Cricova Winery – Old Orhei & Cave Monastery

Discover the rich heritage and captivating landscapes of Moldova on this full-day tour. Start at the renowned Cricova Winery, where you’ll venture underground into its historic tunnels and sample world-class wines. Then, uncover the archaeological wonders of Old Orhei village, with its medieval fortress ruins and stunning vistas. The final stop, the Cave Monastery, offers a glimpse into the country’s spiritual past, inviting you to explore its ancient Orthodox traditions. This comprehensive experience promises to immerse you in Moldova’s diverse cultural tapestry, leaving you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Explore Moldova’s rich cultural and historical heritage with a guided tour of the Old Orhei archaeological complex, featuring medieval fortress ruins and churches.
• Discover the winemaking traditions of Moldova with a full-day excursion to the Cricova Winery, including a guided wine tasting and free time at Old Orhei.
• Experience the serene atmosphere of the Cave Monastery, offering insights into Moldova’s religious and historical past through guided tours of the underground chapels and chambers.
• Enjoy a personalized wine tasting experience at Cricova Winery, led by knowledgeable sommeliers who provide an informative overview of the production process and unique characteristics of the wines.
• Benefit from flexible pricing, a free cancellation policy, and hotel pickup and drop-off services for a seamless and customizable tour experience.

Old Orhei Village

The Old Orhei village is an archaeological complex that showcases the rich history of Moldova.

Located along the Raut River, the site features the ruins of a medieval fortress, churches, and residential areas dating back to the 13th-15th centuries.

Visitors can wander through the well-preserved remains, gaining insights into the lives and practices of the people who once inhabited this region.

The village’s strategic location atop a limestone cliff provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Exploring Old Orhei is a chance to step back in time and uncover the fascinating past of this cultural heritage site in Moldova.

Cricova Winery Tour

After exploring the historical Old Orhei village, visitors embark on a captivating tour of the renowned Cricova Winery.

This full-day excursion from Chisinau delves into Moldova’s winemaking traditions, offering a personalized experience.

The tour highlights include:

• A guided wine tasting at the historic winery
• Free time to explore Old Orhei independently
• A professional guide to provide insights
• Complimentary snacks, lunch, and drinks
• Pickup and drop-off from the hotel or apartment

With a moderate physical fitness level required, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems.

Visitors are advised to confirm the pickup time in advance and provide any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Winemaking Traditions

Cricova’s centuries-old winemaking traditions permeate every step of the tour, as visitors explore the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

The guide passionately explains how Cricova’s underground tunnels provide the ideal temperature and humidity for aging wines, while the winery’s artisanal techniques reflect generations of expertise.

Guests learn about the intricate process of harvesting, crushing, and fermenting grapes, and how Cricova’s master blenders skillfully craft distinctive varietals.

The winemaking demonstration showcases the attention to detail that goes into each bottle, from the careful selection of oak barrels to the meticulous blending and bottling.

Through this immersive experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Moldovan wine culture and its enduring commitment to quality.

Cave Monastery Exploration

Exploring the captivating cave monastery at Old Orhei offers visitors a glimpse into Moldova’s rich religious and historical heritage.

Located within a stunning natural landscape, the cave monastery has been a site of spiritual significance for centuries. Visitors can explore the monastery’s past, uncovering its unique architecture, intricate frescoes, and the stories etched within its walls.

The experience includes:

• Guided tour of the cave monastery’s underground chapels and chambers
• Insights into the region’s ancient Orthodox Christian traditions
• Opportunity to appreciate the monastery’s harmonious integration with the natural environment
• Chance to explore the surrounding hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints
• Time to reflect on the site’s spiritual and cultural significance

Guided Wine Tasting

Immersing visitors in Cricova Winery’s rich winemaking legacy, the guided wine tasting experience showcases the region’s celebrated vintage varietals. Led by knowledgeable sommeliers, guests embark on a sensory journey, sampling the winery’s finest offerings. The tasting includes an informative overview of the production process, from grape cultivation to barrel aging. Participants learn to distinguish the unique characteristics of each wine, from the subtle notes of fruit and oak to the depth of the tannins.

Tasting Experience	Duration	Wines Sampled	Price
Classic Tasting	45 mins	5 wines	€10
Premium Tasting	60 mins	7 wines	€15
Deluxe Tasting	90 mins	10 wines	€25

Personalized Experience

Beyond the captivating wine tastings, Cricova Winery offers a truly personalized experience that immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of Moldovan winemaking. The private tour guides share in-depth knowledge, tailoring the experience to guests’ interests.

Visitors can:

• Explore the winery’s underground maze of limestone tunnels, discovering hidden cellars and tasting rooms.
• Gain insights into the time-honored traditions of winemaking, from grape cultivation to barrel aging.
• Indulge in a guided tasting of the winery’s award-winning vintages, each paired with local delicacies.
• Enjoy the serene ambiance of the historic site, away from the crowds.
• Customize the tour to include visits to nearby attractions like the ancient Cave Monastery.

Group Size and Pricing

The Cricova Winery tour offers flexible pricing to accommodate groups of various sizes. Prices start at £147.80 per person, with discounts available for larger groups.

Whether you’re visiting solo or as part of a larger party, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your group’s needs. The tour provider offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Booking is easy, with a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option available. With the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan your Cricova adventure with confidence.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Moldova’s rich winemaking heritage.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Cricova Winery tour is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spots online or by contacting the local provider directly.

The tour is available daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and guests can choose to be picked up from their hotel or apartment. It’s essential to confirm the pickup time in advance with the local provider.

• The tour is priced starting from £147.80 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size.
• Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
• A Lowest Price Guarantee ensures customers get the best deal.
• The "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option allows for flexible booking.
• Dietary requirements should be communicated when making the reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Entire Tour Typically Take?

The full-day excursion typically takes around 6-7 hours to complete, including transportation to/from Chisinau, the guided tour of Cricova Winery, and free time to explore the Old Orhei archaeological complex.

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

The tour provides private transportation, picking up guests from their hotel or apartment and transporting them to the various sites throughout the day. Transportation is included in the tour price for a seamless and convenient experience.

Can Children Participate in the Wine Tasting Activities?

The winery tour’s minimum drinking age is 18 years, so children cannot participate in the wine tasting activities. However, they can join the tour and explore the winery and Old Orhei village with the group.

Are Professional Photographs Available for Purchase During the Tour?

While professional photos are not included in the tour package, visitors can purchase photographs at additional cost during the Cricova Winery tour to capture their wine tasting and winery exploration experiences.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the tour involves walking through the wine cellars. Dress in layers as the underground cellars can be cool.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Moldova’s cultural and historical highlights. Visitors can enjoy the winemaking traditions of Cricova Winery, discover the archaeological wonders of Old Orhei, and explore the spiritual heritage of the Cave Monastery. With guided tastings, stunning landscapes, and a personalized experience, this tour provides an engaging and memorable way to experience the best of Moldova.