Day 4: Curchi Monastery, Orheiul Vechi - a 40 thousand year-old natural amphitheater and Château Vartely winery

The first stop of this day will be at Curchi Monastery. The monastery is surrounded by a high wall of stone, set with towers at each corner, creating the impression of a fortress. The Nativity of Virgin Mary Church built in 1775 by Iordache Curchi is an example of neo-byzantine style, while St. Nicholas Church has monumental forms built in classicism style with baroque elements.

Next, you will set off on a time travel to Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) to see a natural amphitheater revealing a territory which was first inhabited 40 000 years ago. The Cultural, Natural and Landscape Reserve Orheiul Vechi includes a series of historical and cultural monuments as well as natural landscapes in the gorge of the Raut River. Ancient fortifications, cave monasteries, monks and hermits – here you can follow the history of this region. The remnants of the first human settlements were found in the stone caverns from here. On the rocky hill, you will find the ruins of a strong Geto-Dacian fortification, which acted as a sanctuary for celebrating religious holidays and rituals in this prehistoric community. The originality of Orheiul Vechi landscape is due to the gorge of the Raut River, dug under the form of a canyon in the limestone layers of the former Sarmatian Sea, about 14 million years ago.

You will have lunch at a guesthouse in Butuceni village where you will taste dishes from the local cuisine.

After a copious meal, you will visit Château Vartely winery in Orhei town. Château Vartely is a modern complex, which comprises 4 hotel-type houses, 2 restaurants, 3 tasting rooms, and a huge inner yard. In the cellars and then in tasting rooms you will be acquainted with the particularities of Château Vartely wines, you will learn how they are made, kept and served and you will have the opportunity to taste some of them.


HIGHLIGHTS: Curchi Monastery, Cultural, Natural and Landscape Reserve Orheiul Vechi, Château Vartely winery

Day 5: Visit in the south-east region of Moldova and discovery of Et Cetera and Château Purcari wineries

This day is dedicated to wineries discovery! In the morning, you will visit Et Cetera family winery in and take part in the excursion and wine tasting carried out by the owner of the winery who will inform you about the methods of wine production and maturation. At Et Cetera winery, you will enjoy a lunch prepared from products of the region and Crocmaz village.

After lunch, the trip will continue to the French style Château Purcari winery in Purcari village. If you are a wine enthusiast or just love to be in beautiful, pristine surroundings and listening the songs of birds, Purcari estate is definitely the place you need to visit. The old mansion’s galleries feature great collections of Purcari wines, some bottles dating back to 1948. The winery is famous all over the world due to the legendary wine “Negru de Purcari” - the elixir that in 1878 was highly appreciated on the international arena by being awarded the gold medal at Paris World Exhibition. In the tasting room, decorated in royal style, you will have the opportunity to taste Purcari wines including “Negru de Purcari” wine, which has been the choice of some of the world's most recognized dignitaries.


HIGHLIGHTS: Et Cetera winery, Château Purcari winery

Day 6: Time travel in Tiraspol – Back in the USSR

In the morning, you will set off on a time travel in Transnistria. While in Tiraspol, you will discover a real treasure – Aquatir Sturgeon Complex, one of the largest hatcheries in Europe. The complex is equipped with the latest technologies and the fish can reach the size of a man. You will get the chance to taste one of the most expensive culinary delights – caviar.

During the city tour in Tiraspol, you will discover Vladimir Lenin’s monument and the tank left from the Second World War. The city seems to be a vestige of the Soviet past. Nevertheless, you will be amazed by the contrasts, one of which is the football complex „Sheriff” - a pearl of contemporary architecture.

In the afternoon, you will have lunch at a restaurant in Tiraspol.

After lunch, you will visit Kvint wine and brandy factory where harmony, refinement and tradition underlie the oldest and most genuine spirits. Here you will be acquainted with the taste of Kvint, Doina, Tiras, Nistru and Surprise spirits.


HIGHLIGHTS: Aquatir Sturgeon Complex, Tiraspol city, Kvint wine and brandy factory

Day 7: Odessa – the pearl of the Black Sea

In the morning, you will depart to Odessa city, known as the pearl of the Black Sea.

Once arrived in Odessa, you will have lunch at a local restaurant where you will enjoy Ukrainian traditional dishes.

During the city tour you will discover the varied architecture of urban development which will allow you to take a journey through all the old epochs and styles. You will see such architectural pearls as the Opera and Ballet Theater, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, Potemkin Stairs, considered the city's flagship, the Seaside Boulevard and the Derybasov Street serving as a meeting place for locals and tourists. In addition, you will discover the Port of Odessa and its extraordinary history and see the statue of Duke De Richelieu, the founder of the city.


HIGHLIGHTS: Odessa city

Day 8: Departure from Odessa, Ukraine

On departure day, you will be transferred from the hotel to Odessa International Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you will have the option to explore Odessa for a while on your own in the morning.