Itinerary:
Chisinau-Ivancea-Old Orhei-Cricova-Chisinau. 120 km.
 
Total time 8 hours (road 2 hours, visits 6 hours).
 
 


Description:


This is one of the most popular tourist routes in Moldova. The museum complex of Old Orhei, and the underground city of wine-makers at Cricova are rightly considered as major places to visit in the country.

The road from Chisinau to Ivancea passes through an area with big villages and large fields. The names of these localities have for a long time embellished wine bottles: Cricova, Magdacesti, etc.

At Porumbeni you will find the Institute of Agricultural Plant Culture, well-known for numerous varieties of plants. From Peresecina, you can make a diversion from the main itinerary (10 km to the left) to the village of Donici, where the house and museum of a well–known Moldovan fabulist Alexandru Donici is located.

After 40 kms our route reaches Ivancea, an old village with a nicely arranged Museum of Popular Crafts. Every traditional craftsmanship in Moldova can be found among the exhibits in this former manor of Balios (XIX c.). A few kilometers further on is the beautiful stonemasons’ village of Branesti, where the houses, gates and chimneys are decorated with stone flowers and columns, skillfully carved by the local artisans.

In a short time we arrive in the valley of the river Raut, which looks more like an ancient canyon. In the middle of the rocky landscape the traveler will be surprised to discover the ruins of three cities: one ancient Geto-Dacian, another one Tartarian “Seihr-al- Gedid”, and the third one medieval Moldovan. This is Old Orhei. The foundations of the medieval fortress are impressive and indicate the defense system developed. On the inaccessible cliff, there still functions since early medieval times an orthodox convent built into the rock. In the village of Butuceni the traditional rural setting has been preserved, which gives visitors a peaceful and interesting time. A preserved peasant holding dating from the XIXth century has been transformed into a fascinating museum.

The trip continues along the Raut valley, through its picturesque canyon to the river Nistru, where lake Dubasari and a hydroelectric power station can be seen. Before returning to Chisinau, we strongly recommend a few hours’ visit to the underground city of wine-makers at Cricova. Cricova claims that its cellars are the biggest in the world. A wine tasting in Cricova will introduce you most pleasantly to the culture, tradition and the skill of Moldovan wine makers.


 
Visits:

• Ivancea (1 hour), local guide available, entrance fee.


• Orheiul Vechi (2 hours), local guide available, entrance fee.


• Cricova (3 hours), local guide available, translator, entrance fee.

 

Where to stay:

• Chisinau, or possibly in the peasants’ houses at “Orheiul Vechi”

 
 
Where to Eat:

• Chisinau, Cricova. Traditional meals can be organized in Ivancea and Butuceni.