Day trip to Moldova - visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery
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.