Private Tour
Full-Day Hiking Trip to Tipova Cave Monastery and Lalova Village
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Located on the banks of the Dniester River, Tipova Monastery stands out as a remarkable rock-hewn monastic complex, arguably the most impressive in Moldova and one of the largest in Europe. With multiple levels spread over a generous area, this monastery once housed over 700 monks in its hermitages, and today, there are hundreds of monk cells in the surrounding area.
The origin of the monastic community dates back long before the establishment of the Moldovan feudal state. It is said that some cells were carved into the rocks along the banks of the Dniester as early as the 10th-12th centuries, serving as protection against barbarian invasions.
The landscape in this area is simply stunning: the tranquil waters of the Dniester, steep cliffs concealing hundreds of cells and caves, the beauty of nature, and waterfalls.
After exploring Tipova reservation we will continue our tour in a very picturesque village - Lalova, where wwe will take a lunch in a nice guesthouse - Hanul lui Hanganu.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Entrance fees
Professional Guide
Lunch
Souvenirs
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Tipova Monastery
Our accredited guide will meet you at the hotel/apartment and will accompany you up to Tipova Monastery, one of the most beautiful in Moldova. In 1828, on the hill, above the cave complexes, the church arised, which became a monastery again in 1919. Until then, the territory was under the administration of the Saharna monastery. In 1990, with the support of the Union of Journalists from Moldova, the restoration of the monastery began. In 1994 the monastery was re-established.
Rocky Monastery of Tipova
Will hike little bit to the rocky monastery, that is located above the Dniester and comprises three rock-hewn monastery complexes. The first ensemble consists of several cells and a church dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The Church of St. Nicholas was the center of the second monastery complex, founded in the 14th century. The largest cluster of cells is around the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, dating from the 16th-18th centuries. In the early 19th century, this latter complex still functioned as a skete, and in 1842, it was disbanded.
Options
Full-Day Hiking Trip to Tipova Cave Monastery and Lalova Village
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hiking tour at Tipova Cave Monastery with sightseeing and lunch
346markusu,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The driver and tour guide Mr Corneliu picked me up at the hotel on time. From then on we started north with various stops and sightseeing until we stopped at lunch by the river. In the afternoon, the Tipova Cave Monastery was in order, followed by a very interesting hike. The trip was perfect and I can recommend it to anyone
Unique tour to add on after visiting the wineries.
Michael H,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good off-the-beaten-path tour. Unique experience to visit and tour the monastery built into the cliff wall. Definitely have the lady at the monastery give a tour if offered, she brought the place to life. If you’ve got an extra day while visiting Chisinau, recommend this tour for an added experience.
Tipova Cave Monastery and Hiking to Lookout Point and Old Mill Waterfall
509stanib,
Feb 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a terrific tour with Moldova Tours and my guide Nicolai. Nicolai picked me up from my apartment in Chisinau, we made a short stop in the interesting town of Orhei along the drive to Tipova, we walked to the cliff monastery ruins overlooking the Dniester River, hiked to a lookout point and the Old Mill Waterfall (2:45 round trip), enjoyed a delicious meal at Hanul lui Hanganu guesthouse in Lalova, and then drove back to Chisinau. Nicolai offered many interesting insights into the history and current events of Moldova and was a great guide and travelling partner and we had many interesting conversations. Communication with the agency was clear and helpful. I'm very happy to have booked this rural tour, which nicely complimented a day and a half in Chisinau.
Slava, our guide, was...
Maurice B,
Aug 18, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Slava, our guide, was very good. He knew a lot of interesting things about the place and the country in general. The trip was well organised and we enjoyed everything. We would recommend this tour to others.
Great adventure
Cabrina M,
Apr 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a lovely time visiting the cave monasteries. It was such a unique adventure with beautiful views. I enjoyed the hike to the waterfall. I also loved lunch in the little village. Great experience and my guide was very friendly and knowledge. Highly recommended!
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