Moldova 4 Day Itinerary

Moldova Itinerary: 4 Days of Wine, History, and Culture

Day 1: Chisinau Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
  • Visit: The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History (free admission) to get an insight into Moldovan history and culture.
  • Walk: Explore the city center, including the Stephen the Great Central Park, the Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity, and the Government House.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Moldovan cuisine and wine at a local restaurant. Try the popular dish “Mămăligă” (polenta with sour cream and cheese).

Day 2: Wine Country

  • Morning: Visit the Orhei Vechi monastery complex (10 MDL admission), a stunning example of medieval architecture.
  • Wine Tasting: Head to the Cricova Winery (20-50 MDL tasting), one of the largest wine cellars in the world. Learn about Moldovan wine production and taste some of the best wines.
  • Evening: Return to Chisinau and enjoy a traditional folk show at the National Philharmonic Hall.

Day 3: History and Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Memorial Complex (free admission) dedicated to the victims of WWII and the Soviet regime.
  • Nature Escape: Head to the Codru Natural Reserve (10 MDL admission), a beautiful forest with hiking trails and stunning views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Moldovan desserts like “Găluște” or “Sfințișori”.

Day 4: Soviet Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the Transnistria region (free admission, but requires a separate visa), a breakaway territory with its own government. Explore the city of Tiraspol and visit the Lenin Statue.
  • Return to Chisinau: Stop by the Chișinău Railway Station (free admission) to see the stunning Soviet-era architecture.

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries, including EU, US, and Canada, do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days.
  • Check the Moldovan government’s website for specific requirements based on your nationality.

Transportation

  • Flights: Chisinau International Airport (KIV) is the main airport in Moldova. You can fly in from major European cities.
  • Taxis: Affordable and widely available. Make sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
  • Public Transportation: Buses and trolleybuses are convenient and cheap, but may not be as frequent.

Things to Know

  • Language: Romanian (official) and Russian are widely spoken. English is not as common, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Romanian.
  • Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL). You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices.
  • Safety: Moldova is generally a safe country, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Other Tips

  • Accommodation: Chisinau has a range of hotels and hostels. Book in advance, especially during peak season (June-September).
  • Food: Try traditional Moldovan dishes like “Mămăligă”, “Sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls), and “Placinta” (pie with cheese or apples).
  • Souvenirs: Look for traditional handicrafts like woven baskets, embroidered clothing, and wine.

Enjoy your trip to Moldova!