Embark on a tantalizing journey with Crooked Compass as we bring you the “Taste of Moldova”, a culinary adventure that will indulge your senses and introduce you to the hidden gems of Moldovan cuisine. Nestled in Eastern Europe, this small country holds a rich culinary heritage that blends influences from neighbouring countries and local traditions. Let’s dive into what you can expect on this delectable journey.
1. Wine Tasting Extravaganza: Moldova is renowned for its wine production and boasts some of the oldest vineyards in the world. Prepare to savor a wide range of exceptional wines as we visit family-run wineries and learn about the winemaking process. From crisp whites to robust reds, each sip tells a story of passion and dedication.
2.Traditional Food Exploration: Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Moldova’s traditional dishes. From hearty soups like Zeama (chicken noodle soup) and traditional Mamaliga (cornmeal porridge) to mouthwatering meat specialties like Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and Mititei (grilled minced meat rolls), you’ll discover a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the country’s cultural heritage.
3. Farm-to-Table Experiences: Immerse yourself in the charm of Moldovan countryside life as we visit local farms and experience the farm-to-table concept firsthand. Harvest fresh fruits and vegetables, participate in traditional cooking workshops, and enjoy authentic meals prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the land.
4. Culinary Traditions and Festivals: Delve into the customs and traditions surrounding Moldovan cuisine as we explore local markets and festivals. Witness the vibrant atmosphere of the Hârbovăț Wine Festival, where you can sample regional delicacies, dance to traditional music, and celebrate the harvest season with locals.
5. Hidden Culinary Gems: Venture off the beaten path and discover hidden culinary gems. From small family-run eateries to tucked-away bakeries, we’ll uncover authentic flavors that may surprise and delight you. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, try local cheeses, and sip on homemade fruit liqueurs that have been passed down through generations.
6. Cultural Immersion: The “Taste of Moldova” tour goes beyond food. Immerse yourself in Moldova’s rich cultural heritage as we visit historical sites, monasteries, and traditional villages. Engage with locals, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s traditions and way of life.
7. Moldova’s Sweet Treats: No culinary journey is complete without desserts! Moldova offers an array of delightful sweets, such as Plăcinte (traditional pastries filled with various ingredients), Cozonac (sweet bread with fillings like walnuts or poppy seeds), and Răchie (a homemade fruit brandy). Prepare for a sugar rush as you indulge in these delectable treats.
Crooked Compass invites you to savor the flavors of Moldova on our “Taste of Moldova” tour, where you’ll experience the country’s rich culinary traditions, explore its breathtaking landscapes, and connect with its warm-hearted people. From vineyard visits to farm-to-table experiences, this gastronomic adventure promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for Moldovan cuisine.
So, join us as we embark on this delectable journey, where every bite and sip will transport you to the heart of Moldova’s culinary heritage.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Back to Our Blog
