Itinerary:

Balti-Rascani-Costesti (Duruitoarea, Varatic)-“Padurea Domneasca”-Butesti-Balti. 150 km. Total time 7 hours (time on the road –3 hours, excursions –4 hours.)

Description:

This itinerary passes by the biggest lake in Moldova – Costesti and through the famous scientific reserve Padurea Domneasca - The Lord’s Forest -in the central Prut river region.

The trip begins in Balti (135 km to the north of Chisinau) in the direction of Rascani, a small town, which has retained its peaceful provincial life style. The route continues through the Bugeac steppe with its rare forests to a small town, Costesti. There is the biggest reservoir in Moldova. The hydroelectric power station on the dam can be visited. This dam connects the Moldovan town with the Romanian locality of Stanca. There is a beautiful view from the dam. There are impressive rocks-toltres on the left bank, that from a distance bear a strong resemblance to mountain chains. Even if they are only 100-200 m in height, inside these toltres (at Duruitoarea and Varatic, approximately 4 – 8 km to the north) have been preserved caves, which were inhabited hundreds of thousands years ago. Approximately 15 km to the south of the lake is the biggest scientific nature reserve in Moldova – Padurea Domneasca -The Lord’s Forest. Here you can visit the famous “Hundreds of Hills” and “The land of Pelicans”. The traveler will discover in both areas inexplicable wonders of nature.

On the road back to Balti, the road reaches the source of the Camenca river, where, at Butesti, a famous cave with the paleolithic remains is found . This marks the southern border of the “Toltrels of the Prut”.

Visits:

• Costesti (1 hour), passes over the Moldovan – Romanian frontier.
• “The Lord’s Forest” (2 hours), local guide available, entrance fee.
• Butesti (1 hour), free access to the cave.

Where to Stay and Eat: Balti.