Our agency organizes this trip with a mixture of discovery, pleasure for the palate and meeting with the terroir. High-end restaurants will open their doors to you to discover and taste traditional Moldovan cuisine.
The trip at a glanceThe programme
09:00Meeting in front of your hotel.
Visit to the Orthodox monastery of Curchi (50 km from Chisinau).
Lunch in a traditional restaurant in the village of Butuceni.
Visit of the historic site of Orheiul Vechi (51 km).
17:00Return to Chisinau.
Prices per person
| Travellers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With lunch | €153 | €103 | €88 | €78 | Custom quote |
| Without lunch | €130 | €80 | €65 | €55 | Custom quote |
Want it different?
Change the dates, the pace or the stops. Planning is free and without obligation.
Ask a questionTravelling as a group? Get a group quote →About this trip
DAY TRIPS
Excursion to Curchi and Orheiul Vechi
Discover Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) – a journey through centuries
Perfect for a day trip from Chișinău, Old Orhei is Moldova’s most famous archaeological and natural complex, located about 60 km northeast of the capital in the Orhei region.
Here, history and nature intertwine in a spectacular landscape of limestone cliffs, caves, and open valleys. Visiting Old Orhei feels like stepping into a living history book.
- Ancient origins: traces of settlements from the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age.
- Getae fortresses (6th–3rd centuries BC), using the natural defence of cliffs.
- Shehr al-Jedid (“New City”) of the Golden Horde (14th century) – the remains of a once flourishing eastern town.
- Medieval Moldova: churches, cave monasteries, and fortified walls that made Orhei a cultural and political centre.
Today, Old Orhei is an open-air museum where every stone tells a story. You can explore cave monasteries still inhabited by monks, admire panoramic views of the valley, and connect with Moldova’s deep historical roots.
Pour découvrir la Moldavie authentique !
Préparez-vous pour une excursion riche en émotions. Vous découvrirez le monastère Curchi, le site historique d’Orhei Vechi et son monastère troglodyte. Orheiul Vechi est un complexe archéologique spectaculaire situé à 60km de Chișinău. Le panorama y est époustouflant de beauté. Afin de vous convaincre de l'unicité du complexe «le Vieux Orhei» lisez notre article "ORHEIUL VECHI: UNE FALAISE AU CARREFOUR DES CIVILISATIONS"
Curchi Monastery – the pearl of Moldovan Orthodoxy
Just 12 km from Old Orhei lies the peaceful village of Curchi, home to one of Moldova’s most beautiful religious complexes.
Founded in the 18th century by the noble Curchi family, the monastery has endured a turbulent past. Closed during the Soviet period and used for secular purposes, it has been carefully restored since the 2000s and now shines again as a spiritual and cultural landmark.
What you will see:
- The majestic Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God, with its impressive Neo-Byzantine architecture.
- A tranquil courtyard surrounded by monastic cells, gardens, and ponds.
- A harmonious blend of classical, baroque, and traditional Moldovan styles.
Visiting Curchi Monastery is more than admiring architecture – it is an encounter with Moldova’s living faith and traditions.
– Presentation video of the Curchi Monastery–
*Reservations required 48 hours in advance with our travel agency.They are subject to availability and may be affected by weather conditions. The duration and itinerary can vary slightly depending on local circumstances. Prices include entrance fees, guided tour, and tasting (if specified); meals are optional. Voyages Moldavie reserves the right to make minor changes for safety or operational reasons.
If you're interested, please contact us!
Photos
Questions travellers ask
Is Moldova safe for tourists?
Yes. Moldova is considered a safe destination for international travellers, and visitors generally enjoy a peaceful and pleasant stay.
Do I need a visa to visit Moldova?
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors from Europe, North America and other countries can enter visa-free for short stays. Check the rules for your passport before you travel, or ask us.
What is the best time to visit Moldova?
Moldova can be visited all year. Spring (April–June) suits nature and sightseeing, summer (June–August) festivals and outdoor activities, autumn (September–October) the wine harvest, and winter (December–January) Christmas traditions.
Which languages do your guides speak?
Our guides work in English, French, Romanian and Russian.
Are entrance fees and meals included?
It depends on the tour. What is included and what is not is listed on this page under “Covered”, and confirmed before you book.
Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes. We specialise in tailor-made trips built around your interests, budget and pace, and we can add transfers and accommodation.
How does booking and payment work?
Tours with online booking can be paid in full at booking, with instant confirmation. For private, group and tailor-made trips, send us your request here, by email or on WhatsApp: we confirm availability. A 10% deposit confirms the booking, a further 40% is due one month before and the remaining 50% in the final month. Nothing is charged when you send a request.
What if I need to cancel?
For tours booked online, the cancellation terms are shown before you pay. For private, group and tailor-made trips, you get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 days before the programme; later, a 50% penalty applies. You can also change your itinerary after booking, subject to availability.
Can I bring my pet, and what about children?
Pets are not accepted on our standard excursions; ask us if you plan a private trip. Children are welcome, and infants travel free; child and infant prices and age limits are shown when you choose your date.
Are wine tastings included?
Most wine tours include guided tastings. The number of wines depends on the winery and the package.
Can non-drinkers join a wine tour?
Of course. Wine tours also include architecture, gastronomy, local traditions and cultural visits.
Can I buy wine and take it home?
Yes. Most wineries sell wine and can advise you on the transport rules for your destination.
