5 Best Day Trips From Moldova [2026]

Name: Moldova
Address: MD

Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is Eastern Europe's best-kept secret, renowned for its expansive underground wine cellars, medieval monasteries, and warm hospitality. This landlocked nation offers authentic cultural experiences, pristine countryside, and some of the world's finest wines at remarkably affordable prices.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

60km northeast of Chisinau

Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Complex & Butuceni Village

public bus from Chisinau North Bus Station ($2 one-way)

Highlights: Cave monastery carved into limestone cliffs · Breathtaking Raut River valley panoramas · Traditional homestay lunch in Butuceni village · Archaeological ruins spanning 2,000 years · Working Orthodox monastery with resident monks

15km north of Chisinau

Cricova Underground Winery

public bus 189 from Chisinau ($0.35)

Highlights: 120km of underground wine streets 80m below ground · 1.25 million bottle wine collection · Tasting rooms in atmospheric limestone caves · Wine museum and production facilities · Named wine stocks of world leaders

160km north of Chisinau

Soroca Fortress & Roma Gypsy Hill

direct bus from Chisinau North Bus Station ($5 one-way, 4 departures daily)

Highlights: 16th-century circular Renaissance fortress on Dniester riverbank · Panoramic views into Ukraine across the river · Gypsy Hill neighbourhood with extraordinary palatial Roma mansions · Local Soroca market with authentic produce · Dniester riverside walks

40km northwest of Chisinau

Capriana Monastery & Codru Nature Reserve

bus from Chisinau West Bus Station to Straseni then taxi ($15-20 return)

Highlights: 15th-century Orthodox monastery amid ancient forest · Rare collection of medieval manuscripts and icons · Codru Nature Reserve hiking trails through old-growth oak forests · Peaceful contemplative atmosphere away from city crowds · Wild mushroom foraging in season (autumn)

20km south of Chisinau

Milestii Mici Winery

marshrutka minibus from Chisinau South Bus Station ($0.80)

Highlights: Guinness World Record: world's largest wine collection (1.9 million bottles) · 200km of underground streets navigated by car · Wines dating back to 1969 available for tasting · Dramatically lit underground galleries · VIP tasting rooms in natural limestone caves

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours: Organized day tours from $20-50/person including transport, guide, and selected entries. Book through Chisinau hostels (Tapok Hostel, Funky Mamaliga) or local tour agencies on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard.
Private: Private car with driver from $60-120/day — best for flexibility and combining multiple sites (e.g., Cricova + Orheiul Vechi in one day). Ask at hotel concierge or contact via local tour agencies.
Public: Frequent marshrutkas and buses serve most destinations from Chisinau bus stations. To Orheiul Vechi: bus from North Station, $2 one-way. To Cricova: bus 189, $0.35. To Soroca: bus from North Station, $5, 3 hrs.
Rental: Car rental from $25-45/day from Sixt, Europcar, or local agencies at the airport. Useful for combining wine regions with monastery visits. Road conditions vary — check local advice for rural routes.

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Combine Cricova winery tour with Orheiul Vechi on the same day — both are northeast of Chisinau and the combined route works well

Tip

Book winery tours (Cricova and Milestii Mici) at least 2-3 days in advance — walk-ins are routinely turned away

Tip

For Orheiul Vechi, pre-book a traditional lunch at a Butuceni village household ($10-15) for the most authentic experience

Tip

Public buses to rural monasteries may run infrequently — check departure times and plan to arrive early to make return connection