HAIFA, ACRE AND ROSH HANIKRA TOUR

• The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa

The Baha’i faith had its origins in Persia, where its followers severed themselves from the existing Moslem Shi’ite faith. Its founder, Baha'u'llah, was exiled from his homeland at the end of the 19th century, and settled at Akko, after suffering heavy persecution and detention for many years. He fall in love with the beauty of Mount Carmel and expressed the desire that the Ba’ab, the forerunner of the faith, would be buried there. About 20 years later the bones of the Ba’ab were interred in Haifa on the site that then developed into the center for the Baha’i faith and its shrine and World famous gardens.

The golden-domed Shrine of the Ba'ab, the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Baha’i Faith, stands on the central terrace, looking across the bay towards Akko. The gardens demonstrate a unique design, combining geometrical shapes and exquisite detailing with loving conservation of natural and historic landscape features, and it leaves an indelible impression on visitors. While different parts of the gardens offer a variety of experiences, they speak in a common language of graveled paths, hedges and flower beds groomed and nurtured by dedicated gardeners.

• Akko (Acre)

A visit to Akko is a unique part of the Israeli experience mosaic. Acre was one of this region’s important cities in ancient times. Various cultures made their home here, the Crusaders captured it, and the Ottomans lived here for many centuries. Even Napoleon Bonaparte tried to lay his hands on Acre and conquer it. The fascinating history that has passed through the streets of Acre, the legacy left behind by its conquerors, the buildings that adorn the city and the places of worship built there, are all unforgettable part of the experience this city offers.

Among the high-walled alleys and underground passages there is a huge mosque, fully restored ancient Turkish baths, and dozens of exclusively impressive underground halls built by the Hospitaliers Knights, and an extraordinary Templar tunnel, which was just recently discovered. Between the ancient alleyways a lively open market hums with activity.

• Rosh Hanikra

Rosh Hanikra is an incredible geological phenomenon, which grottoes and caves are the result of thousands of years of the power of the sea waves.

After descending the steepest cable car on Earth, we take an easy walking path to the grottoes, formed in the wake of tectonic movements that ripped open gaps within the bedrock.

On our way, we shall stop to watch a fascinating film describing the formation of Rosh Hanikra. And further on, a 656-foot walking track will take us through the marvelous grottoes.