Step beyond the ordinary and discover the authentic beauty of Northern Moldova on this full-day journey to Soroca — one of the country’s most fascinating and picturesque destinations. Rich in history, legends, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers the perfect combination of medieval heritage and local traditions.

Our adventure begins in Chisinau as we travel north through Moldova’s scenic countryside, passing peaceful villages, rolling hills, vineyards, and endless green landscapes. Along the way, we stop at the charming town of Orhei for a short walk through its quiet streets and local atmosphere.

The first highlight of the day is a visit to the famous Museum & Studio “Arta Rustica” in the village of Clisova Noua. Here, you will step into the world of Moldovan traditions and discover one of the country’s greatest treasures — the Bessarabian carpet. The museum preserves authentic Moldovan craftsmanship and rural heritage through an impressive collection of handmade carpets, pottery, traditional clothing, weaving looms, and folk art.

 Guests can observe traditional weaving techniques and learn how Moldovan families preserved their customs for centuries.

Continuing north, we arrive in Soroca — a charming riverside town located on the banks of the Dniester River. Unlike Moldova’s more touristy destinations, Soroca remains authentic, peaceful, and full of local character. The town surprises visitors with its green parks, steep hills, scenic viewpoints, and rich multicultural atmosphere.

The main attraction of the day is the magnificent Soroca Fortress, one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Eastern Europe. Built in 1499 during the reign of the legendary Moldovan ruler Stephen the Great, the fortress played a crucial role in defending the borders of medieval Moldova against Tartar invasions. Later rebuilt in stone by Petru Rareș, the fortress became part of an important defensive chain along the Dniester River.

What makes Soroca Fortress truly unique is its perfectly circular design — a rare architectural concept for medieval fortresses. The fortress features five massive towers positioned symmetrically, creating a concentric defense system with no blind spots for enemies. Throughout history, the fortress survived numerous attacks from Tartars, Cossacks, Ottoman troops, and Polish armies, yet it was never conquered.

During the guided visit, you will hear fascinating stories and legends surrounding the fortress, including the famous legend of the white stork. According to local folklore, during a long siege by the Tartars, a white stork brought grapes to the starving defenders inside the fortress walls, giving them strength and hope to continue fighting. Today, the stork remains an important symbol of Soroca and can even be seen on the city’s coat of arms.

After exploring the fortress, we continue to one of the most unusual and colorful places in Moldova — the famous Gypsy Hill. This district is home to wealthy Roma families and their extravagant palace-like residences. The architecture here is unlike anything else in the country: enormous mansions inspired by world-famous landmarks such as the Capitol Building in Washington, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Covered in bright colors, adorned with golden decorations, and featuring impressive details, the houses reflect the creativity, ambition, and unique lifestyle of the local Roma community. If lucky, we may even hear stories about the famous Gypsy Baron and his legendary golden carriage.

One of the emotional highlights of the tour is the visit to the “Candle of Gratitude” monument, located high above the Dniester River. Reaching the monument requires climbing approximately 600 steps, but the effort is rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views over the river valley and surrounding cliffs. Built as a tribute to Moldova’s ancestors and cultural heritage, the monument symbolizes gratitude for the spiritual and historical values passed from generation to generation.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy countless photo opportunities, authentic local experiences, and the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Moldova. Traditional Moldovan cuisine can also be enjoyed during lunch in Soroca, offering the chance to taste local dishes and regional specialties.

This tour is perfect for travelers looking to explore Moldova beyond the typical routes — a unique journey filled with medieval legends, spectacular landscapes, living traditions, and unforgettable discoveries.