Three Days in Moldova from Chișinău

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.

A Base-in-the-Capital Plan

This three-day plan uses one hotel in Chișinău and radiates out to Orheiul Vechi, Curchi and a winery. Every stop is west of the Dniester, and none needs a border crossing.

Day 1: The Capital

Spend the morning at the Nativity Cathedral and the Triumphal Arch, then walk through Central Park toward the museums on Strada 31 August 1989. Admission to the National Museum of History (50 MDL) and the National Museum of Art (50 MDL) is cheap. The History Museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Take the afternoon at Valea Morilor, and climb the Cascade Staircase before dinner.

Day 2: Cliffs and a Baroque Cathedral

Set out early for Orheiul Vechi, 55 km away. Entry is 20 MDL, and a guided tour costs 200 or 300 MDL depending on language. After lunch in Butuceni, continue to Curchi Monastery, about 14 km southwest of Orhei town, for the 1872 cathedral with its 57 m dome. Drivers can do the loop in a day. Bus passengers should plan around the reserve’s timetable (orheiulvechi.com ), where the final return departs at 16:30.

Day 3: Cellars

Take the north route to Cricova (about 15 km) or the south route to Mileștii Mici (about 20 km). Cricova offers six tours from 400 to 3,100 MDL, and Mileștii Mici runs tours from 350 MDL. To add Castel Mimi, about 35 km east, book a tour from about 400 MDL and an evening meal at the White Owl restaurant, open until 22:00 every day. Arrange a taxi or a hired car and driver so nobody drives after tasting.

Extra Nights

  • Castel Mimi: the wine resort, which calls itself zero-emission and five-star, offers a 2,500 MDL spa package on weekdays with an indoor pool, jacuzzi and saunas.
  • Château Purcari: a wine estate with a four-star hotel at Ștefan Vodă, roughly 100 to 115 km south-east.
  • Soroca: about 160 km north. Saharna and Tipova monasteries can be fitted in on the way back.

Skip trips into Ukraine, since crossings can close at short notice.

Logistics

The airport (code RMO) lies about 13 km from the centre. Trolleybus 30 takes 40 to 60 minutes to Great National Assembly Square, and minibus 165 also runs there. A city ride costs 7 MDL. Power can be cut at times, so charge devices when you can.

Lodging

Book a central hotel for all three nights through Booking.com .

Read more: Chișinău day trips and romantic getaways .