Long Tour Of The Coast

Duration:

7-8 hours (contingent on road traffic)

Constanța: Romania's Timeless Jewel on the Black Sea

Constanța, Romania's oldest continuously inhabited city, is a captivating blend of ancient history, rich culture, and vibrant seaside charm. Originally founded as the Greek colony of Tomis in the 6th century BC, this major port city on the Black Sea coast has evolved through Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman eras, each leaving an indelible mark on its character. Today, Constanța is a dynamic hub offering visitors a unique mix of sun-drenched beaches and fascinating historical exploration.

A Journey Through Time

The city's historical heart beats in Ovidiu Square, named after the Roman poet Ovid, who was famously exiled to Tomis by Emperor Augustus in AD 8. A bronze statue of the poet, erected in 1887, stands prominently in the square, inviting visitors to reflect on its ancient past.

The adjacent National History and Archaeology Museum, housed in the old City Hall building, showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including Greek and Roman sculptures and pottery, with key highlights being the statues of the "Glykon Snake" and "Goddess Fortuna and Pontos". Just steps away, the Roman Edifice with Mosaic reveals impressive, well-preserved 4th-century AD floor mosaics that once linked the upper town to the ancient port.

Architectural Marvels and Cultural Crossroads

A short stroll along the seafront promenade leads to the city's undisputed symbol: the Constanța Casino. This stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece, designed by architects Daniel Renard and Petre Antonescu and opened in 1910, is perched elegantly on a cliffside overlooking the Black Sea. While the interior is undergoing extensive restoration, its ornate exterior and the surrounding lively promenade make it a must-see for photos and a walk by the sea.

Constanța's multicultural heritage is evident in its diverse religious architecture. The Grand Mosque of Constanța, a gift from King Carol I to the local Muslim community in 1910, blends Byzantine and Romanian architectural styles.

Visitors can climb its 140 steps to the top of the minaret for a panoramic view of the old town and harbor. The Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built in a Greco-Roman style, and the nearby Genoese Lighthouse, a tribute to the city's thriving 13th-century trade with Genoese merchants, further add to the city's rich tapestry.

Seaside Relaxation and Modern Vibrancy

Constanța is the gateway to the Romanian Riviera and the popular Mamaia resort, a narrow strip of land between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol known for its fine-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports. Families can enjoy attractions like the Constanța Dolphinarium and Aqua Magic water park, or take a scenic ride on the Mamaia cable car (Telegondola) for sweeping views of the coast. The Tomis Tourist Port, a lively marina, is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood at one of its many restaurants or taking a boat tour along the coast.

Program:

Meet & Greet at the Passenger Pier, English-speaking guide.

Sightseeing of the port surroundings, including the Port Museum, Ex-Casino (under reconstruction), the Genovese Lighthouse, the Archaeology and History Museum, Ovid Square (stop in Tomi's port and walk into Ovid Square), Mamaia resort, where you will have a walking session in the center of the resort. On the way to Techirghiol resort, a place bordered by a salt lake with a beach used for the sapropelic mud bath (a remedy for rheumatism and not only).

In Techirghiol, you will visit the Wooden Church of the Holly Mary, brought there in the 1930s from the northern part of Romania. Driving North, you will visit the resorts of Neptun, where you will have a stop for walking around and enjoy the atmosphere of the resort at one of the terrace restaurants.

Jupiter, Aurora Cap, and Saturn will be the other resorts to be crossed on the way to Mangalia town, the second important part of Romania to the Black Sea. A bird's-eye view of the marina, and you will be on the way back to the ship.