Old Orhei is a must-visit spot when exploring Moldova. Its blend of ancient cave monasteries, archaeological sites, and scenic countryside makes it a natural choice for tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic caves, tasting local wines, or hiking through untouched landscapes, there’s something for every traveler here. We especially enjoy tours that combine multiple highlights—like visiting the cave monasteries and enjoying a wine tasting—because they offer a well-rounded experience in a single day. For example, the Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery tour packs three top destinations into one immersive trip.
The list below highlights the best options, covering everything from cultural excursions and wine adventures to active hikes, helping you decide which Moldova tour suits your interests and pace.
1. Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery (Optional)
At number one, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Moldova’s most famous sights, perfect for those who want a comprehensive day trip. It includes visits to a unique cave monastery, the underground wine cellars of Cricova, and the traditional village of Butuceni. The tour starts with a pickup from Chisinau, taking you to the Old Orhei archaeological complex, where you’ll explore the ancient caves and learn about their history.
The highlight has to be the Cricova wine cellars, which stretch over 120 km underground—an underground “wine town” that’s fascinating to tour. The guide shares insights into Moldova’s winemaking traditions, and you’ll get to taste some excellent wines. The tour also visits Curchi Monastery, the largest monastic complex in Moldova, offering a peaceful break from the busier sights. With top reviews praising Oleg’s knowledge and friendliness, this tour offers great value for a full day of sightseeing. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting a bit of everything, especially those with a curiosity about Moldovan culture and wine.
Bottom Line: This all-in-one tour balances culture, history, and wine, making it a top choice for travelers wanting a broad snapshot of Moldova in one day.
2. Moldova: Old Orhei cave monasteries Branesti wine tasting
Holding the perfect score of 5/5 from a handful of reviews, this tour shines for its focus on two key Moldova experiences: cave monasteries and wine tasting. Starting from Chisinau, the trip includes a guided tour of the Branesti cellar, which produces a variety of wines including white, red, sparkling, and dessert wines.
One of the tour’s unique features is visiting the old cave monasteries at Old Orhei, carved into the cliffs, alongside the Stone Age Branesti cellar—a site that connects you with Moldova’s ancient past. What sets this tour apart is the dedication to local wine traditions and the opportunity to sample wines directly from the cellar. The visit also includes stops at Butuceni village and the oldest Orthodox skete Pestere, giving insights into local religious life and rural Moldova.
The tour’s manageable length and deep dive into both history and wine make it ideal for those with limited time but a strong interest in Moldovan traditions. As one reviewer said, “a lively experience of the life in Old Orhei,” which perfectly captures the authentic, hands-on feel.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a mix of heritage and wine but prefer a shorter day, this tour offers a rich taste of Moldova’s soul.
3. Chisinau: Hiking, Cave Monastery and Curchi Monastery Tour
This tour is perfect for active travelers who prefer exploring on foot and seeing Moldova’s natural beauty. It’s a full-day adventure that combines a guided hike, visits to cave monasteries, and the Curchi Monastery. It begins with a pickup in Chisinau, heading towards the Old Orhei archaeological site, where you’ll spend about two hours exploring the ancient caves and religious sites carved into the cliffs.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on outdoor activities—including scenic walks through rural villages like Trebujeni, with breathtaking views along the way. You’ll also visit a hidden gem, adding a sense of discovery. The final stops include St. Mary’s Church and the Ethnography Museum, offering cultural context after your hike.
If you love being active and want to see Moldova’s countryside in a relaxed, physically engaging way, this tour fits well. It’s especially suitable for those who want a blend of nature, archaeology, and culture without a packed schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for outdoorsy travelers who enjoy walking and discovering Moldova’s scenic landscapes at a leisurely pace.
4. Chisinau: Orheiul Vechi, Butuceni Eco Village, and Wine
This mid-length tour provides a balanced experience centered around Old Orhei, Butuceni Eco Village, and Moldova’s famous wine culture. It lasts about six hours, starting with a visit to the archaeological complex, where you’ll learn about the area’s ancient history. The tour then takes you to Butuceni, a charming village where you can enjoy a short walk and see local life in action.
The highlight is the wine tasting at Branesti, where you’ll sample a selection of Moldovan wines at the Branesti cellar, one of the oldest wineries in the country. This tour also includes a visit to the Old Stone Museum Restaurant, making it a great opportunity to enjoy traditional Moldovan cuisine paired with local wines. Visitors appreciate how smoothly the day flows, combining cultural sites with culinary experiences.
Ideal for those with limited time but a desire to experience Moldova’s archaeology, rural charm, and wine—this tour offers good value and a varied itinerary.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a mix of history, rural scenery, and wine tasting without a full day commitment, this tour hits the mark.
5. Chisinau: Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve Tour
Finally, this shorter, 3.5-hour tour is perfect for those on a tight schedule or wanting a focused cultural experience. Starting from Chisinau, it emphasizes visiting the Monasteries and Churches of Old Orhei, including the Monastery Peștera and the Medieval Mosque and Caravanserai, adding historical depth.
The tour also features visits to the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology and the Ethnography Museum, providing insights into Moldova’s history and culture. The itinerary is designed to give a solid overview of the Cultural-Natural Reserve in a shorter time, making it suitable for travelers who want a quick yet meaningful introduction.
While it doesn’t include extensive tasting or hiking, it’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights without an all-day commitment. Reviewers appreciate the guided insight and well-planned stops.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a concise, enriching cultural tour with expert commentary.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Old Orhei
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, schedule, and what you want to get out of your Moldova visit. If you’re after a full day of diverse experiences—culture, wine, and history—the Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery tour is hard to beat. For a focused wine experience combined with ancient caves, the Branesti wine tasting is perfect.
Those who prefer active outdoor exploration will enjoy the Hiking, Cave Monastery, and Curchi Monastery tour, especially if they like walking and scenic views. For a more relaxed, cultural snapshot, the Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve Tour offers a quick but meaningful experience.
Keep in mind your budget, fitness level, and time constraints. Book early, particularly for popular tours like the wine tastings or full-day adventures, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Old Orhei offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests — whether you’re into history, wine, outdoor activities, or cultural insights. The full-day Curchi Monastery, Cave & Winery tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting it all, while shorter excursions like the Cave Monasteries and Wine tasting suit those with limited time but a love for local traditions.
For the active traveler, the Hiking and Cave Monastery tour combines exercise with discovery. If you prefer a brief but enriching experience, the Cultural-Natural Reserve Tour delivers with its focused stops. Whichever you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable Moldovan experiences.
Now that you’ve got the scoop, all that’s left is to pick your adventure and start planning your trip to Old Orhei.