How to Plan Your Iasi Tour: Cricova Winery, Chisinau City Tour, and Capriana Monastery

Are you planning a trip to Iasi and looking for an exciting day trip to explore Moldova’s capital city and its beautiful surroundings? Look no further than the Cricova Winery, Chisinau City Tour, and Capriana Monastery tour. Here is a step-by-step guide on planning your tour.

Step 1: Book the Tour

The first step is to book the tour. You can do this by following this link: book the tour here. The tour costs $99.23 per person and takes approximately 11 hours. The price includes transportation, tour guide, entrance tickets, and wine tasting at Cricova Winery.

Step 2: Get Ready for the Tour

Before the tour, make sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be walking for an extended period. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Step 3: Visit the Capriana Monastery

In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Iasi, and your day trip will begin. The first stop of the tour is the Capriana Monastery. The monastery was the residence of the Metropolitan of Moldova and was patronized by many rulers of Moldova, including Stefan the Great. The beautiful orthodox monastery dates back to the 15th century and has been rebuilt and restored several times over the centuries. You will have a guided tour of the site that will give you insight into the history and culture of Moldova.

Step 4: Explore Chisinau

After visiting the monastery, the tour will travel to Chisinau, the Moldavian capital. Our experienced tour guide will take you on a journey through time, and you will get to discover all the city’s main attractions. You will visit their own Arc de Triomphe, the 1841 Holy Gates at the center of the city, and stroll through one of the city’s parks. Our tour will also take you to the Central Market, where you can purchase traditional Moldovan souvenirs.

Step 5: Taste Great Wines at Cricova Winery

Finally, the tour will take you to the Cricova Winery, where you can learn about the steps to wine tasting and try great wines. The Cricova Winery is the second-largest wine cellar in the world and is home to over 1.25 million bottles of wine. The winery features an underground network of tunnels that span over 120 kilometers and keeping the wines at the perfect temperature and humidity level.

During the wine tour, you will ride in small electric trains through the underground cellars, explore the different age sections of the winery, and learn about the process of wine making. Besides the traditional wines, Cricova also produces sparkling wines with a unique taste, texture, and aroma.

Conclusion

Planning your Cricova Winery, Chisinau City Tour, and Capriana Monastery tour is an excellent opportunity to get to know Moldova’s rich history and culture. By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily book this tour, get ready for the trip, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Iasi. Don’t hesitate, book your tour now, and let our professional team take care of the rest!

An Insider’s Guide to Iasi, Romania

Located in the northeastern part of Romania, Iasi is the country’s second-largest city and a hidden gem for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. With a rich history and beautiful architecture, Iasi is a delightful blend of old and new. From stunning monasteries to delicious local cuisine, here is everything you need to know to plan your Iasi tour.

City Attractions

The city is home to numerous architectural marvels, including Palatul Culturii (Palace of Culture), a majestic building that houses four museums and boasts a stunning interior decorated with intricate frescoes and stained glass windows. Another must-visit is the Iasi Botanical Garden, a lush green space with over 10,000 plant species and a serene Japanese Garden. The grandeur of the Golia Monastery cannot be missed, and the Three Hierarchs Monastery is another famed haven of religious peace and tranquility. Visitors can also marvel at the beautiful Palace of Justice and the oldest still-operating theatre in Romania – the National Theatre Vasile Alecsandri.

Dining Spots

When it comes to food, Iasi will pleasantly surprise visitors with its diverse culinary scene. For an authentic Romanian experience and delicious local cuisine, head to the historic Hanul Dacilor restaurant. La Placinte offers delicious Moldovan food, along with vegan and vegetarian options, all served in a cozy atmosphere. For a modern dining experience, try Plus Restaurant, a rooftop restaurant with a fantastic view of the city. The food here is outstanding, and the ambiance is worth the trip alone!

Cultural Experiences

Iasi is an old university city, and it has a rich cultural heritage, theatre scene, and many festivals throughout the year. The University of Iasi is over 150 years old and has produced several notable Romanian intellectuals. Visitors can catch poetry readings, classical music concerts, and theatre performances at the National Theatre, which dates back to 1840. The Bucium Ensemble, who perform traditional Moldavian music and dance, is another cultural staple that is not to be missed!

Local History

The city’s history is as intriguing as it is varied. Iasi was once the capital of Moldova and played a crucial role in Romania’s unification. One of the most notable historical landmarks is the impressive ‘Alexandru Ioan Cuza’ Palace, which served as the first official seat of the Romanian Government after its unification in 1859. Visitors can also check out the Palace of Three Molds, a historic edifice dating back to the 17th century that has been refurbished to preserve traditional Moldavian architecture during the region’s heyday. The history-loving tourist can also visit the memorial complex Mihai Eminescu, a public institution that honors the life and works of one of Romania’s most prominent poets.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For offbeat experiences around Iasi, explore the neighbouring Neamt region, only an hour away. The mountain trails of Ceahlau National Park offer stunning vistas of the Carpathian Mountains. The painted monasteries of Bucovina (Voronet) and Agapia are easily reachable from Iasi. For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to Targu-frumos, a sleepy Romanian town that is home to a fascinating museum dedicated to pea farming. Peanuts are significant in Romania, and the museum is a tribute to the people who farmed them .

Conclusion

Iasi is one of Romania’s most captivating cities, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in beautiful architecture, delicious food or immersing yourself in history and local culture experiences, Iasi is a destination that should not be overlooked. By including these must-visit attractions, authentic dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you will undoubtedly make the most of your trip to Iasi.