11/12/2013
Rolling hills, woodlands, vineyards, monasteries, waterfalls, forests, wineries and nature reserves – that is Moldova, a small nation situated in Eastern Europe towards the north of the famous region of the Balkans (Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia) and with Romania to its south-west. On a humorous note, it is notorious for its residents having no money at all. If you are a wine lover, then Moldova is your place. Famous for its wines and expansive vineyards it offers some of the best wines at unbelievable reasonable prices when compared to other countries. ‘Milestii Mici’ with its underground roadways stretching across 125 miles occupies a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest wine collection in the world. Cricova is famous for having the second largest wine cellar while Purcari, one of the oldest wineries is famed for its wines having been relished by the Russian Emperor Nicolai II, Queen Victoria and the English King George V. Its capital city, Chisinau is famous for ‘The Capriana monastery’ which is situated at a distance of 40 km from the city. The 13th century Cave Monastery, situated at a half hour drive from the capital is also a favorite spot with tourists. The city of Ungheni is one of the most beautiful and has some captivating ‘must-see’ places. The city of Soroca boasts of the 1499 built, Soroca fort and ‘The Candle of Gratitude’. Tiraspol, the second largest city, has innumerable museums and a beautiful park along the Nistru river. Moldova has a beautiful landscape and tourists can enjoy skydiving, kayaking, horseback riding, biking and yes, even sipping the most delicious wine!