Summary
Experience an amazing Winter holiday in Moldova: Christmas season December - January (6 days), during which you will see the Christmas Town / Fair in Chisinau, you will enjoy a sledge ride through Butuceni village (if it snows on the chosen dates) and you will taste Christmas dishes and enjoy a Christmas program including carols, songs, customs, entertaining master classes, games for children and adults and izvar tasting (mulled wine).
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Alina
Local travel expert in Moldova
I am a representative of a local tour operator in Moldova that has over 10 years experience in the organization of travel. I mainly specialize in wine, gastronomic and cultural tours around Moldova.
Itinerary
On arrival at Chisinau International Airport, you will be transferred to the city center where you will visit the Christmas Town / Fair and taste winter pastries, traditional food, mulled wine and hot tea. Hundreds of lights and decorations will be installed in the yard in the city centre. In addition, New Year souvenirs and other entertainment and surprises will be prepared for the guests. At the fair, you can find anything: from traditional Christmas toys to clothes, all done by local craftsmen. There, the visitors will also be able to buy presents for their relatives.
After visiting the Christmas Town / Fair you will be transferred to your accommodation in Chisinau.
The day will begin with the visit of “Arta Rustica” handicraft complex in Clisova Noua village. The handmade carpets in Clisova Noua are of amazing interest and beauty. The traditional Moldovan carpet has been included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. The creation of only one canvas takes several months. Every carpet is a work of art. The craftsmen of Clisova Noua village put their whole soul and free time into their craft. They restore unique carpets according to old photographs. They use only natural materials and authentic technique during the weaving process.
Next, you will set off on a time travel to Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) to see a natural amphitheater revealing a territory which was first inhabited 40 000 years ago. The Cultural, Natural and Landscape Reserve Orheiul Vechi includes a series of historical and cultural monuments as well as natural landscapes in the gorge more of the Raut River. Ancient fortifications, cave monasteries, monks and hermits – here you can follow the history of this region. The originality of Orheiul Vechi landscape is due to the gorge of the Raut River, dug under the form of a canyon in the limestone layers of the former Sarmatian Sea, about 14 million years ago.
After visiting Orheiul Vechi, you will travel to Butuceni village where at Butuceni guesthouse you will have a Moldovan traditional lunch.
After lunch, you will experience the Moldovan winter during the sledge ride through Butuceni village (if it snows during the chosen dates).
During the traditional dinner at Butuceni guesthouse, you will be enveloped in the traditional atmosphere, created by the traditional dishes and the traditional live music show provided by the folk ensemble. You will have the possibility to try our national dances.
You will spend the night at Butuceni guesthouse.
In the morning, you will set off on a time travel in Transnistria. While in Tiraspol, you will discover a real treasure – Aquatir Sturgeon Complex, one of the largest hatcheries in Europe. The complex is equipped with the latest technologies and the fish can reach the size of a man. You will get the chance to taste one of the most expensive culinary delights – caviar.
During the city tour in Tiraspol, you will discover Vladimir Lenin’s monument and the tank left from the Second World War. The city seems to be a vestige of the Soviet past. Nevertheless, you will be amazed by the contrasts, one of which is the football complex "Sheriff" - a pearl of contemporary architecture.
In the afternoon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant in Tiraspol where you will be able to taste dishes specific to Ukrainian cuisine.
After lunch, you will visit Kvint wine and brandy factory more where harmony, refinement and tradition underlie the oldest and most genuine spirits. Here you will be acquainted with the taste of Kvint, Doina, Tiras, Nistru and Surprise spirits.
You will spend the night at a 4-star hotel in Tiraspol.
You will start the day by visiting Noul Neamt Monastery, which is perfect for retreat and meditation. The monastery was founded in 1861. The tour will take you to the outstanding picturesque landscape to be admired from the upper level of the highest bell tower in Moldova (64 m). The monastery museum will be highly appreciated by those who are fond of history of religion. The museum houses icons dating from the 18th-20th centuries, as well as crosses, books, priest gowns and old pictures.
After visiting the monastery, you will travel to Tirnauca village at Casa Karaman guesthouse where you will have Christmas dishes for lunch and enjoy the Christmas program including carols, songs, customs, entertaining master classes, games for children and adults and izvar tasting (mulled wine).
After lunch, you will return to Chisinau and spend the rest of the day on your own.
In the morning you will have some free time to explore Chisinau for a while on your own and buy some souvenirs.
After having lunch at a traditional restaurant in Chisinau you will be transferred to Bulboaca village where you will discover Castel Mimi winery - a destination of interest unique in Moldova. Castel Mimi is currently listed among the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world of wine. The story of the castle begins at the end of 1893, when Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, plants the first grape vines on the place that would become legend over the years. Here, you will taste Castel Mimi wines, including Rosu de Bulboaca wine, an incomparable wine with outstanding features and elegant flavor.
After visiting Castel Mimi winery, you will return to Chisinau, where you will have some free time to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
On departure day, you will be transferred from the hotel to Chisinau International Airport.
Prices
Travel dates
Upon request
Price per person in €
4 Pers.
6 Pers.
10 Pers.
3* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol)
750€
628€
572€
4* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol)
814€
693€
637€
5* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol)
886€
765€
709€
| Travel dates | Accommodation | Price per person in € | ||
| 4 Pers. | 6 Pers. | 10 Pers. | ||
|
Upon request |
3* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol) | 750€ | 628€ | 572€ |
| 4* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol) | 814€ | 693€ | 637€ | |
| 5* Hotel (Chisinau) / 4* Hotel (Tiraspol) | 886€ | 765€ | 709€ | |
What's Included
- 3 nights accommodation in a double (DBL) or twin (TWN) room at the hotel of your choice in Chisinau;
- 1 night accommodation in a double (DBL) or twin (TWN) room at Butuceni guesthouse;
- 1 night accommodation in a double (DBL) or twin (TWN) room at a 4-star hotel in Tiraspol;
- Breakfast at the hotel / guesthouse;
- Lunch on day 2, 3, 4, 5 of the itinerary;
- Dinner on day 2 of the itinerary;
- Excursions on the entire itinerary;
- Entrance fees according to the itinerary;
- Tasting of 3 types of wine at Castel Mimi winery;
- Tasting of 2 types of caviar at Aquatir Sturgeon Complex;
- Tasting of 5 types of brandy at Kvint wine and brandy factory;
- Folk program in Butuceni village;
- Transportation during the entire itinerary;
- English speaking guide.