Along the Coast
Israel is located along the eastern coast of the Mediteranean Sea and as such the country features a coastal plain rich in cultural and historical sites from different times up to 2,000 years old for some of them. A Tour along the coast could include the site of Caesarea from roman and crusaders time an hour drive north of Tel Aviv, the town of Zikhron Yaakov where Jewish pionneers founded the little town in 1880, the Ba'hi Gardens with its magnificent sanctuary and gardens in the city port of Haifa and the town of Acre a Unesco World Heritage thanks to its unique underground Hospitalier Knights Halls from Crusaders time. At the upper north border with Lebanon is the beatiful natural site of Rosh Hanikra where the waves have carved over millions of years magnificent sea caves in the chalky cliffs.
Caesarea is a remarkable archaeological site showcasing Roman engineering and history. Founded by Herod the Great, the city featured a vast artificial harbor, a theater, an amphitheater, and impressive aqueducts. Today, ancient ruins meet the sea, reflecting Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader periods. As a national park, Caesarea offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it one of Israel’s most captivating historical site also thanks to being a center of early christianity as Paul was kept in prison and the very name of Ponce Pilate is mentionned there. It was also home to a vibrant Jewish community 2,000 years ago as Rabbi Akiba lived there. Today the ruins reflects Roman, Byzantine and Crusaders periods offering a unique blend of history and culture.
Perched on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, the Bahá’í Shrine houses the tomb of the Báb, a central figure of the Bahá’í faith. Surrounded by stunning terraced gardens, the site welcomes pilgrims and visitors from around the world. A symbol of peace, unity, and spirituality, the shrine combines architectural harmony with natural beauty, offering a uniquely contemplative experience in the heart of Israel. The Bahi religion founded in the 19th in Persia is maybe the youngest monotheist one and its faith is based Harmony among several major values reflected by the visual expression of its beatiful terraced gardens.
Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Israel’s northern coast, is a city rich in history and culture. Its well-preserved old town features Crusader fortresses built by the Hospitaliers, Ottoman-era walls, and a vibrant market are the main spots worthy the tour. The city reflects centuries of coexistence between diverse communities, including Jews, Muslims, and Christians and still today is one of few mixed cities in Israel where Jews and Arabs live side by side. We will explore the impressive underground Knight Halls, ancient secret tunnels, the typical Suk or market with great local food and the picturesque harbor, experiencing the unique blend of history, architecture, and multicultural heritage of the town.
Rosh Hanikra, located on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast at the border with Lebanon, is famous for its stunning white chalk cliffs and sea grottoes. Formed over thousands of years by waves carving tunnels into the cliffs, the site offers breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. We will get to the grottoes via cable car - some say the steepest in the world, and enjoy views of the turquoise sea through tunnels in the natural rock. Rosh Hanikra also holds historical significance, marking the border between Israel and Lebanon so we will be able to sea military presence in the vicinity of the site and get an overview of the sensitive situation there.