway region of Transnistria.

This crossing marks an intriguing transition, as the group enters a territory with a distinct Soviet-influenced identity.

The change in scenery and atmosphere is palpable, with imposing monuments and symbols of the communist era dotting the landscape.

Crossing this boundary offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex historical and political dynamics of the region, providing a thought-provoking contrast to the cultural experiences encountered earlier in the tour.

Admiring Transnistria’s Soviet Monuments

Stepping into Transnistria, the group is immediately captivated by the region’s striking Soviet-era monuments. Towering statues and grandiose memorials stand as testaments to the communist past. The group explores the impressive array, marveling at the scale and symbolism.

Monument	Significance
Lenin Statue	Honoring the Bolshevik revolutionary leader
Eternal Flame Memorial	Commemorating fallen soldiers
Transnistria Independence Monument	Celebrating the region’s autonomy

These monuments offer a glimpse into Transnistria’s unique identity, shaped by its Soviet heritage. The group contemplates the complex history as they wander through this time capsule of communist-era architecture and symbolism.

Savoring Moldova’s Culinary Delights

Upon arriving at the first lunch stop, the group eagerly dives into Moldova’s vibrant culinary landscape. Hearty local dishes are served, like sarmale – cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice.

The savory flavors are complemented by a selection of Moldovan wines, which the group samples during an included tasting. Lunch also features traditional desserts, such as placinte – flaky pastries filled with sweet cottage cheese or apples.

Throughout the meal, the guide shares insights into the country’s rich food heritage and the agricultural traditions that shape its cuisine. The group relishes the opportunity to enjoy Moldova’s gastronomic delights, which prove to be a highlight of the tour.

Navigating Moldova’s Public Transportation

How does one navigate Moldova’s public transportation system during the tour? The private transportation provided as part of the tour package makes getting around easy and efficient. However, for those interested in experiencing the local public transit, it’s a straightforward system to navigate. Buses, minibuses, and trolleybuses are the primary modes of transportation within cities. Fares are inexpensive, and routes are well-established, connecting key sites and neighborhoods. To make the most of public transit, consider this handy guide:

Transportation Type	Typical Route
Buses	City centers, residential areas
Minibuses	Connecting suburbs to city centers
Trolleybuses	Main thoroughfares in larger cities

With this information, visitors can confidently explore Moldova’s public transportation network during their tour.

Accommodations and Accessibility Considerations

The tour package includes three nights’ accommodation, providing visitors with comfortable lodging during their exploration of Moldova.

Breakfast and lunch are included, ensuring travelers are well-fed throughout the day.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.

Infant seats are available, allowing families with young children to participate.

The tour’s proximity to public transportation further enhances accessibility.

Pricing and Flexible Cancellation Policy

The tour’s pricing starts from $399.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

This flexible pricing model ensures that travelers can enjoy the tour at a rate that fits their budget.

Plus, the tour offers a generous cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This provides peace of mind for travelers who may need to adjust their plans last-minute.

With a 5.0 overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, the tour has consistently received positive feedback from previous participants, further reinforcing its value and quality.

The Final Verdict

This captivating 2-day tour immerses you in Moldova’s rich heritage. Explore the ancient Old Orhei complex, savor renowned wines at Cricova’s underground cellars, and discover Transnistria’s Soviet-era monuments. This journey highlights Moldova’s historical significance, culinary delights, and vibrant winemaking tradition, providing a memorable and thought-provoking adventure.