Top Things to do in Chisinau
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Things to do in Chisinau, Chisinau District: The Best Cultural Tours
Boasting 23 lakes, innumerable parks and varied wildlife, Chisinau has one of the highest proportions of natural spaces of any city in Europe. Moldova's green capital is situated on the Bic River, surrounded by fertile land rife with vineyards, making it a popular destination for wine tours. The city is also renowned for its cognac and especially its award-winning beer, so arrive thirsty!
Restaurants in Chisinau
1. Private Day trip to Republic of Moldova - visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Cross the border to mysterious Moldova and its capital Chisinau on this full-day private tour from Iasi. With a guide at your side, explore Chisinau, seeing the Arc of Triumph, and visiting a winery in this up-and-coming wine region of a diminutive nation. Then cross back into Romania to conclude this full-day trip.
Inclusions: Transportation with a modern vehicle, Professional English-speaking guide, Hotel pick-up and drop off, Wine tasting, Bottle of water, Entrance fees
Exclusions: Lunch (approx. €13/person), Personal expenses
Reviewed By Matthias L
These monastaries you really have to see. Fantastic paintings outside and inside. And you will find so many details in the paintings. If you like crowded visits then go on a public holiday in Romania! :-) But if you want to take your time for checking the paintings better find another day!
2. Ukraine - Moldova Tour by Minivan from Kiev
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Guided tour to Ukraine and Moldova by minivan in a small group up to 6 people for 10 days. We welcome you to join this terrific tour by minivan through Ukraine, Moldova and Transnistria, where you will learn the history of two former USSR countries. You will walk around Kyiv and will be impressed by the antiquity and greatness of this city of contrasts. You will discover amazing ancient castle in Kamianets-Podilskyi and will feel the atmosphere of cosy and real European city of Chernivtsi which has deep Romanian influence. Odessa will surprise you with its charisma and hospitality. Moldova is a home to a rich wine culture. And Transnistria – unrecognised country – will overwhelm you by going back to USSR! Join us on this beautiful journey and connect with friendly people who will overwhelm you with their legendary hospitality. Let’s enjoy Ukraine and Moldova together as locals do!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation with meals as per itinerary, Professional guide, Tour escort/host, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Local taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, International flights
Reviewed By XcLuSivRN
I chose to go w/ JC Travel b/c they had the best price and I liked that I can visit the 3 main cities--Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa. I wanted to go visit the Holodomor during their remembrance day and Julia (the owner) did everything she can to accommodate me w/ during COVID mandates in Ukraine. She even reminded me when to get my COVID test done b/c you can't get it done too soon or too late esp when my travel time was like 28 hours. I also had to buy COVID health insurance as well, but it was really cheap (11 days for about 12 USD). All her tour guides and drivers were very helpful as well. I can't say enough good things about them. They really take good care of you. Now, why Ukraine? Ukraine is one of the countries open for travel for Americans during COVID and also b/c I love history. I didn't realize this but you get so much for your money traveling here than you would in other parts of Europe, including Russia. Kyiv has a lot of history w/ Russia/USSR (Kyiv also accept USD there btw) and another 2 hours up north is the Chernobyl nuclear plant (Pripyat), which most Americans don't know about unless they have HBO. Pripyat is an abandoned city that was once filled w/ so much life and dreams of a better future.. (Imagine being told to leave your home NOW and never see your home and valuables again b/c they would be looted or liquidated). The stray dogs are also wonderful. There were at least 3 dogs that act as a guide. I saw one of them leading another group and then another two that later found us and then later found our driver. I feel like you can't get lost in Pripyat Then there's Lviv if you want that European feel to it for less than half the cost. Odessa is by the Black Sea and its history is much more diverse. I had such a great time shopping and eating great food. Even though COVID makes life harder (b/c I hate masks and lockdowns), I'm so glad I chose Ukraine and was able to make it out here before our stupid mayor and governor told us we can't travel. Anyway, I would really recommend JC Travel. Julia is very organized and always there for you. Her guides speak very good English and you really get that first class treatment w/ this tour company!
3. Transnistria Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
A day tour through the country that doesn't exist by public transport and walking, offering you the most authentic experience of local life. The walking route is around 9-10km's which stretches in both Bender and Tiraspol city. Visiting the main sights, immersing yourself in history, having lunch at a soviet canteen, exploring the local market and transport helps you understand the situation in the autonomous state stuck in frozen conflict.
Inclusions: Fortress Entrance Fee, Return Transport , Trolleybus Ride, Private Guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Museum Entrance Fee, Souvenirs and other expenses
4. Private tour to Transnistria! Back in USSR!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Today I invite you to discover Transnistria. The old USSR is still alive and well in this autonomous region. It is a breakaway territory within the internationally recognized borders of Moldova. The country's national coat of arms still includes the traditional hammer and sickle and the Lenin statue hasn't yet been pulled down. This communist state is called "the last remaining Stalinist dictatorship in Europe". First stop is at Bender Fortress. In 1713, the fortress, the town, and the neighboring village Varniţa were the site of skirmishes (kalabalik) between Charles XII of Sweden, who had taken refuge there with the Cossack Hetman Ivan Mazepa after his defeat in the Battle of Poltava. After it, we will tour the city of Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria and drive north up to Dubassary city, along the Dniester River. You will be amazed about the communist monuments still to be seen on the way and about small towns like Grigoriopol and Dubasari!
Inclusions: Guiding Services Private, transportation, admission Tickets,Other
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Souvenirs, Food, Drinks, Snacks
Reviewed By Yuriy B
Its always a pleasure for me to be on tours organized by Razvan and Victoria. Now its more then tour for me, they become my friends! Always happy to see you! Yuriy
5. Private tour to Old Orhei!! Monks, carpets and rural heaven!!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Start the day with a visit to Curchi Monastery, a real pearl of our religious life. Here you'll see several churches, and among them - the "Virgin's Assumption" Cathedral, built by the drawings of genius architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Next stop to the Museum of Handicrafts and National Carpets, which by the way is protected by UNESCO. In the museum, we will see the process of carpet weaving using the old traditional ways. Further drive to the Old Orhei reserve, where you will have the possibility to experience the real village life of Moldova and also photo shooting local people. Don't miss the opportunity to arrange a lunch with a local family in Trebujeni village. In the afternoon we will visit the Open Air Museum Complex, which is "arguably Moldova's most fantastic sight". Here you'll see an Orthodox cave monastery called "St. Maria Dormata" expanded and modified inside the cliffs by the monks over the centuries!
Inclusions: Guiding Services, Private Transportation, Admission Tickets
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Souvenirs, Food, Drinks, Snacks
Reviewed By Irina5Barcelona
The company I work for hires Ways.md every time we want to organize a trip. We had multiple trips: Transnistria Trip (a country that doesn't exist), Gagauzia Trip/South of Moldova (including the only colhoz still acting in Moldova), Iasi trip (Romania), Chisinau City one day walking tour, and these trips were at the highest level. As their customer you won't have to worry about anything. They provide absolutely everything: transportation, reservation, tour guide, lunches, overnight staying. They will pick you up from the hotel and will bring you back with a lot of positive impressions and emotions. They are flexible to your request, if you want a personalized trip, they will adjust it to your interests and budget. Their tour guides speak very good English, Romanian, Russian and other. The transportation they provide for the trips are always clean modern and comfortable. Everything according to the number of guests. Without doubts I recommend this company if you intend to visit Moldova or Romania.
6. Private tour to Milestii Mici Guinness winery and Hancesti Noble Mansion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If you want to dive deeper in Moldova's history join me for this tour and let's drive to Hancesti town to see the Manuc Bey Mansion and it's museum, where the local guide will explain in details how this small country appeared on Europe's map. The mansion itself is a French-style castle, complete with a winter garden, guard towers, and a park. It was built in the second half of the XIX century by Alexander Bernardazzi, Moldova's most famous architect and for several decades has been owned by the Mirzoian family, Manuc-Bey's descendants. On the way back to Chisinau, let's visit Milestii Mici Underground Wine City, mentioned also in the Guinness Book of Records for having the biggest wine collection in the world. The length of this underground winery is 200 km at a depth of 40-85 meters. The constant temperature of 12-14ºC and the humidity of 85-95 % of this „kingdom of wine" ideally contribute to the full revelation of natural characteristics of elite wines.
Inclusions: Guiding Services, Private Transportation, Admission Tickets
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Souvenirs, Food, Drinks, Snacks
Reviewed By Irina5Barcelona
The company I work for hires Ways.md every time we want to organize a trip. We had multiple trips: Transnistria Trip (a country that doesn't exist), Gagauzia Trip/South of Moldova (including the only colhoz still acting in Moldova), Iasi trip (Romania), Chisinau City one day walking tour, and these trips were at the highest level. As their customer you won't have to worry about anything. They provide absolutely everything: transportation, reservation, tour guide, lunches, overnight staying. They will pick you up from the hotel and will bring you back with a lot of positive impressions and emotions. They are flexible to your request, if you want a personalized trip, they will adjust it to your interests and budget. Their tour guides speak very good English, Romanian, Russian and other. The transportation they provide for the trips are always clean modern and comfortable. Everything according to the number of guests. Without doubts I recommend this company if you intend to visit Moldova or Romania.
7. Return to the USSR - Excursion in Transnistria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Republic of Moldova was Soviet for almost 50 years and it has left its mark, one is Transnistria. And why not a trip to the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria? A small return to the USSR for a day, to say "I was there" .., to discover a territory without territory ... .., a country without a country ... The political situation is still complex today with Moldova, the tension is palpable but not dangerous for a foreign tourist. Visiting Transnistria is possible because it is not instinctively against tourism. Our agency organizes this trip with a mixture of discovery, pleasure of the palate and meeting with the soil. You will be able to discover the authentic aspects of a region still under a model that was thought to be out of date.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Private transportation all day, Tickets to all sites included in the itinerary
Exclusions: Optional excursions, Food and drinks, Personal expenses
Reviewed By Coco T
Great way to see two of the most interesting sites in Moldova. The Curchi monastery was beautiful, and the old Orhei village was beautiful. The authentic lunch at the ecolodge there was amazing as well. Friendly and professional driver. Definitely recommend!
8. Transnistria tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Tour of Tiraspol is a unique experience because give you an understanding how people use to live in the Soviet Union. On the streets you can met people that are nostalgic about Soviet Union and the atmosphere will make you think of that period. Book this tour if you want to see modern day Soviet city!
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Chingoncito
Dumitru was a great guide, very professional and willing to show me the type of architecture (mostly socialist housing buildings) I wanted to see. I haven't planned the tour much ahead and was lucky Dumitru had a few hours for me. I can recommend him to everyone looking for a customized experience.
9. 2 Excursions in One Day - Cricova Winery,Tiraspol City and Bender Fortress!
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 10 reviews
Excursion to Cricova winery and Tiraspol city, Transnistria, 2 excursions in one day. You will depart to one of the most fascinating places in the world, Cricova cellars. Founded in 1952, the cellars are situated underneath the small Cricova town and form an underground city. Your trip will continue in the Transnistria region, Tiraspol city, the capital of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic. The town was founded thanks to the Peace Treaty of Jassy, which was concluded after the Russian-Turkish War (1787-1791) between Turkey and Russia.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Wine tasting, Local Driver/guide, Business lunch
Exclusions: Food and drinks except indicated, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By pompidoul
Excellent experience to see how to produce and keep in perfect condition so many good wines. It is an attractive point to visit alone or with your family. Nice guide, good explanations and finally a small shop to buy amazing wines.
10. Cricova Winery - Old Orhei Cave Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
The tour is planned in such way, that you never get bored: - Pick up at hotel/apartment - 1 hour drive to Old Orhei - 1 hour exploration of the site - 2 hour for relaxing lunch/dinner - 45 minutes drive to Cricova - 2,5 hours excursion in the wine cellars - 1 hour drive back to Chisinau/hotel Total time needed: 7 hours
Inclusions: Snacks, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Lunch, Drinks
Reviewed By Juliet R
A must do. I did the evening tour with tasting. Tour of the expansive underground cellars which included salt displays and visiting the tasting rooms. You ride through the cellars on a motorized trolley which takes you to several of the major cellars. It is basically an entire city with street names underground. If you can, do a tasting tour as they do really formal seating with delicious samples. There is a video at the beginning in their bar/theater which explains the history & process. The tour is done by Crickova staff not your tour guide, and you may select the language. There is a superb gift shop.
