Underground wine cellars and cave churches in one day. This is a small-group Moldova highlights day that knits together Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei’s outdoor archaeological world, and a serious underground stop at Cricova.

I especially like that wine tasting is built in, with a guided underground visit plus three wine samples paired with nuts, biscuits, and water. One consideration: the day runs at a strong pace, and Cricova’s tasting portion can feel tighter than you’d want if your group is moving quickly, plus lunch is not included.

What Makes This Day Trip Work So Well

• Curchi Monastery plus Old Orhei: two different takes on faith, architecture, and time-worn sites, all in one outing.
• Cricova underground city: a real 60–80 meter descent with labyrinth-like wine sections and a guided tour.
• Wine tasting included: three wines, with basic pairings like nuts and biscuits, so you’re not hunting for extras.
• Small group size (max 10): more time for questions and less scramble than big-bus days.
• Hotel pickup in Chisinau: door-to-door convenience, starting and ending back at the meeting point area.

How This 8-Hour Loop Feels in Real Life

This is an 8-hour full-day plan built around variety. You start with a monastery complex, move into Old Orhei’s cave monastery and open-air ruins, then finish underground at Cricova for wine and a guided walk.

The rhythm matters. You’re not just driving past sights; you’re getting time on-site at each stop—about 45 minutes at Curchi, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes at Old Orhei’s archaeological complex, and about 2.5 hours inside Cricova.

Curchi Monastery: A Calm Start 30 km from Old Orhei

Curchi Monastery sits about 30 km from the Old Orhei area, and it’s known for being a two-plus-century heritage site of Moldovan religious architecture. It’s the kind of stop where the setting does part of the storytelling: you get a sense of why monastic life endured here long enough to leave such a clear physical record.

Admission is included, so you won’t lose time at the ticket counter. The visit is scheduled for about 45 minutes, which is enough to see the core complex without turning it into a rushed photo sprint.

Old Orhei: Cave Monastery, Open-Air Museums, and Shehr al-Djedid

Old Orhei is the big cultural centerpiece of the day, and it’s built like a layered puzzle. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes exploring several connected parts of the area:

• The well-known Cave Monastery, where religious devotion literally shares space with rock and shadow.
• Butuceni Ethnographic Museum, focused on village-life artifacts and housed in the tradition of early 20th-century culture.
• The ruins of Shehr al-Djedid, tied to the Tatar city (14th to 16th centuries), adding a different historical thread than the monastic sites.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not only one attraction. You’re moving through a space where nature and built remains both matter, so even if you’re not the type who memorizes dates, you’ll still walk away with a feeling for how the area worked over time.

The practical catch: the route is outdoors and includes walking on uneven areas. If you’re sensitive to steps or rough ground, wear proper shoes and plan on taking your time through the caves and museum-style spaces.

Cricova Winery: 60–80 Meters Down in an Underground Wine City

Then the day shifts gears. Cricova Winery is described as being an underground city at a depth of 60–80 meters, built around labyrinth-style corridors and wine sections. It’s one of those experiences where you understand the scale the moment you’re inside—this isn’t a single room with a few barrels.

Your Cricova time is about 2.5 hours and includes:

• a guided excursion through wine sections
• wine tasting of 3 types
• basic pairings: nuts, biscuits, and water

That included structure is a real value point. Wine tastings in many places can be all “show,” with you paying extra once you’re already there. Here, the tasting is part of the plan, and you’re given both the storage tour and the tasting in one block.

Ask About the Tasting Tempo (Especially If You Like to Compare)

A theme in the feedback I’ve gathered is that Cricova’s tasting can sometimes feel rushed, depending on the guide and how the group moves. You can help yourself by asking early for a moment to finish one pour before you’re pushed onward.

Also, Cricova is a working environment, and your language can depend on what’s available for the winery portion. The tour offers English, Italian, and Russian overall, but it’s smart to confirm at booking which language the Cricova staff portion will actually use.

Lunch Time at Old Orhei: Local Food, But Plan for It

Lunch is not included, even though the schedule builds in time for it at Old Orhei. You’ll have a window to eat at a local restaurant set up for a “local old-fashioned” style, with authentic Moldavian food.

Because lunch is separate, budget extra for it. If you’re trying to manage costs, you can still make this tour efficient by deciding what you want at the start of the lunch window—don’t assume there’ll be a long menu session.

Guides and the Small-Group Advantage

This is capped at 10 travelers, which is more than a huge bus but small enough to shape the day. In practice, it usually means:

• you can hear explanations better
• you get more chances to ask questions
• you spend less time waiting while the group regroups

Guide quality is a big factor. On this route, the standout names that have shown up include Slava, Nicolai, Gabriel, and Valeri—and the common thread in their style is that they connect what you’re seeing to Moldova’s past and present, not just facts.

One balancing note: the day is long, and some departures run with tight transitions. If you’re booking for a more relaxed pace, I’d go in expecting a well-organized itinerary, not a slow wander with zero schedule pressure.

Price and Value: Is $160 a Smart Deal?

At $160 per person, this isn’t a budget outing. The question is whether you’re buying time-saving and included costs, or just buying transportation.

Here’s what you get that pulls the value upward:

• hotel pickup and drop-off in Chisinau
• professional guide throughout
• private transportation
• entrance fees for the stops
• wine tasting included at Cricova

When you add those up, the price starts to make sense, especially if you’d otherwise spend on taxis between scattered sites and tickets you’d have to coordinate yourself.

Where you should be cautious: at least one person felt the tour was pricey given how the tasting portion played out. If wine is your top priority and you like extended discussion and side-by-side comparison, confirm whether any optional wine package upgrades exist and what you’re paying for.

If you’re traveling in a group and want maximum flexibility, you might be able to reduce costs with separate transport. But if you want a guided day that strings everything together cleanly, $160 can feel fair.

Getting Around: Pickup, Timing, and Comfort on the Roads

Pickup is offered from where you stay in Chisinau, and the day starts at Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel. You return back to the meeting point at the end.

Because it’s a full day, your comfort matters. One piece of practical advice: if you get motion sickness easily, choose a seat toward the front when possible and be ready for country roads. This is especially relevant if your vehicle ends up being a smaller car rather than a bigger minivan.

Also, the itinerary is time-based. You’ll feel the clock at transitions between Curchi, Old Orhei, and Cricova. Bring water and plan to keep your daypack minimal so you’re not juggling too much in and out of vehicles.

Languages: English, Italian, Russian

The tour offers language options in English, Italian, and Russian. The guide portion should match what you book, but the winery environment can sometimes add variability if staff support isn’t available in the language you hoped for.

If language matters to you, don’t assume. Confirm at booking that:

• your guide will interpret in your chosen language
• the Cricova tasting and tour portion will be conducted in that same language (or that translation will be clear and complete)

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Want Something Else

I’d book this if you want a single day that mixes three kinds of Moldova:

1) monastery spirituality and architecture at Curchi

2) cave monastery and open-air archaeology at Old Orhei

3) a distinctive underground wine experience at Cricova

You’ll also like it if you prefer small-group pacing rather than waiting around with dozens of people.

I’d think twice if:

• you want a slow, leisurely day with zero schedule pressure
• you’re very sensitive to bumpy rides and tight transitions
• you care most about the wine experience and want long tasting time with detailed winemaking conversation

Should You Book This Cricova and Old Orhei Highlights Tour?

Yes, if your goal is a guided highlights day that’s efficient, structured, and genuinely different. Curchi adds depth beyond the usual “one monastery photo,” Old Orhei gives you caves plus open-air museum culture, and Cricova’s underground setup is a rare experience you can’t replicate on your own in an afternoon.

Book it with two smart expectations: the itinerary is packed, and your tasting tempo depends on how smoothly the group moves. If you keep that in mind—and confirm language for the Cricova portion—you’ll get a memorable slice of Moldova that feels far bigger than the 8 hours on the clock.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start from in Chisinau?

It starts at Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel in Chisinau.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or other address in Chisinau, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What language options are available?

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Russian.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll visit Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei archaeological complex, Cricova Winery, and then you’ll have time for lunch around Old Orhei.

Is wine tasting included, and what’s included in it?

Yes. Cricova includes a wine tasting of 3 types of wines, plus nuts, biscuits, and water.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees are included for the stops.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch at Old Orhei is not included, though the schedule includes time to eat there.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.