Castles & Manor Houses in Historical Moldova
This 8-day private journey takes you through the historic **Principality of Moldova**, now split between **Romania** and the **Republic of Moldova**, exploring some of the region's more remote and picturesque areas. A key highlight of the trip is the opportunity to stay in one of the region’s charming **manors**, which offer the perfect setting for immersing yourself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating stories of **Moldovan castles and manors**.
Day 1
Iasi
Arrive in Iași, the most significant historical, economic, and cultural center of Northeast Romania. Enjoy a city tour that includes visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Culture Palace, Golia Monastery, and Trei Ierarhi Church. Iași served as the capital of Moldavia from the 16th century until 1861 and was the capital of Romania from 1916 to 1918 during World War I.
In the evening, we will dine at a monastery, where we’ll savor blessed wine and listen to a choir of Byzantine church music performed by students from the IaÈ™i Theological University. Overnight at a 4-star local hotel.
Day 2
Iasi - Miclauseni Castle - Ruginoasa Palace - Polizu Manor
After breakfast, we depart from Iași and head to Sturdza Castle in Miclăușeni, a serene and romantic Neogothic masterpiece. Surrounded by a picturesque lake and a park filled with centuries-old trees, this castle was built by the influential Sturdza family, known for their contributions to Moldavian culture and governance.
Next, we visit the Ruginoasa Palace, a recently restored mansion steeped in history. Now a museum, it is dedicated to Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first ruler of the united Romanian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia.
The highlight of the day will be dinner and an overnight stay at the charming Polizu Manor (4*). This manor, rich in architectural value and history, was once a gathering spot for Moldovan and Bucharest nobles in the late 19th century and during the aftermath of World War II. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the elegance of this bygone era.
Day 3
Polizu Manor - crossing border to Republic of Moldova - lunch in the Royal Forest - Balti
After breakfast, we will cross the border into the Republic of Moldova and head to the Royal Forest (Padurea Domneasca), the largest nature reserve in Moldova. This serene forest is home to a variety of tree species, including oak, willow, and poplar, and is often called the “Land of Herons” due to the large population of herons nesting near the Prut River. One of the reserve's most intriguing features is the One Hundred Hills, a mysterious landscape of hills and knolls whose formation remains unexplained.
We will enjoy lunch within the reserve before visiting the Leonardi Buznea Manor, a classicist architectural gem built in 1830. Despite being transformed into a professional school after World War II, many of the manor’s original features, such as its wooden staircase, interior decorations, painted ceilings, and tiled stoves, have been preserved.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll arrive in BălÈ›i and enjoy a tour with a brandy tasting at the famous Barza Albă Brandy Factory. Afterward, we’ll check into a 4-star hotel for the night.
Day 4
Zabriceni Monastery - Ocnita Manor - Taul Manor and Park - Tirnova Wooden Church - Balti
Our next destination is **Zabriceni Monastery**, renowned for its pastoral, missionary, and cultural efforts. The monastery also produces **ECO foods**, which are available for purchase.
The first manor we will visit today is the **Constantin Stamati Manor** in **OcniÈ›a**, home to the famous Romanian writer who relocated to Tsarist Bessarabia in 1812 and was highly regarded by the Tsar. Today, the manor serves as a **Memorial House**, and if we’re fortunate, we may also glimpse an old abandoned windmill nearby. Lunch will be enjoyed at an **agro-touristic cluster**.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore **Èšaul Park**, the largest park in Moldova, surrounding the **Pommer Manor**. The park is divided into two sections and features a diverse collection of over 150 species of trees and bushes, many of which are exotic. The park also boasts an extensive network of **12.5 km of trails and paths**.
Later, we’ll visit **Tirnova village** to admire an impressive **wooden church** and, if time permits, we’ll stop at **Ohanowicz Manor** in **Mîndîc village**. In Soviet times, the manor and park were converted into a summer camp, and you can still see sculptures of pioneers scattered throughout the park.
We’ll return to **BălÈ›i** for the night and stay at the same accommodation.
Day 5
Balti - Pocrovca Old Believers village - Soroca - Old Orhei
In the morning, we’ll head to **Pocrovca village** to meet the **Old Believers**, a Russian community that has lived in relative isolation for around 200 years, maintaining their customs and traditions. We’ll have the opportunity to talk with a local family about **Old Russian traditions** and sample a variety of their delicious homemade jams.
Next, we’ll arrive in **Soroca**, where we’ll visit the **Soroca Fortress**, a unique example of defensive architecture in Europe. From there, we’ll explore the **Roma district of Soroca**, famous for its extravagant palaces. You’ll have the chance to meet and chat with a Roma family about their way of life.
Our final stop of the day is the **Old Orhei Open-Air Museum Complex**, often regarded as Moldova’s most spectacular site. Here, you’ll visit the **St. Maria Dormata** Orthodox cave monastery, carved into the cliffs and expanded over centuries by monks, still preserved in its functional state.
We’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse, offering a true taste of Moldovan hospitality.
Day 6
Old Orhei - Calarasi area - Dolna Manor - MIMI Wine Castle - Chisinau
From **Old Orhei**, we drive towards the **CălăraÈ™i** area, with our first stop at the **Honey Museum** in Raciula. Here, we’ll learn about the life of bees and enjoy tasting a variety of honey and honey products. We will also visit several local families: one producing a range of homemade liquors, another crafting different kinds of cheeses, and a third family offering products made from the apples of their own orchard.
For lunch, we’ll head to the **Casa Părintească Craft Centre** in Palanca village, where you’ll discover traditional Moldovan costumes and ethnographic customs. Enjoy a meal of traditional dishes paired with local wines, followed by organic herbal tea and a delightful quince jam.
Next, we’ll visit the **Zamfirache Ralli Manor** in Dolna Village, once the residence of the great Russian poet **Alexander Pushkin**. In 1820, Pushkin was introduced to the manor by his friend Ion Ralli-Arbore, and it was here he met the gypsy tribe and the beautiful **Zamfira**, an encounter that would inspire his writings.
In the evening, we’ll visit the renowned **MIMI Wine Castle**, a unique and internationally recognized destination in Moldova. This architectural gem, founded in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, is one of the most beautiful wine castles in the world. Enjoy a tour of the castle, wine tasting, and a special dinner before heading to **ChiÈ™inău** for the night, with accommodation in a 4-star hotel.
Day 7
Chisinau city tour - Milestii Mici - Manuc Bei Manor from Hincesti - Chisinau
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of **Chișinău**, the capital of Moldova. Highlights include the **Central Park**, **Alley of Moldovan Literature Classics**, the monument of **Stephen the Great and Saint**, **Great National Assembly Square**, **Triumph Arch**, **Nativity Cathedral**, **Organ Hall**, and the **Souvenir Market**.
Later, we’ll visit the renowned **Milestii Mici Winery**, mentioned in the Guinness World Records for having the largest wine cellar in the world, stretching 200 km at depths of 40-85 meters. The constant temperature of 12-14ºC and 85-95% humidity create ideal conditions for preserving elite wines. Enjoy a **wine tasting** and lunch.
Our journey continues to **Manuc Manor** in HînceÈ™ti. This French-style castle, complete with a winter garden, guard towers, and a park, was built in the 19th century by the famous architect **Alexander Bernardazzi**. The estate belonged to the descendants of **Manuc-Bey**, the diplomat who negotiated the cession of Bessarabia to the Tsarist Empire in 1812, making him a significant figure in the history of modern Moldova.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a **farewell dinner** at a local wine bar, known for promoting quality Moldovan wines produced by small local winemakers. Return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 8
Departure Home
Transfer to the airport.