November 9-10, National Wine Holiday

DESCRIPTION OF lOcality AND EVENTS

Probably, it was a God’s will to let a grape-vine reign over the life-rhythm of a tiny country Moldova. Wine for this country is more than simply wine Certainly, it’s a symbol of the republic and if you look at a map, you’ll notice that it looks like a grape-vine.

A Latin proverb says, “ In vino veritas” and this day everyone may check for himself the truth of these words. Winemaking in Moldova is in genes: every yard has a winery, every Moldavian is a gourmet.

The holiday begins with a winemakers’ parade, a bright and a colorful event with musical and choreographic compositions. Moldexpo has a great amount of drinking and snacking entertainments. During two days the residents and guests of the town have a great possibility to enjoy the performances of the national ensembles.The final point of the holiday is the Moldovan dance the main peculiarity of which is that all participants should hold each others hands.

Chişinău / Kishinev 

is a capital of Moldova republic, a town of white stone (closely connected with the names of the Ukrainian hetman Ivan Mazepa, the Russian poet and writer Alexander Pushkin and others). Read more.

Orcheul Vechii / Old Orhei

The moving water of Răut River (Reut River) has created a unique nature sight called meander. It still remains a great secret what did make the river flow through that place. There is a version that the falling of a huge meteorite has caused to the formation of a giant caldera.

From the first centuries of Christianity, in limestone walls was built a monastery that still exists. Here, also stands a beautiful village Butuchen that deals with agrotourism.

In Roman times this territory was inhabited by Thracian tribes - Getae which considered to be the genetic ancestors of Moldavians. Old Orhei is the sight of nature and archeology that has got the 4^th place among the most picturesque parts of Eastern Europe.

Mileştii Mici

Mileştii Mici is one of the most ancient Moldovan village, as ancient books and chronicles evidence.

According to the legend the village was firstly gifted from Petru Raresh to his grandson Lashko and then he gifted it to one of his relatives whose name was Miley.

People named the village in his honor as he made all efforts to establish the unique and harmonious wine trade brand “Miletsii Mici”.

The local ancient caves make an impression, and some of them even reach the outskirts of Chişinău.

The first batch of wine in the tunnel was mortgaged in the late 60's, and the results exceeded all expectations. Limestone played the role of natural moisture regulator and the battery of temperature (12 degrees), which was stable year round. And as longer the wine is stored in such optimal conditions, as more sophisticated quality it got. For ten years the best Moldovan wines are gathered there and exactly at this place they get the status of great vintage and collection

Milestii Mici is the first object for storing and aging wine quality, founded in 1969.

Now it’s territory is more than 200 km of underground where wine occupies for 64 km.

In 2007 Milestii Mici hit the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest wine warehouse with- 1 500 000 bottles!

the program of the trip *

THE FIRST DAY

00:00 midnight departure from Cherkasy, night crossing of Cherkasy - 440 km, about 7 hours

~ 5:30 Crossing the border PMR, 60 minutes

8:00 Arrival to the hotel. Registration, rest, free time. 60 min.

9:00 Excursion in Chişinău

10:00 Opening the Celebration

11:30 Departure to the Old Orhey 40 km - about 38 min.

12:30 Excursion program

13:00 Lunch in the Moldovan country estate

14:00 Return to Chişinău

15:00 Participation in the National Wine Holiday

20:00 Return to the hotel by bus, those who stay for a longer time – independently.

THE SECOND DAY

08:00 Breakfast

9:00 Moving to Mileştii Mici 18 km - about 26 min

9:30 Excursion in the underground wine complex 2:00

11:30 Return to Chişinău

12:00 Free time

15:00 Departure to Cherkasy. 440 km, about 7 hours

23:00 Return

Total 950 km, travel time 17 hours

PARTICIPATION

Two-day tour to Moldova with accommodation and meals.

The cost - 799.- UAH.

Traveling by a comfortable bus, insurance, hotel (comfort unit) Zarea * breakfast, excursion in Chişinău, a trip to Old Orhey with a lunch in the Moldovan country estate, ethnic cuisine with wine, gifts, visit of underground cities with Milestii Mici wine tasting.

Overseas passport is obvious!