Morning: Arrive at Chișinău International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After settling in, take a leisurely walk to the Stefan cel Mare Central Park to stretch your legs and enjoy the fountains.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Piata Centrală market, sampling local cheese, honey, and fresh fruits while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café.
Evening: Dine at a traditional restaurant serving Moldovan dishes such as mămăligă and sarmale, then enjoy a relaxed stroll along the illuminated streets of the city centre.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the National Museum of History of Moldova for an overview of the country’s past, from ancient Daco‑Getae settlements to Soviet times.
Afternoon: Wander through the art‑filled National Art Museum and then relax in the nearby Valea Morilor Park, where locals gather for coffee and conversation.
Evening: Experience the lively nightlife on Ștefan cel Mare Avenue, with options ranging from jazz bars to modern clubs.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for the famous Cricova Winery, touring the underground wine cellars that stretch over 120 km.
Afternoon: Participate in a guided tasting of premium reds and whites, followed by a light lunch in the estate’s restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
Evening: Return to Chișinău and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a bistro near your hotel, perhaps trying the local “placinta” pastry.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the spectacular Orheiul Vechi archaeological site, perched above a dramatic limestone canyon.
Afternoon: Explore the historic cave monastery, the medieval fortress ruins, and the on‑site museum that tells the story of the region’s diverse cultures.
Evening: Head back to Chișinău for a quiet evening; consider a nightcap at a rooftop bar with views of the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive north to the historic town of Soroca, famous for its well‑preserved stone fortress on the Dniester River.
Afternoon: Tour the Soroca Fortress, then wander the town’s market where traditional crafts such as hand‑woven rugs are sold.
Evening: Return to Chișinău, stopping for dinner at a countryside tavern that serves farm‑to‑table dishes.
Find HotelsMorning: Journey to Milestii Mici Winery, home to the largest wine cellar in the world, carved into limestone.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the labyrinthine tunnels and enjoy a curated tasting of the estate’s signature wines.
Evening: Return to Chișinău for a relaxed evening, perhaps catching a folk music performance at a local cultural centre.
Find HotelsMorning: Head south to the acclaimed Purcari Winery, renowned for its award‑winning sweet wines.
Afternoon: After the tasting, continue to the serene Saharna Monastery, nestled in a forested gorge with a beautiful waterfall.
Evening: Travel back to Chișinău for a farewell dinner featuring a multi‑course tasting menu of Moldovan specialties.
Find HotelsMorning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take any last‑minute time to shop for souvenirs at the Central Market.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and flavors you experienced.
Evening: Arrival at your next destination.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day trip to the autonomous region of Transnistria to explore its Soviet‑era architecture and unique culture, or extend your stay in the wine country to visit smaller family‑run vineyards along the Codru route. For a shorter itinerary, combine Day 3 and Day 6 into a single wine‑tour day and skip the evening activities in Chișinău, focusing on the main attractions.