Constanza

Ships berth at Passenger Pier, roughly 1/2 a mile from the harbour's main entrance and 1 mile from the town centre. Beyond the gates, the walk into town is a pleasant 20-minute route. Extensive construction can make moving around difficult and gives the city a rather drab appearance.

Constantza's operating passenger terminal can handle 100,000 travellers annually and has a 293-metre-long berth.

Taxis wait only at the main gate because they are prohibited from entering the port and cannot collect beside the pier.

Keep close watch on your possessions, and beware of "fake" police while ashore.

Work is reportedly progressing on a high-speed railway between Constantza cruise port and Bucharest. A journey that normally takes three to four hours by coach would be cut to two hours or less.

At the meeting point of several trading routes, Constanta occupies the western Black Sea coast, 185 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. This ancient metropolis and Romania's largest seaport has a history stretching back some 2,500 years. First called Tomis, it is said that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after discovering the Golden Fleece.

Romania's second-largest city, Constanta is an important economic and cultural centre. Its archaeological riches, old-town atmosphere, historic landmarks, ancient remains, grand Casino, museums, shops and nearby beach resorts make it a focus of Black Sea coastal tourism. Open-air dining, clubs and cabarets supply varied entertainment, while surrounding attractions include traditional villages, vineyards, old monuments and the Danube Delta, a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Constanta is more than a gateway to the Black Sea shoreline. Roman remains, historic buildings, colourful façades and mosques across the Old City Centre attest to its long and engaging history.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is an attractive Greek Orthodox church decorated with characteristic murals on both its interior and exterior walls.

The Folk Art Museum displays a notable collection of clothing and costumes from every Romanian region. In the main square, the Statue of Ovid commemorates the Roman poet exiled to Constanta in 8 A.D.

Taxis are popular with residents and visitors because prices are very low. Drivers may attempt to overcharge foreigners, so insist that the meter is used.

Mamaia Beach is 5 miles long and lies approximately 10 miles from the harbour, offering fine sand and clear water on summer days.

In summer, several trains run each day between Constanta and Mangalia at half-hour intervals, calling at every Black Sea resort en route.

Art and craft stores sell distinctive traditional woodwork, lace and embroidery, plus contemporary porcelain, ceramic dolls, crystal and glassware. Orthodox icons painted on wood or glass are popular purchases; inspect every item carefully before buying.

By Western standards Romania is comparatively inexpensive: one US dollar buys around 2.3 lei, while one euro purchases about 3.55 lei.

Most Romanian purchases are made with cash. Some places take Euro or USD, but paying this way usually adds 20%, so it is not recommended, although the situation is changing.

Many shops and most supermarkets nevertheless accept cards, including Mastercard and Visa credit or debit cards.

Romanian is Romania's official language.

For every emergency, Romania uses the pan-European number 112.

Cafés offering free WiFi to customers can be found in most towns and cities, as well as some villages.

Opening times are remarkably consistent and long. A "non-stop" notice means a shop trades 24 hours, 7 days per week. Stores not operating 24 hours usually open 8 AM - 10/11 PM, with some staying open in summer until 2 or 3 AM.