Day 4: A Journey Through Moldova’s Sacred Heritage & Underground Wine Cellars
The day will begin with a visit to Curchi Monastery, one of Moldova’s most remarkable monastic complexes. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and fortified with towers at each corner, the monastery resembles a peaceful fortress hidden among the greenery. Its magnificent main church, built in 1810, combines the grandeur of Baroque elements with the elegance of traditional Moldovan architecture, creating a truly atmospheric and memorable place to explore.
You will continue the journey at Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) - a natural amphitheater revealing a territory which was first inhabited 40 000 years ago. You will set within a dramatic limestone canyon carved by the Răut River, this open-air historical landscape brings together ancient fortifications, cave monasteries, archaeological remains and centuries-old spiritual traditions. You will walk through a place shaped by both nature and history, where traces of human habitation date back thousands of years and the cliffs reveal the legacy of the ancient Sarmatian Sea.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a traditional Moldovan lunch at a charming guesthouse in Butuceni, surrounded by the authentic atmosphere of the Orheiul Vechi countryside. Savour local specialties such as zeamă, mămăligă and scrob, accompanied by homemade pastries and a glass of Moldovan wine — a delicious taste of Moldova’s rural traditions and hospitality.
After lunch, you will discover the world’s most impressive underground wine cities - Cricova Cellars. You will take part into an exclusive journey, where over 120 km of galleries unfold across nearly 53 hectares, each street bearing the name of a noble grape variety. During this private tour, you will discover the legendary wine collection, including one of Moldova’s oldest bottles, dating back to 1902, while gaining privileged access to areas usually reserved for specialists. A highlight of the experience is a behind-the-scenes encounter with the production of sparkling wines, crafted according to the authentic French Méthode Champenoise. You will observe the meticulous remuage processes — the traditional manual rotation of bottles to concentrate the sediments — and will even have the rare opportunity to try this delicate technique themselves, guided by experts.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Curchi Monastery,
Orheiul Vechi - a 40 thousand years-old natural amphitheater,
Butuceni guesthouse,
Cricova Underground Wine Galleries