Moldova Discovery - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will primarily be by private vehicle and walking.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in this tour. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue, and provide evidence to your CEO.

• What are the minimum age requirements for this tour?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• What opportunities are there for cultural immersion on this tour?

  The tour is rich in cultural immersion. You'll visit a local cheese factory supporting the community, take a cooking class at an agro-pension in Trebujeni, and fully immerse yourself in the Gagauzia region with a visit to the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum, learning about wedding traditions, and indulging in a traditional Gagauz feast at a cultural complex.

• Are there any optional activities not included in the main itinerary?

  No optional activities are listed for this trip.

• Is tipping customary in Moldova?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff. For local guides, a recommendation of €3-5 per day is suggested, and for the CEO, €6-8 per person per day (or €30-€40 per person per week) is a guideline for excellent service.

• What currency should I use in Moldova, and are credit cards widely accepted?

  The local currency in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It's recommended to carry some cash for times when ATMs are not accessible, and for smaller purchases. Credit cards are generally not very useful outside of larger stores.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  The trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, who will provide general knowledge, suggestions, and assistance. Local guides are also utilized in specific locations to provide more in-depth historical and cultural information.

• Can dietary restrictions, especially for vegetarians, be accommodated?

  Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine of this region is predominantly meat-based. While vegetarian food can be found and enjoyed, the variety and range of choices might be more limited than what you would find at home.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. While traveling, you'll have flexibility in choosing where and what to eat for other meals, with suggestions from your CEO.

• Are single rooms available for solo travelers?

  The tour is designed for shared accommodation with no single supplement. Solo travelers will be paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, though these can sometimes be smaller.

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  The tour includes a mix of accommodation: 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights in an Eco Resort, and 1 night in a guesthouse. Please note that accommodation in Europe, especially in older buildings, may feature smaller rooms and bathrooms, and may not always have elevators or air conditioning. Fans are typically available upon request.

• What are the main highlights of the Moldova Discovery tour?

  Highlights include a guided walking tour of Moldova’s capital city, a visit to Cricova winery for an underground cellar tour and wine tasting, a visit to a local cheese factory to learn about community support, and a deep cultural immersion in Moldova's Gagauzia region including a museum visit and traditional feast.

• What kind of experience can I expect on the Moldova Discovery tour?

  This 7-day tour offers a unique exploration of Moldova, one of Europe's best-kept secrets. You'll delve into the capital city of Chișinău, experience world-class wineries, and connect with locals through centuries-old traditions like learning to make cheese pie and immersing yourself in Gagauz culture. It's designed to be a personal, unexpected, and unforgettable trip.

• Are there any optional activities not included in the tour price?

  There are no optional activities listed for this tour; all key experiences are included.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides?

  Your CEO will accompany the group, providing orientation walks, offering suggestions for activities and dining, and introducing local contacts. In Europe, guiding laws mean local guides, licensed for specific cities, will provide historical facts and specific insights, while the CEO offers broader support.

• What should vegetarians expect regarding local cuisine?

  The cuisine in this region is predominantly meat-based. While vegetarian options will be available, please be aware that there might be less variety compared to what you would find in other regions.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. Group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. An optional 'My Own Room' supplement is available if you prefer a private room, though single rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller.

• What is the tipping etiquette for this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, a tip of €3-5 per day is recommended. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week is suggested at the end of the trip.

• What is the local currency and what are the recommendations for managing money?

  The local currency in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It is recommended to carry some cash (Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars are easy to exchange) for times when ATMs might not be accessible. Credit cards are generally not very useful for smaller purchases. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also advised for unforeseen circumstances.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will primarily be via private vehicle and walking.

• What activities and experiences are included in the tour?

  Included activities feature a Chisinau orientation walk and a guided city walking tour, a Cricova Winery tour and tasting, a visit to Saharna Monastery, a 'Fromage - Made in Moldova' project visit with a light lunch, an Orheiul Vechi Hike, a cooking class in Trebujeni, a guided National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum visit with cultural presentation, a Comrat winery tour and tasting, and a Gagauz Sofrasi cultural and culinary complex visit with dinner. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, which indicates a moderate activity level.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Other meals are not included to give you flexibility, but your CEO can suggest local dining options.

• What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

  Accommodation for this tour includes 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights in an Eco Resort, and 1 night in a guesthouse. Please note that properties in Europe, especially older ones, may have smaller rooms, 'thin' walls, and might not have elevators or air conditioning (though standing or desk fans can usually be requested).

• What is the typical group size for the Moldova Discovery tour?

  The tour operates with a minimum group size of 1 and a maximum of 16 participants.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  This tour is designed for travelers with a minimum age of 12 and a maximum age of 100 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room, though these are often smaller in European hotels.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  You will stay in Hotels (4 nights), an Eco Resort (2 nights), and a Guesthouse (1 night). Accommodation in Europe, especially in older buildings, may feature smaller rooms, and may not always have elevators or air-conditioning. Shared bathrooms are possible in one or two locations.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will primarily be by private vehicle and walking.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included where there is a choice of eating options, to provide maximum flexibility and budgeting control.

• What are the main highlights of the Moldova Discovery tour?

  Main highlights include a guided walking tour of Chișinău, a visit to Cricova Winery for an underground cellar tour and wine tasting, a visit to a local cheese factory that supports the community, and cultural immersion in Moldova's Gagauzia region.

• What is the role of the CEO and local guides on this trip?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the group throughout the trip, providing orientation walks and general knowledge of the areas. Local guides are also used to provide more specific historical, cultural, religious, and social insights in particular cities.

• Are there vegetarian meal options available?

  Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine of this region is predominantly meat-based. While you will be able to find vegetarian food, the variety or range of choices may be more limited than what you would find at home.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What currency is used in Moldova, and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). ATMs are found in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It's recommended to carry some cash (Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars are easy to exchange) for times when ATMs are not accessible. Credit cards are generally not very useful for common purchases but can be used at some larger stores.

• How much emergency money should I carry?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for use when unforeseen circumstances require a change to the planned route.

• Are there any health considerations or vaccination requirements for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required for the country visited; it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and any personal medical requirements, as leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• What is the tipping etiquette on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. For your CEO, €6-8 per person, per day is a guideline at the end of the trip.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue, has been sighted by your CEO.

• Are laundry facilities available during the tour?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation and its connection to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn an income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

• What are the important safety and conduct rules to be aware of?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated as they contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to our philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all our travellers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, such as the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip to Moldova?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Travel within the Schengen area has been simplified. As of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may be introduced as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the tour?

  Should you need to contact us in a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our Local Office (+441858378000). If you don’t receive an immediate answer, leave a detailed message. If you are unable to reach the local office, you can contact our Sales team at numbers such as 1 888 800 4100 (North America) or +1 416 260 0999 (outside specific regions).