“Herod rebuilt this city in white stone and adorned it with magnificent palaces; here especially he displayed his innate passion for grand undertakings,” wrote Josephus in The Jewish War. Thus, the city of Caesarea appeared on the map of the Mediterranean coast.
When we arrive there, we will see that the city truly reflected the ambitions of its ruler. The remains of Herod’s palace and hippodrome, Roman baths, the ancient harbor, and, of course, the jewel of Caesarea National Park — the Roman theater, which still hosts concerts and opera performances today.
Caesarea served as the residence of the Roman procurators, and during archaeological excavations a stone inscription bearing the name of the most famous among them — Pontius Pilate — was discovered here.
The Crusaders also recognized the importance of this great port city. Although their city was much smaller than Roman and Byzantine Caesarea, the remarkably preserved Crusader walls and gates still deserve special attention. According to legend, it was here that the Crusaders kept the Holy Grail before transporting it to Europe.
Continuing through the coastal plain, we arrive in the beautiful city of Haifa, situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel. The combination of sea views and mountain landscapes gives Haifa its unique charm. Once a modest fishing village, it has grown into Israel’s third-largest city and an important cultural, industrial, and scientific center.
The city’s greatest ornament is the spectacular Baháʼí Gardens — fourteen terraces filled with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and cascading fountains. Rising above them is the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, founder of the Baháʼí faith, a religion established in the mid-19th century that today has millions of followers worldwide and promotes tolerance, justice, beauty, and spiritual harmony.
The Baháʼí terraces lead naturally into another fascinating district of Haifa known for its unusual European architecture and rich history — the German Colony. Built in the 19th century by German Protestant Templers, the neighborhood retains its distinctly European character. Today, with its charming cafés and restaurants, it is one of Haifa’s favorite walking areas.
To conclude our visit to Haifa, we ascend to the Stella Maris Monastery. From the nearby observation point, we enjoy magnificent views across northern Israel and, on clear days, can even see Rosh HaNikra near the Lebanese border.
Finally, traveling through the northern suburbs of Haifa known as the Krayot, we arrive in Acre (Akko).
Walking through the Old City, the world of medieval crusader legends comes alive before us in the form of fortress walls, the Halls of the Grand Master, secret underground passages, and ancient stone streets. In the 13th century, Acre even served as the capital of the Crusader Kingdom. Today, the Old City of Acre is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We may also take a boat ride to admire the ancient walls of Acre from the sea. And of course, no visit to Acre would be complete without wandering through its lively oriental market, full of color, aromas, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Middle East.
