Moldova 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Chisinau

Morning:

  • Breakfast at a local café (Recommendations: Cafe Central or Greenwich)
  • Visit the National Museum of History of Moldova to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
  • Stroll around the city center, visit Elias Church, Triumph Arch, and Parliament Square.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a traditional Moldovan restaurant (Recommendations: Caru’ cu Bere or Ochamir)
  • Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and St. Theodore’s Church for some beautiful architecture and spiritual experience.
  • Explore the Moldova Wine Museum, located in a cellar of a traditional Moldovan house, to learn about the country’s famous wine industry.

Evening:

  • Dinner at a local restaurant (Recommendations: Caru’ cu Bere or Ochamir)
  • Enjoy some live music at Hanul cu Tei or visit the Garden of Sculptures.

Things to Know:

  • Moldova is known for its wine, so don’t forget to try some local varieties.
  • The official language is Romanian, but Russian is widely spoken as well. English is less common, so it may be helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook.
  • Tipping in restaurants is customary and usually around 10%.

Transportation:

  • Chisinau has a good public transportation system with buses, trolleybuses, and trams. You can also use taxis, but make sure to agree on the price before getting in.

Day 2: Exploring Orheiul Vechi and Cave Monasteries

Morning:

  • Breakfast at a local café or hotel
  • Head to Orheiul Vechi, an ancient settlement located on a plateau above the Raut River. Here you can explore the ruins of a medieval town, visit the Church of St. Theodore, and enjoy the beautiful views.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Orheiul Vechi or Milestii Mici (Recommendation: Milestii Mici)
  • Visit the Milestii Mici Winery, one of the largest wine cellars in the world, and take a tour to learn about their unique methods.
  • Explore the Cave Monasteries of Soroca, known for their distinctive architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Milestii Mici or return to Chisinau and have dinner there (Recommendations: Caru’ cu Bere or Ochamir)

Things to Know:

  • Orheiul Vechi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so remember to respect the historic buildings and artifacts.
  • The Cave Monasteries are located in Soroca, about 100 km from Chisinau, so plan accordingly or consider hiring a tour guide or taxi.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to visit Moldova for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it’s always best to check the current visa requirements for your country before traveling.

Transportation:

  • To reach Orheiul Vechi and Soroca, you can rent a car, take a bus or hire a taxi. There are also organized tours available if you prefer.