Moldova Cave Monasteries & Soroca
Travel north from Chisinau to Old Orhei, Țipova, and Saharna, ending at the Soroca Fortress.
A classic route for first-time visitors to Moldova: spend two nights in Chisinau, head north to stay at a guesthouse in Butuceni village to beat the day-trip crowds, then follow the Dniester River to see the cave monasteries, staying overnight in Soroca before returning. Public transport in the countryside is inconvenient, making self-driving the easiest option; taking a minibus (marshrutka) is also feasible, but you will need to hire a taxi on Day 4. Ideal for those interested in rural life and religious heritage, with Cricova as the sole wine-tasting stop.
Soroca Fortress has been closed in winter in recent years. In January and February, rural roads can be icy and many guesthouses close.
Day by day
Day 1 · Chisinau City Center
Chișinău（Ștefan cel Mare Central Park、Cathedral of Christ's Nativity、Triumphal Arch, Chișinău、National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History、Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre）
Upon arrival, take a transfer to the city. Attractions in the city center are within walking distance along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard.
You can attend an opera or ballet performance in the evening; check the schedule in advance.
Stay: City Center, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
Day 2 · Cricova & City Museums
Chișinău（Cricova Winery、National Museum of History of Moldova、Chișinău Central Market）
In the morning, drive or take a minibus to Cricova (approx. 30 minutes). Return to the city in the afternoon for a walking tour.
Do not drive after wine tasting in Cricova; it is best to take a taxi or hire a car for the day.
Stay: City Center, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
Day 3 · Curchi to Old Orhei
Chișinău（Curchi Monastery、Orheiul Vechi）
Drive via Curchi Monastery to Butuceni (approx. 2 hours), or take a direct minibus (approx. 1.5 hours).
Museums may be closed on Mondays, but the caves and churches can be visited during the day. There are about 200 steps up to the cave monastery.
Stay: Butuceni
Day 4 · Țipova & Saharna Monasteries
Chișinău（Țipova Monastery、Saharna Monastery）
Drive north along the Dniester River, visiting two monasteries on the way to Soroca (approx. 4 hours total driving time).
The stone steps down to Țipova are steep; wear non-slip shoes. It gets crowded on weekends, so arrive early.
Stay: Soroca
Day 5 · Soroca Fortress & Return
Visit the fortress in the morning and climb up to the Candle of Gratitude monument for panoramic views. In the afternoon, drive back to Chisinau (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
The fortress is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; swap the itinerary if visiting on these days.