Moldova

Moldova is a wonderful blend of history and nature. Its hilly landscape dotted with lush and copious vineyards is a delight for the nature lover. Once known as "the garden" of the Soviet Union, Moldova has now lost most of its traditional Russian markets for agricultural products and is exploring new international markets.

Perhaps the first place you’ll visit on your trip to Moldova is the unique wine city of Cricova, featuring more than 60 miles of roads, with huge barrels and tanks parked on the roadside. If you’re a wine lover, you won’t miss Milestii Mici, celebrated as the biggest wine collection in the world to be registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, is a strikingly beautiful city nestled on the River Byk. Chisinau is affectionately referred to as the White City, because of the many white limestone buildings scattered all over the city. Here, one can visit the Fine Arts Museum, the Pushkin House, and the Chekhov Theater. Folk dance and music are very popular in Moldova, with the presence of internationally reputed orchestras and groups such as the Doina Choir and Zhok Folk Dance. The city centre is studded with Soviet-style governmental architecture, with a few impressive neo-classical buildings interspersed in between.

Other major cities in Moldova are Tiraspol, Balti and Bender. However, with the exception of Chisinau, there is little Western influence or prosperity anywhere.