Moldova holidays reward the genuinely curious — a landlocked sliver of Eastern Europe where ancient cave monasteries, subterranean wine kingdoms, and the living remnant of a Soviet breakaway state sit within a few hours of each other.
Moldova is one of Europe's most genuinely overlooked destinations — a landlocked country shaped in turn by the Ottoman Empire, Tsarist Russia, and the Soviet Union, and still carrying all three in its landscape and culture. It is home to Transnistria, a self-declared breakaway republic that has changed little since 1991, and Gagauzia, an autonomous region with its own distinct Turkic identity. Cave monasteries, medieval fortresses, and some of the world's most impressive underground wine cellars sit within an easy drive of each other.
Our small group Moldova tours take in this remarkable range in just six days. From Chisinau's wide boulevards and the 13th-century cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi to the underground wine tunnels of Cricova and the medieval ramparts of Soroca Fortress, these Moldova holidays are built for travellers who want something genuinely different from Eastern Europe — with a maximum of 12 people and local English-speaking guides who know the country's political and cultural nuances well. One traveller who joined the tour shares what six days in Moldova is really like on the ground.
Moldova
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
Moldova produces wines of genuine international quality yet remains almost completely unknown to Western travellers. Exploring both the vast Cricova cellars and small family wineries like Et Cetera gives a picture of a wine culture with real depth and history.
Transnistria, a self-declared republic that still uses Soviet symbols and currency, offers a window into a period of history that has vanished almost everywhere else. It adds a layer of genuine intrigue to any Moldova trip.
The cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi and the medieval fortress at Soroca are remarkable by any European standard, yet they receive a fraction of the visitors of more famous sites in neighbouring countries.
Few countries of Moldova's size contain so many distinct identities — Romanian, Russian, Gagauz, and Roma cultures all coexist within its borders, making Moldova travel a genuinely rich and layered experience.
See itinerariesMoldova rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.
From the field
Sweet spot: May
Moldova has a continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters. Spring, from April to May, brings mild temperatures, green landscapes, and the first of the wine-country wildflowers — an excellent time to explore the country's vineyards and outdoor sites. Autumn, particularly September and October, offers warm days, golden light over the Moldovan countryside, and the grape harvest season, when the wineries are at their most active and atmospheric.
Summer (June–August) is hot and sunny, ideal for exploring Orheiul Vechi and Soroca at a leisurely pace. Winters are cold and best avoided for outdoor touring, though the capital retains its character year-round.
Undiscovered Destinations runs small group Moldova tours in spring and autumn — with guaranteed departures in April, May, September, and October.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
“Moldova Discovery provided the opportunity to go on a short tour offering a packed itinerary that gave a fascinating insight into one of the less visited countries in the world. Our guide, Natalia, and Marine were excellent ambassadors for their country. Jason at Undiscovered Destinations was exemplary.”
Tim
Moldova
“A 5-day visit to one of Europe's least-known countries, covering history, culture, modern city life, and wine. Very friendly and helpful, with clear itinerary explanations and responsive follow-up support.”
King Dom
Moldova
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Moldova Discovery provided the opportunity to go on a short tour offering a packed itinerary that gave a fascinating insight into one of the less visited countries in the world. Our guide, Natalia, and Marine were excellent ambassadors for their country. Jason at Undiscovered Destinations was exemplary.”
Tim
Moldova
“A 5-day visit to one of Europe's least-known countries, covering history, culture, modern city life, and wine. Very friendly and helpful, with clear itinerary explanations and responsive follow-up support.”
King Dom
Moldova
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
Every one of our Moldova journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
Moldova rewards travellers who move at their own pace. On a private itinerary, you might spend an extra day exploring the wine country around Pucari, take a longer detour into Gagauzia, or linger at Orheiul Vechi as the evening light falls across the limestone cliffs. A private traveller can also spend more time in Soroca — exploring the Fortress and the Roma mansions of Gypsy Hill without a group schedule to keep.
Undiscovered Destinations builds tailor-made Moldova travel packages with private transport, hand-picked local guides, and a choice of accommodation to suit your preferences. If you'd like to design your own Moldova holiday, speak to the team and we'll start planning.
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Travel Consultant
My love of travel started with an interrailing trip across Europe after university. That was it — I’d caught the bug, and it’s shaped everything since.
In my early twenties, I worked my way around New Zealand, Australia and Canada on working holiday visas, which gave me the chance to live in each country properly rather than just pass through. I rounded things off with a long backpacking trip through South East Asia, following the classic route before heading home to the UK and starting my career in travel.
Since then, I’ve worked with every kind of traveller you can imagine: students heading off on their first big adventure, couples planning honeymoons, people taking a sabbatical from busy careers, and travellers looking for something a bit more special later in life. The part I enjoy most is getting to know what someone really wants from a trip and helping shape it into something that feels right for them.
I’ve now visited more than 60 countries, and the list keeps growing. For me, travel is about experiencing different cultures, seeing landscapes you can’t quite believe are real, and, of course, eating very well along the way.
Our small group Moldova tour packages start from £1,095 per person, including accommodation, overland transport with a professional driver, the services of a local English-speaking guide, and most meals. A single room supplement of £125 is available for solo travellers who prefer a private room.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Moldova Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Moldova that we visit on our tours.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Moldova specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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