Moldova Tours & Trips

Moldova is a relatively new country compared to others because of its separation from the USSR, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do or places to see. Below are a few key reminders when planning your tour of Moldova. 

Is it Safe to Travel to Moldova?

For the most part, yes. Like with any other country, you should always practice a dose of caution when traveling. There are pickpockets and scammers at most popular tourist locations, including in Moldova. If you are planning a day trip from Chisinau that’s not included on your itinerary, make sure to do some research beforehand. 

Is it Expensive to Travel in Moldova? 

Compared to other countries in Europe, no it is not. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, primarily because it is so new. The Moldovan Leu is equivalent to .05 Euro. This means that travel is relatively affordable. 

You can exchange money once you get to Moldova and this is usually recommended as the exchange rate is often better in the country you are visiting. If you decide to exchange your money in your home country, make sure your bank has Moldovan Leu. Not every bank carries every country’s currency and this may be the case with Moldova. 

Language in Moldova

Moldova does not have an official separate language, it’s official language is Romanian. This can be quite helpful if you are on a tour of Eastern Europe as Romania and Moldova are often paired together. 

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Moldova?

Depending on your home country, you may or may not need a visa when visiting. For example, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa when visiting Moldova. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days. While you may not need a visa when visiting, you do have to register with the government when you arrive. This isn’t common, Montenegro is a country that does this as well, but is something you should be aware of. 

Oftentimes your tour company will take care of the necessary registration when you arrive at the airport or hotel. It’s best when booking, to double check with them whether they do this or if you will need to do it yourself upon arrival. 

Who Will Enjoy a Moldova Tour

Moldova is an amazing country for any traveler to visit, but there are a couple types of travelers that will really enjoy this small, unique country. 

1. Wine Lovers

Arguably, Moldova is most known for its wine. It is home to the largest wine cellar in the world, Milestii Mici, with an underground city of wine storage rooms, tasting rooms, and catacombs full of wine.

A Moldova Tour will typically include a stop at Milestii Mici or one of the other major wineries in the country. However, a real treat will be if you can taste one of the wines a local makes. Many households in Moldova make their own wine, so if you have the chance to try one of these, it won’t be something you will ever forget. 

2. History Buffs 

Moldova is located in an interesting spot in Eastern Europe and has a long history dating back much farther than its commonly-known connection to the USSR. The capital city of Chisinau dates back to the 1400s and many of the monasteries in the country date back to medieval times.

It is also a place to learn more about Communist rule and way of life as many places in the country still have influences from this time, especially in Transnistria. 

Packing List for Moldova

As with many countries in Europe, the time of the year when you are visiting will dictate what you should pack. A few key essentials you should always include in any packing list are sunscreen, hats, layers, and your own medication.

This is especially important as not every country has the same medications, even Moldova. Moldova is considered to have a continental climate, which means it has all four seasons. You can equate it somewhat to the Midwest in the U.S. with each season clearly defined. 

Summers in Moldova are longer and warm. If you are traveling during this time pack plenty of sunscreen and lightweight clothes. The average temperature in the summer is above 68 so some days could be very warm and others a little cooler. The shoulder seasons will likely be cooler. Make sure to pack plenty of layers if you are visiting in April or September. 

Winter in Moldova is not as you would expect. Many would think Moldova would get a great amount of snow because of its location, but as temperatures stay very cold, there isn’t much precipitation. You may encounter light snow showers, but nothing that will make you want to pack your skis. With the weather averaging such low temperatures, take thermal pants and shirts, warm socks, and thick coats if you visit during the winter months.

What to Expect from a Moldova Tour

Moldova is considered one of the least visited countries in the world. Tour companies are slowly adding trips to this small country. Most tours of Moldova will be part of a larger tour of Eastern Europe because of this. As time goes by and more people visit Moldova, there will be more tours of Moldova on its own. 

When researching tours you will find that Moldova is typically paired with Romania and/or Ukraine because of it being landlocked between the two countries and having a shared past. These tours will include stops at Chisinau, Transnistria, and probably one of the major wineries. 

When you go on a Moldova tour you will have time to learn about the varied past of this small country and you will be able to do it with the tour or on your own. Many tours offer walking tours of the major sites in Chisinau, but they also include free time for you to explore. Take advantage of this free time to really get into the history of the country and try the local food and wine.