Chișinău Tours: Winery, Museum and City Guides

Before you go (October 2026 advice): The US State Department rates Moldova at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, and Transnistria at Level 3, Reconsider Travel (travel.state.gov ). The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria and gives no warning for the rest of the country (GOV.UK ). Drones from the war in Ukraine have entered Moldovan airspace this autumn, and flights from Chișinău have been disrupted at times. Check with your airline and your government before booking.

Types of Tour on Offer

Guided options in Chișinău fall into five groups: winery tours, museum guiding, a guided visit at Orheiul Vechi, tip-based city walks and Jewish heritage tours. Most winery and museum tours need a booking in advance.

Winery Tours

All three big estates run scheduled, guided tours and sell tickets in advance.

  • Cricova (about 15 km north): six tours of 70 minutes to 4 hours, from 400 MDL to 3,100 MDL a person.
  • Mileștii Mici (about 20 km south): tours of 50 minutes to 2 h 30. The shortest costs 350 MDL, and the estate states that prices do not include transport.
  • Castel Mimi (about 35 km east): tours of 1 h 10 to 2 h 30, the shortest from about 400 MDL, with lower child rates of 180 MDL for ages 0 to 12.

The estates sit outside the city. Arrange a taxi or a transfer, and keep the driver sober because Moldovan law on drink-driving is strict. Booking details are on cricova.md and castelmimi.md .

Museum Guiding

At the National Museum of History, a guided group tour has 5 to 30 people. Romanian-language rates are 150 MDL for adults and 100 MDL reduced, and foreign-language rates are 300 and 200 MDL. Reserve 24 hours ahead by phone on +373 22 24-04-26. Admission is separate at 50 MDL. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays, and it offers a free day on the last Thursday of the month.

The Ethnography and Natural History Museum organises guided visits for groups on request. Its Deinotherium skeleton is a highlight.

A Guided Visit at Orheiul Vechi

Reserve guides for the Orheiul Vechi reserve take 1 to 10 people on a walk of about 1.5 hours. The price is 200 MDL in Romanian and 300 MDL in other languages. Guides who speak English, Italian or French need a day’s notice at +373 676-11-711. See the reserve’s visitor page at orheiulvechi.com .

Tip-Based City Walks

Independent guides advertise on GuruWalk and FreeTour.com. Each guide picks a meeting point: Ștefan cel Mare boulevard, the top of Columna street, the area by the National Opera or the Organ Hall lions. Sign up online first, then tip what you think the tour was worth.

Jewish Heritage Tours

The Jewish Community of Moldova (jcm.md ) and private guides lead tours of the sites of Jewish Chișinău. Expect a serious tone and respectful dress.

Booking Tips

  • Bring cash in lei for tips and small entry fees.
  • Ask each winery whether the price covers transfers.
  • Cellars are cool year-round, so layers help.

Search group excursions on GetYourGuide .

Read more: Chișinău walking tours and day trips .