Iasi

Neighborhood tours

In the morning the tour guide will pick you up and your day trip in the Moldavian capital, Chisinau, will begin. On the way, you will discover the history of one of Moldova’s most beautiful monasteries. For a long time, the Capriana Monastery was the residence of the Metropolitan of Moldova and it was patronized by many Rulers of Moldova including Stefan the Great. Chisinau was first documented in 1420, but most of it was leveled in WWII and by a tragic earthquake that struck in 1940. They started rebuilding the city in 1950 in Soviet-style, and both the center and outskirts are dominated by utilitarian high-rise buildings. On the tour, you will discover Chisinau’s main attractions: their own Arc de Triomphe, the 1841 Holy Gates at the center of the city and we will stroll through one of the city’s parks and learn about Prince Stefan, the noble symbol of Moldova’s medieval past. Next on the itinerary is Cricova Winery, situated at a depth of 50-80 meters, representing a real underground city. The Moldavian cellars where Vladimir Putin keeps his wine are so big you need to drive through them. You will also find Herman Goering’s private collection, taken by the Red Army from Berlin in 1945. Considered to be the pearl of Moldovan winemaking, Cricova is the founder of production of high-quality elite wines. The influence of Ancient Greece and the Roman period is reflected in the reliefs you will discover inside the winery. In this unique place, you will have to opportunity to discover the steps to wine tasting and try a selection of the great range of wines. Optionally, you may choose to enjoy a delicious lunch in this fantastic place. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Iasi.

Hotel pick-up: 08:00 AM Embark on an enchanting day trip from Iasi to the UNESCO Painted Monasteries, nestled in the picturesque region of Bucovina. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Bucovina is home to some of the world's most treasured religious art. Discover the vibrant frescoes adorning the monastic walls, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Voronet, Moldovita, and Sucevita Monasteries. The journey begins with a visit to Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the East." Marvel at the stunning frescoes that have made Voronet world-famous. The intense shade of blue, known as the 'blue of Voronet,' along with the remarkable western fresco depicting the 'Last Judgement of Christ,' adds to its allure. Explore the richly decorated interior and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this revered monastery. Next, delve into the architectural masterpiece that is Moldovita Monastery. Built in the Byzantine style by Prince Petru Rares, Moldovita impresses with its intricate exterior frescoes. Admire the complexity of the artwork, which brings biblical scenes to life and offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of the region. Lunch: At your expense Continuing the journey, you'll reach Sucevita Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Dominated by a shade of green, this monastery presents a unique blend of Gothic and Byzantine influences. The frescoes here reveal biblical narratives and symbolize the spiritual connection between heaven and earth. Explore the tranquil surroundings and feel a sense of serenity as you wander through this architectural gem. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning beauty, historical significance, and artistic wonders that await you in Bucovina's UNESCO Painted Monasteries. Tour duration: 12 hours

Hello! Our tour will start in the city centre (Union Square) and from there we`ll go through different parts of the city where I can show you all its „faces”, legends and periods of time that defined it. I m going to tell you when the city was first time mentioned and the significant event until XVII - XVIII century and then more detailed after XVIII century. Because of the lack of historical proofs before, I prefer to present you how the city evolved during the last 250 years. Even tho I`ll show you different parts of the city, it will be mostly near the centre so we won`t lose a lot of time on walking.

This hiking tour will take you to the impressive Bicaz Gorges. Hasmas National Park is just 3-hours away from Iasi and offers a wide variety of activities and unique landscapes for adventure lovers and tourists alike. Lakes, rapid springs, waterfalls, rocky peaks and exciting landscapes are just waiting to be discovered. Together, explore hidden caves and the gorges of Bicaz and Bicăjel, spot the famous Rupicapra (chamois) in its natural habitat and hike on wild tracks or listen to the sounds of nature. This adventure day trip in Romania offers you a wide range of activities from which you can choose one or combine many, according to your training and desire. You can choose from the following adventure activities: hiking and exploring the Sugau Gorges (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort) and the nearby routes. Here, you will get to climb in and cross the mountain to the other side through the Tunnel Cave, you can admire the calcareous cliffs and the relict pine forests and reach a Bellevue point from which you can look towards the Bicaz Gorges. Hiking around the Red Lake (1 to 2-hours with little effort). You can admire the beautiful natural barrage lake formed after a big earthquake only 150 years ago and you can take a short ride on a boat. Hiking in Bicajel Gorges (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort). This hike takes you through the spectacular landscape formed by the small Bicajel River. In hot summer days, you can take a bath in the small “bathtubs” formed by the river. A path will take you above the cliffs of Bicaz Gorges, right in the den of the chamois. Hike in the Garden of Fairies and Suhardul Mic (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort). This path will give you a spectacular aerial view of the Bicaz Gorges and the Red Lake from a natural suspended amphitheater before reaching the Suhardul Mic peak - 1345 meters. The tour’s points of interest include: Red Lake, Bicaz and Bicajel Gorges, Chamois (Rupicapra), waterfalls, unique landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Day 1: Your first day starts at the reception of your hotel in Iasi, where you will meet your guide. Following your meet-up, you will start your trip to the Republic of Moldova, a country famous for its wines and for the fact that it is the least touristic country in all of Europe. The main attraction of the day is the capital city of the country, Chisinau. Known as the "City of White Stone" and the "City on Seven Hills". Chisinau does not stop to impress there though, also boasting massive socialist architecture that perfectly blends with the modern buildings and monuments. During the city tour you will visit the most iconic sites of the city, such as parliament and the Presidential House, together with the City Hall which was designed by the famous Russian architect Alexander Bernadazzi. Next on your itinerary is the Cricova Winery. Situated at a depth of 50-80 meters, it represents a real underground city. The Moldavian cellars where Vladimir Putin keeps his wine are so big you need to drive through them, at a length of more than 120 kilometers. In this unique underground city you will have the opportunity to discover the steps to wine tasting and try a selection of the great range of Moldavian wines. Following your wine experience, you will overnight in Chisinau. Day 2: Your second day will begin early in the morning with a 2-hour drive to the unrecognized state that split off from the Republic of Moldova after the dissolution of the USSR. This is a country with borders, a president, its own currency, an emblem, and a flag flying, yet nobody recognizes its existence. It is called Transnistria, and is a strip of land between the river Dniester and Ukraine. Right from the border checkpoint, you will notice the presence of the Russian peace troops who have been deployed in Transnistria since the Cold War. Nowadays, almost thirty years after the Cold War ended, Russia is still very present and maintaining peace in the region. You will then visit the towns of Bendery and Tiraspol, the two biggest in Transnistria which are home to around 200,000 people. Your guide will present to you the stories about the war against Moldova as well as their personal opinion on the events that took place in 1992. Following this historical experience, you will reach Iasi in the evening where your tour will conclude.