17 days in Moldova Itinerary

Chișinău Etymology and namesThe origin of the city's name is unclear, but in one version, the name comes from the archaic Romanian word chișla (meaning "spring", "source of water") and nouă ("new"), because it was built around a small spring, at the corner of Pușkin and Albișoara streets.The other version, formulated by Ștefan Ciobanu, Romanian historian and academician, holds that the name was formed the same way as the name of Chișineu (alternative spelling: Chișinău) in Western Romania, near the border with Hungary. Change things up with a short trip to Curchi Monastery in Orhei (about 58 minutes away). There's much more to do: do a tasting at Cricova Winery, make a trip to Victory Memorial and Eternal Flame, get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, and let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Chisinau trip itinerary builder app.

Chicago, USA to Chisinau is an approximately 24-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 8 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Tiraspol.

Tiraspol is internationally recognised as the second largest city in Moldova, but is effectively the capital and administrative centre of the unrecognised Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria). Change things up with a short trip to Castel Mimi Wine Resort in Bulboaca (about 38 minutes away). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Bendery Fortress, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chitcani Monastery (Noul Neamt), appreciate the history behind Mig-19 Monument, and pause for some serene contemplation at The Christmas Cathedral.

For where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our Tiraspol online trip builder.

Drive from Chisinau to Tiraspol in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Rezina.

Rezina is a city in Moldova and the capital of Rezina District. On the 15th (Fri), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saharna Monastery. On the 16th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Rocky Monastery of Tipova, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tipova Monastery, and then step off the mainland to explore Hanul Lui Hanganu.

To see ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Rezina trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Tiraspol to Rezina takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and car; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 58°F in April, and nighttime lows around 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can drive to Soroca.

Soroca is a city and municipality in Moldova, situated on the Dniester river about 160 km north of Chișinău. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sun): appreciate the history behind The Candle of Gratitude Monument and then explore the ancient world of Soroca Fortress. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Mon): stop by Gypsy Hill and then don't miss a visit to Rudi Monastery.

For ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Soroca holiday builder site.

Traveling by car from Rezina to Soroca takes 1.5 hours. In April, plan for daily highs up to 58°F, and evening lows to 49°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.