BIRDWATCHING TOUR IN MOLDOVA

8 days / 7 nights
View photos


EXPLORE BIRDS, FORESTS & HIDDEN NATURE OF MOLDOVA

Experience an unforgettable birdwatching adventure through the most scenic and biodiverse regions of Moldova. From the spectacular landscapes of Orheiul Vechi to the peaceful wetlands of Lower Dniester National Park and the rich ecosystems surrounding Beleu Lake, this tour invites you to discover a paradise for migratory and rare bird species. Explore the untouched beauty of Lower Prut Reservation, wander through the ancient forests of Plaiul Fagului Reservation, and admire the tranquil landscapes of Cazimir–Milești Landscape Reserve.
Observe rare and migratory bird species in their natural environment, enjoy peaceful walks through protected reserves, and experience breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds. Accompanied by experienced local guides, you will discover Moldova’s hidden ecological treasures while enjoying traditional cuisine, charming villages, and genuine hospitality. A perfect experience for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatching enthusiasts seeking authentic encounters and unforgettable moments in the heart of Eastern Europe.


Highlights

Chisinau city

View

National Museum of...

View

Fuior Restaurant

View

Butuceni guesthouse

View

Cricova Underground Wine...

View

“Assumption of the...

View

Château Purcari winery

View

Manuc Bei Manor

View

Comrat city

View

Gagauz Sofrasi guesthouse

View

Karagani winery

View

Balanesti Hill

View

 

Itinerary A day-by-day plan to guide your journey. Download PDF

Day 1: Arrival day and Panoramic tour of Chisinau

Chisinau

On arrival at Chisinau International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Chisinau. After settling in, you will enjoy lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, you will have an excursion at the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History from Chisinau. It offers visitors a fascinating insight into the country’s cultural traditions, historical legacy, and natural environment. Visitors can also admire archaeological treasures, Basarabian carpets, traditional national costumes, and many other significant cultural artifacts. Outside, the museum features a mini botanical garden and a mini zoo, creating a peaceful and educational space for visitors of all ages. One of the museum's most unique attractions is a small area dedicated to live animals – the Vivarium. The outdoor garden is home to an impressive variety of animals and birds, including swans, mandarin ducks, geese, ostriches, peacocks, hawks, and pigeons. In total, the garden houses over 130 plant species and more than 60 species of animals, reptiles, and birds.

The day will continue with a Walking city tour of Chisinau -the main administrative, scientific and cultural center of Moldova. During the tour, you will discover pieces of history and culture of the city such as the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the Bell Tower, the Arch of Triumph, the Monument of Stephen the Great, etc. - where you will also see many charming pigeons gathering around.

In the evening, you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Fuior Restaurant (traditional cuisine).


HIGHLIGHTS: Chisinau city, National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, Fuior Restaurant

Day 2: Birdwatching experience at Orheiul Vechi a 40 thousand year-old natural amphitheater and wine tasting at Cricova Underground Wine Galleries

Chisinau - Butuceni - Cricova - Chisinau

In the morning, you will enjoy birdwatching experience at Orheiul Vechi - a natural amphitheater revealing a territory which was first inhabited 40 000 years ago. Orheiul Vechi area is a haven for birdwatchers, offering the chance to spot around 20 different bird species, including rare and migratory ones such as Common Wood-Pigeon, European Turtle-Dove, Common Cuckoo, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, European Goldfinch, European Starling, Great Tit, Hooded row, Common Kingfisher, Gray Heron etc. The diversity of natural habitats – cliffs, riverbanks, meadows, and patches of forest – creates ideal conditions for observing birds in their natural environment. Birdwatching is especially rewarding along the 5 km stretch of the Răut River between Trebujeni and Furceni, where the scenic route offers excellent access to key bird habitats and picturesque landscapes.
The second part of the Orheiul Vechi excursion includes walking through a series of historical and cultural monuments that reflect the region's rich past.

In the afternoon, you will savor an authentic Moldovan lunch at Butuceni Eco Resort, where you will experience local specialties, as “zeama”, “mamaliga”, and “scrob”, along with traditional pastry and homemade wine.


Next, you will visit the world’s most impressive underground wine cities - Cricova Cellars. During the excursion at Cricova winery in the tourist train, at a depth of 80 m, you will discover the wonders of this place. Cricova underground galleries are formed by over seventy streets covering an area of nearly 120 km, each bearing Bacchic names: Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cahors, etc. The jewel of the underground treasure is the National Collection, including over 600 types of wine totalling about 1 million bottles. Here you will admire the oldest bottle of wine - "Jewish Easter Wine", dating from 1902. You will also visit the unique production of sparkling wine, where a professional guide will tell you about all the process of producing sparkling wines using the famous French-style Méthode Champenoise. In one of the tasting rooms, the sommelier will explain the rules of wine tasting and help you better reveal the taste and bouquet of each type of wine.


After visiting the winery, you will be transferred to Chisinau and have free time in the city.



HIGHLIGHTS: Butuceni guesthouse, Cricova Underground Wine Galleries

Day 3: Birdwatching adventure at Lower Dniester Park and wine tasting at Chateau Purcari

Chisinau - Causeni - Purcari - Chisinau

After breakfast, you will travel to Causeni, where you will visit the “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” Church - the only church in Moldova with wall frescos and candidate to UNESCO heritage. Its actual shape dates from the reconstruction made between 1763 and 1767. Its interior is rich in wall painted frescos of the specific style of the late Romanian Hurez school.
The journey will continue with Birdwatching adventure at Lower Dniester Park - a vast natural area characterized by lush floodplain forests, wet meadows, and vibrant lakes teeming with life. This protected region is home to 950 of plant species and 288 bird species, some of which 113 breed locally, while the rest are migratory or seasonal visitors. The region attracts many bird species, especially from neighboring Ukraine. Large flocks of glossy ibis, great white pelicans and numerous herons — such as the squacco heron, little egret, and great egret — are frequently observed. Other notable species include the white stork, various raptors like the black kite, common buzzard, kestrel, hobby, and rarer birds such as the booted eagle and red-footed falcon.

In the afternoon, you will discover Château Purcari, followed by a delicious lunch at the winery. It is the oldest winery in Moldova where the favourite wine of the royal families is served. It the leader among premium class wines from Moldova, recognized worldwide for its legendary Roșu de Purcari and Negru de Purcari wines. Over the years, it has won more than 250 medals at prestigious international competitions such as Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine & Spirits Competition, International Wine Challenge, Effervescents du Monde, etc.

After visiting Chateau Purcari winery, you will be transferred to Chisinau and savor a delightful dinner at the hotel.




HIGHLIGHTS: “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” Church from Causeni, Château Purcari winery

 

What's included


◆ 5 nights accommodation at the hotel in Chisinau, in a DBL/TWIN room with breakfast included
◆ 1 night accommodation at Mircesti Winery, in a DBL/TWIN room with breakfast included
◆ 1 night accommodation at Eco Village Valeni, in a DBL/TWIN room with breakfast included
◆ Meals according to the program
◆ Tasting of 4 types of wine at Cricova Cellars
◆ Tasting of 3 types of wine at Purcari Winery
◆ Tasting of 4 types of wine at Karagani Winery
◆ Tasting of 5 types of wine at Mircesti Winery
◆ Excursions according to the itinerary
◆ Entrance fees according to the program
◆ Transportation for the entire tour
◆ Professional English speaking guide