Itinerary:
Chisinau-Capriana-Codri-.Hancu Monastery (+Varzaresti Monastery)-Chisinau. 130 km.
 
Total time 7 hours (time on the road – 2 hours, excursions – 5 hours)


 
Description:


There are a several well-known medieval monasteries in the old Codri in the centre of Moldova. Almost all this itinerary passes through the hilly, forested region. On leaving the capital, you will pass lake Ghidighici, the so-called “sea of Chisinau” – an important resort area.

30 kilometres north-west of the capital turn left from the main road to Capriana. The monastery of the “Assumption”, in the centre of the village, is the oldest and the most famous in Moldova. For a long time, it has been an official residence of the Metropolitan.

Back on the main road, you can visit the oldest nature reserve in Moldova – the Codri. The forest paths hold a lot of pleasant moments in store for you. This true Museum of Nature gives visitors an opportunity to see well-preserved collections of local flora and fauna.

After that you can continue the trip to one or both convents included in the itinerary: Varzaresti, as old as Capriana, and Hancu, which is practically flooded in a sea of flowers all year round. Both of them are located in exceptional spots amid unique landscapes. The villages in the Codri near and around the monasteries surprise visitors by the warm hospitality of the locals and the diversity of living popular traditions.

The return route to Chisinau is on the Balcani highway, a strategic road, that crosses Moldova and connects the Balkans with the important cities in the Ukraine and Russia.


 
Visits:

• Capriana convent (1 hour), guide available, catering


• “Codri” Reserve (2 hours), guide available, entrance fee.


• Hancu convent (2 hours), guide available, entrance fee, catering and accommodation


• Varzaresti convent (1 hour), guide available.

 
 

Where to Stay:

• Chisinau. People interested in experiencing the monks’ life more closely can stay overnight in Hincu convent.

 

Where to Eat:

• Chisinau. On the sector Capriana – Lozova at “Cismeaua Calugarului”; on the sector Hincu – Chisinau at “Dumbrava Rosie”.