Excursion Highlights of constanta tour at Constanta

Enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Romania's second largest city and visits to its major places of interest during this half-day excursion

Being the fourth largest port in Europe and Romanian second largest city, Constanta is more than just one of the Black Sea ports. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins -vestiges of Roman domination here, museums and mosques that add a peculiar colour to the old downtown and proximity to beach resorts make the city especially attractive.

Museum of National History and Archaeology

Departing the port area, the coach will bring you the Museum of National History and Archaeology, which provides a deep insight into the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of Constanta. An impressive collection of artifacts from Greek, Roman, and Daco-Roman civilizations are displayed in the museum. On the ground floor of the museum, see jewelry and garments made of silver, bronze and gold, the selection of vessels from the Hellenistic epoch and the church silver plates.

The highlight of the museum is a unique collection of Tanagra statuettes. The most outstanding of them are the original marble statuette of the serpent Glykon (the 2nd century AD), the statuette of the Goddess Fortune, the city's Patroness with Pontos - the Black Sea God and the statuettes of the Thinker and his Woman.

Royal Mosque

At a short distance there is another popular city's attraction the largest mosque in Romania called "Royal Mosque" after King Carol I who initiated its construction in 1910. Today the mosque is the seat of the Mufti, the Muslims' spiritual leader in Dobrudja region. The building combines Byzantine and Romanian styles, making it somewhat peculiar in comparison to the other mosques in the area. Take a guided interior visit and view the Persian carpet, one of the largest in Europe, which is a gift from Sultan Abdul Hamid. The most remarkable is the 164-ft high minaret. You may wish to climb 140 steps to admire the stunning views of the old downtown and harbor

Museum of Ethnography

Next re-board your coach for a short drive to the Museum of Ethnography. It displays over 16,000 ethnographic exhibits from all the Romanian regions including among others, the collection of unique glass icons and the colourful festive folk costumes exhibited in four upper halls.

Take a rest from the sightseeing at one of the local cafes where a refreshing cup of tea or coffee will be served and you will have some free time for shopping at Stephen cel Mare pedestrian street and the Thomis Mall.

Mamaia Resort

Following the tour enjoy a picturesque drive outside the city to the renowned resort of Mamaia. Open in 1906 it blossomed later with the establishment of a casino and opulent villas and became the summer residence of King Ferdinand and an elite resort in the southeast of Europe. It is still known as a top resort of the Romanian Black Sea Coast. Mamaia boasts numerous hotels and restaurants located close to the beach, sporting facilities, Aqua Magic Park and the cableway gondola.

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking on mostly flat, even walk ways. There are 57 steps to and 8 steps at the Archaeological Museum and 40 steps at the Ethnographical Museum. Guests with limited mobility, should take this into consideration. There are video/camera fees in the amount 6.00/3.00 EUR at the History and Folk Art Museums. Comfortable walking shoes, seasonal clothing and sun protection are recommended. The order of venues visited may vary. A minimum number of guests per guide is required to operate this programme.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Constanta, Casino Building, Tomis Ruins, Ovidiu's Square, Museums of Ethnography and National History and Archaeology, Royal Mosque, Mamaia Resort