Itinerary:
Chisinau-Orhei-Saharna-Tipova-Soroca-Rudi-Taul-Balti-Chisinau. 500km.
Duration two days (1^st day: time on the road – 4.5 hours, excursions – 4 hours, lodging in Soroca; 2^nd day: 5 hours, excursions – 3 hours)


Description:

In the north of Moldova there are notable sites relating to the country’s history. Many historic remains have been preserved in the region, which are of interest to visitors: ancient and medieval fortresses, old monasteries, parks and interesting landscapes.

The trip begins in Chisinau on the road to Orhei. The route passes through a wonderful area of Codri, localities known as far back as the medieval period, and well-groomed agricultural fields. After almost 40 kms comes the first stop in the centre of Orhei town, to see the monumental statue of Master Vasile Lupu and the oldest city church in Moldova. It is said, that Moldova knew a “golden period” during the government of Vasile Lupu.

Continuing in the same direction you come to Rezina, situated on the right Bank of the river Nistru. The road from Rezina to Saharna passes for 7 kms through the picturesque canyon of this river. An indescribable panorama opens up before one’s eyes: high and abrupt cliffs, villagers’ houses nestling under them as they have done for centuries, with the river winding between. The entrance to Saharna convent is made between two gigantic rocks of the Saharna canyon, which is more than 16 kms long. A small river jumps over a succession of rapids and cascades, just like in a mountain valley. The convent’s summer church was built in an old Moldovan style, and is richly decorated inside with pictures. Here are kept the relics of St. Macarie, which have transformed this place into a Christian pilgrimage destination. Even older is the cave convent in the depth of the canyon, and above it have been preserved the foundations of the bastions of an ancient Geto-Dacian fortress.

An optional extra excursion might be made to Tipova (nearly 20 km). On the same road you will return back to the intersection with the village of Tareuca, and the tour continues to the town of Soldanesti and the village of Gura Camencii. On this segment those who wish can, diverting 12 kms to the north, visit  the Oak of Stefan cel Mare – the oldest tree in Moldova.

One of the most beautiful places in the country is the village of Gura Camencii, situated in a picturesque canyon of the river Raut as it stretches down to reach its confluence with the Nistru River. We carry on to Soroca – a region, known for a long time, even abroad, for its craftsmen and soldiers. In the centre of Soroca is situated the famous, perfectly round 500 year old fortress. The fortress was constructed on the bank of the Nistru river, following all the instructions of the rule of harmony – “The Gold Section”. This makes Soroca fortress unique in the world. In the city you can also visit “The Museum of the Soroca’ Region”, a few old churches and “the hill of sedentary gypsies” with its eccentric houses.

Accommodation is available in Soroca at the hotel “Victoria” on the Nistru riverside. The route continues on the second day in the direction of Rudi village. The same Nistrian landscapes with forested rocks, gardens and agricultural fields accompany the traveler for 40 kms to the north. At Rudi the convent with its old Moldovan style church can be visited – it is representative of the local religious architecture – as well as a natural cave and three ancient earthwork fortresses - “Metoniu”, “The Turkish Dish” and “Germanariu”. It is claimed, that even Herod wrote about “Metoniu” in his “History”.

From Rudi the trip continues in the direction of Donduseni to Taul, a locality with the biggest park in Moldova. The collection of threes and bushes, examples of both local and exotic flora, was planted here by the famous landscape architect I. Vladislavschi-Padalco a century ago. The composition, arranged with a lot of good taste, offers visitors many pleasant and peaceful moments. Taul is the most romantic park made by this architect. In the second half of the day the trip continues to Balti, and the route crosses the Bugeac Steppe with broad lands, fields of cereals, medicinal herbs and experimental cultivation. The area is a big producer of wheat, white beet and tobacco.

Considered as the “northern capital”, Balti is the second city in size and number of residents in Moldova. It has developed in leaps and bounds, especially during the Soviet period, as a large-scale industrial centre. Only in the historical centre of city has the initial layout of the streets been preserved – all of them lead to the most important city squares. Worth visiting are the church of Constantin and Elena, built in the national style of romanticism, the church of St. Nicolae, the Armenian church, A. Russo University and the V. Alecsandri Theatre. The route returns direct to Chisinau.


Visits:

• Saharna (2 hours), local guide, and the possibility to eat in the convent.


• Soroca (2 hours), local guides available, entrance fee, tours in Romanian, Russian, English, French and Spanish


• Rudi (1 hour)


• Taul (1 hour), local guide available


• Balti (1 hour), local guide available

Where to Eat/Stay:

• Soroca, hotel “Victoria”


• In Saharna’ convent meals can be reserved.