One-day escape to the Center of Moldova

  • Starting point: Chișinău
  • Overnight: No, but it includes locations that offer accommodation services
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Nr. of wineries: 3
  • Total distance: approximately 100 km, up to 2.5 hours by car. Distance calculated connecting wineries and the main points of interest mentioned on the route.

How about starting your day with a glass of sparkling wine tasted in one of the largest underground galleries in the world? If you like this idea, then we recommend you try a getaway in the center of Moldova, starting with a breakfast served in the Underground City of Cricova. This one-day route invites you to visit some of the most famous wineries in Moldova, but if you still have a little time, do not hesitate to go to Orheiul Vechi – a must for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes , outdoor activities, and local culinary traditions.

Tourist attractions of the route

Segment: Orheiul Vechi – Chateau Vartely


    Orheiul Vechi is an area full of mystery, legends and breathtaking landscapes. Located only 45-50 minutes away from the capital city of Chisinau, Orheiul Vechi is a must-visit destination for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes and local culinary traditions. The River Răut meanders among rocks and coquettishly decorated villages, the most attractive...
    Orheiul Vechi is an area full of mystery, legends and breathtaking landscapes. Located only 45-50 minutes away from the capital city of Chisinau, Orheiul Vechi is a must-visit destination for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes and local culinary traditions. The River Răut meanders among rocks and coquettishly decorated villages, the most attractive for visitors being Butuceni and Trebujeni, both marked by the astounding development of tourism in the recent years. Any weather is good for visiting, although in summer, especially in the month of June, when the Descopera Festival takes place, Orheiul Vechi is particularly charming.

    One of the remarkable guesthouses to visit in Orheiul Vechi is Casa din Luncă - the first guesthouse in the Republic of Moldova.


    The Benzin family created the first rural guesthouse in rural Moldova, which they dubbed Casa Din Lunca. In addition to good food, you will find a pool and children's playground. If you want to do more than just relax, there are bicycle trails near the guesthouse. To top off a great day, try a sunset...
    The Benzin family created the first rural guesthouse in rural Moldova, which they dubbed Casa Din Lunca. In addition to good food, you will find a pool and children's playground. If you want to do more than just relax, there are bicycle trails near the guesthouse. To top off a great day, try a sunset boat ride on the Raut River.

    As long as you are in Orheiul Vechi, you can't pass by Vila Roz pension - a piece of heaven for both roses and travelers.


    The name Vila Roz comes from its owner’s love of roses, which she grew in her garden. Visitors can stay in the resort’s guesthouse or — if they feel like roughing it — in a nearby camping area. Vila Roz’s specialty is croissants with jam — and the staff will teach you how to make...
    The name Vila Roz comes from its owner’s love of roses, which she grew in her garden. Visitors can stay in the resort’s guesthouse or — if they feel like roughing it — in a nearby camping area. Vila Roz’s specialty is croissants with jam — and the staff will teach you how to make them if you want. The resort has bicycles for those who would like to pedal around discovering the Old Orhei. If you come at Easter, the resort offers egg-painting workshops.

    On the way to Chateau Vartely, stop by the Museum of History and Ethnography in Orhei to explore numerous exhibits, a special place being reserved for victims of Stalinist repression.


    The Museum of History and Ethnography in the city of Orhei was established in February 1969 and has the status of a National Significance 20th century historical and architectural landmark. One of the most famous exhibitions of the museum consists of an inscription indicating the number of Bessarabians participating in the war and those killed...
    The Museum of History and Ethnography in the city of Orhei was established in February 1969 and has the status of a National Significance 20th century historical and architectural landmark. One of the most famous exhibitions of the museum consists of an inscription indicating the number of Bessarabians participating in the war and those killed in combat. You can also see weapons used in World War II.

    The Orhei area’s main claim to fame is that over the centuries it has been home to several fortresses. In fact, Orhei is Hungarian for “place of the fortress.” Chateau Vartely’s owners wanted a winery name that reflected the area’s fortress heritage.  So they chose Vartely, the Moldovan term for “place of the fortress.” Just...
    The Orhei area’s main claim to fame is that over the centuries it has been home to several fortresses. In fact, Orhei is Hungarian for “place of the fortress.” Chateau Vartely’s owners wanted a winery name that reflected the area’s fortress heritage.  So they chose Vartely, the Moldovan term for “place of the fortress.” Just 45 kilometers from Chisinau, Château Vartely boasts impressive architecture and sits on a hill with a breathtaking view.A courtyard sprinkled with wine-making relics is the perfect setting for savoring a cold glass of wine on a hot day. The winery also has an excellent restaurant. If you want to prolong your visit, then stay overnight. Chateau Vartely put some thought into the lodging. There are three types, one representing the homes found in the north, another the homes in central Moldova, and the third the homes you see in the south. If you want to experience the charms of homes in all three regions, then stay for three nights, each in a different type of design.