The Republic of Moldova is a small country located between Romania and Ukraine. Little known in Europe, it blends the charms of unspoiled nature with unique history and even more intriguing present. Often referred as a hidden gem of Europe, proves its unique character on every corner. Hundreds of kilometers of cellars filled to the ceiling with millions of wine bottles, cave monasteries, Transnistria – the soviet era stronghold are just a few curiosities awaiting travelers here.
A short distance outside Chisinau is two of the countries most unique gems. Milestii Mici is a vineyard with the world’s largest underground wine cellar, with literally millions of bottles and more like an underground city with endless kilometers of tunnels best explored on a bike! And the ancient city of Orheiul Vechi between the narrow bend of the Raut River with eroded limestone rocks and the archaeological vestiges of the Trypillian civilization. You’ll find cultural layers of different epochs from the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age. Inhabited since ancient times to this day, Orthodox monks still guard the churches and grottos of this natural fortress.
Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, is a breakaway state, unrecognized internationally part of Moldova, under military occupation by Russia. It’s territory is a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. To enter Transnistria is to take a time-machine back to Soviet era, you’ll think you were still in a cold-war geopolitical no-man’s land, with strange flags, statues of Lenin, vodka for a dollar, and more hammers and sickles than you’ll see anywhere else!
Moldova, known for its wine cultivation and production, has the highest vineyard density in the world. This is due to various factors, like its geographical latitude, soil quality, and microclimate. The local winemaking tradition tells the story of the community that nurtures it throughout the history.
People say Moldova even looks like a bunch of grapes on the map if you use a bit of imagination. Back in the USSR days, half of the wine produced in the whole empire came from here. Today, Moldova ranks as the 20th largest wine producer in the world. They take this very seriously – Milesti Mici near the capital holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine cellar, stretching over 250 kilometers and housing more than two million bottles. One in five Moldovans works in wine production.
Autumn is a very special time to explore Moldovan vineyards because of the harvest season. Wineries open up to offer tastings of the best local wines. Plus, visiting medieval castles and fortresses lets you feel even more enchanting while surrounded by the autumn colors.
Let’s go!!
DAY 1 :: Arrival
We reach Chisinau in time for dinner and first taste of Moldovan cuisine. Evening at leisure or check the local nightlife.
DAY 2 :: Transnistria
Learning about the self-proclaimed and unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, own currency, border guards and policy. Transnistria - which is the second largest city in Moldova, founded by Russian General Alexandr Suvorov in 1792. Its easy to notice city sentiments here, his statue is proudly rising on the central square. You can feel time stands still here since 1980s on every corner. Followed by lunch at soviet-style restaurant “Again in the USSR” we will visit to sturgeon fish farm for caviar tasting, 16th century Tighina fortress, Drama and Comedy theatre, Lenin, Suvorov and Catherine along other soviet flagged monuments, along the river Dniestr.
DAY 3 :: Grape Harvest at Chateau Purcari
Prepare yourself for a day filled with surprises and adventures, as we test your skills in picking and pressing the precious grapes of Purcari vineyards.
Purcari, known for its high-quality wines is oldest and most renowned winery in Moldova. It is here where Queen Elizabeth II's picked her favourite wines. We will sample selected grapes, such as Rosu de Purcari, Alb de Purcari, and Negru de Purcari. For dessert wine enthusiasts, the winery also produces Ice Wine, famous for hints of honey, spices, and fruits.
Despite using modern technology and international standards in wine production, we will have an opportunity to experience ancient traditions dating back to 1827. Equipped with garden scissors, we will start with grape harvesting. Once the baskets are full, it’s time for grape stomping! We will crush the grapes with our feet in a rhythmic dance. There will be no shortage of awards for the most active stompers! Well-deserved lunch at the winery restaurant on the open terrace overlooking the vineyards. Next, we will take a wine tour around the estate, learning about the secrets of wine production and indulging in a luxurious wine tasting experience.
DAY 4 :: Chisinau
After late breakfast, we’ll stretch our legs on a walk through the greenest capital in Europe! Pass by Cathedral Park and Bell Tower, Victory Arc, neoclassical monuments and quaint bookstores.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Milestii Mici for a walk across world’s largest wine cellar! We will experience “the Golden Collection Milestii Mici” a proud holder of the Guinness Book of Records for storing more than 1.5 Million bottles of harmonious wines.
In the afternoon we will head back to airport for return flight home. Bye bye Moldova x
Grade: easy, available to everyone.
Duration: Weekend
Activities: grape harvest, sightseeing, immersion in Soviet era (Transnistria).
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel, double sharing rooms, meals excluded.
Cost: 3890 AED incl. flights from Abu Dhabi Wizz Air, until AUG 01.
Specifically excluded: visa (Schengen grants entry), insurance, meals except breakfasts.
Visa: In addition to Schengen visa, some passports require additional permit (or simplified visa) to enter Moldova, details here.
It is participant sole responsibility to assure admission to country of destination.
See yah in Moldova x
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