Along the way:
After a morning pick up from the port we’ll drive to the top of Mt Carmel for a stunning panoramic view over Haifa. We then, leave the city, driving north around Haifa Bay and along the Zebulun Valley to reach Acre (Akko) on the other side of the bay. We’ll then drive to the northwestern tip of Israel, along the coast plain of the Western Galilee Coast Plain, all the way to Rosh Hanikra, on the border with Lebanon.
What you see:
♦ Mt Carmel: Probably the most outstanding viewpoint in Israel. Your route will take you from the port to the mountain top, via Stella Maris, to Lui Promenade, right above the Baha’i Gardens, for a breathtaking vista of the city, Haifa bay, the Galilee mountain and far beyond to Lebanon.
♦ Acre (Akko): Situated on the northernmost point of Haifa Bay is the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre (Akko). You will have the opportunity to fully discover this fascinating city. Its history dates back almost 4,000 years playing a pivotal role during the Crusades. Upon your arrival you will begin to experience the intense medieval atmosphere of the area as you descend into the headquarters of the Knights of St. John. Part of this underground city was known as the Hospitaller Quarter .
The Hospitaller Order, which thrived in Jerusalem during the First Crusader Kingdom (1187-1099) transferred its headquarters to Acre during the Second Crusader Kingdom (1291-1191). The Hospitallers, who had a quarter there during the First Kingdom, returned to Acre, expanded their headquarters and rebuilt the site, which consisted of two to three floors around a central court as well as underground sections – water reservoirs and a sewage system.
Your tour takes you through a series of impressive barrel-vaulted rooms called the Crusader Halls, the Latrin, the main court, the Hall of the pillars and Refectorium (dining hall). The Refectorium, also referred to as the Crypt, it is a perfect representation of Crusader architecture.
You will next explore the Ottoman period of Akko’s long and colorful history. In this part of your tour you will visit the vibrant 18th-century Turkish Bazaar with its exotic offerings and intoxicating scents, the restored elegant Turkish Baths, which is now a museum, and the port. From the port you will continue on to the enormous Khan El Umdan, also referred to as the Pillar’s Inn, an ancient caravanserai which once served the camel caravans. This extraordinary concludes via the underground Templar Tunnel.
♦ Rosh Hanikra: At Israel’s northwestern tip, at the only point where the sea meets the cliffs, is where you will find the enchanting tourist site of Rosh Hanikra. From far away, on the approach, you will see the shining white sheer cliffs that plunge into the stunning turquoise water of the sea.
The cable car, which is the steepest in the world, takes visitors down for a fascinating encounter with the sea grottoes. The view from the cable car is breathtaking. The pathway into the heart of the cliff will lead you to the grottoes, which – more simply put – are sea caves. The grottoes were formed in the wake of underground shocks that ripped open gaps within the bedrock. Slowly, rainwater penetrated these rifts, forming tunnels and caves that continued to expand due to the waves that slammed against the rock, allowing you now to enjoy a magical world of spectacular nature in all its splendor.
Notes:
- To fully participate may require periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces. There are steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and periods of standing.
- Some parts of this tour are underground and in confined places, where you will need to walk bent-over for a short time.
- The price include guiding and transportation only.
- The price does not include meals.
- Admission tickets are extra:
- Akko – combine ticket with Rosh Hanikra – 71/60NIS per Adl/Chl (without the Turkish Bath) or
- Akko – combine ticket with Rosh Hanikra – 93/78NIS per Adl/Chl (including the Turkish Bath)
