Acre (Akko)
The city of Acre (Akko) is mentioned for the first time during the Egyptian rule, around 1800 BCE, and its history spans nearly 4,000 years to the present day. Throughout this time, the city experienced different periods: periods of prosperity followed by decline, but periods of intensive development prevailed due to Acre's location at the intersection of important trade routes and cultures. Moreover, the city had a strategic advantage from a military standpoint.
The city served as the main administrative unit of the province during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III. Acre is mentioned in the Bible under the names Umma and Akshaph. Later, Acre came under the control of the Phoenicians, who were conquered by the Assyrian King Sennacherib in 701 BCE. The Persians made the city an important naval base capable of resisting Egyptian forces.
Finally, during the time of the Crusades, the knightly orders of the Templars, Hospitallers, and Teutonic Knights built their quarters in the city. They not only constructed residences but also established a complete infrastructure including warehouses, hospitals, churches, and other buildings. From that time, Acre has preserved 40 churches and 23 monasteries, all of which are quite well-preserved. An important event in the history of Acre was the relocation of the Parisian yeshiva of Rabbi Yechiel in 1260. This event contributed to the formation of Acre as one of the main centers of Jewish scholarship.
The Halls of the Crusaders
The tour will take us through numerous halls that have been passed down from the military knightly orders. Acre witnessed continuous struggles not only from external conquerors but also intense internal conflicts among the numerous contenders for control over the city. There were disputes between the Templars and Hospitallers, Teutonic knights, and numerous merchant clans from Venice, Genoa, and Pisa. In 1256, an armed conflict broke out between Venetian merchants and traders from Genoa, gradually involving the knightly orders as well. The conflict weakened the city, which was exploited by Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil, who conquered Acre in 1291. His warriors destroyed the city and killed a large part of the civilian population. Relative calm only returned to the city in the 14th century when its intensive reconstruction began.
- Modest attire is mandatory.
Departure days
Departure days depend on your departure city
Info
Order cancellation conditions:
If a tourist cancels an excursion in less than 3 days, the penalty is 100%.
- The company is not responsible for lost items.
- Responsibility for having an individual insurance policy falls on the tourist.
- Visiting holy places is permitted only in modest clothing. Open T-shirts, short shorts and skirts above the knee are not allowed (shoulders and knees must be covered); women must wear a headscarf when entering temples and other holy places.
Recommended:
Bring drinking water, a hat, and sunglasses with you on the excursion.
The cost of trips does not include and is paid on the spot:
- Food
- Paid entrances
Attractions
It is the city, within the walls of which is still heard the clang of swords and armor of the crusaders and war cries calling for battle. Acre is saturated with history and time has no power over this place. Sometimes it seems that it is moving perfectly in a chaotic direction. Monuments of the past and present mixed together here, but they appeared far from architectural badness, on the contrary brought a special atmosphere.
There is an ancient port, and fortresses of the crusaders, and Turkish baths (hamams), mosques and even a magical garden built during the crusaders. Among all the historical diversity it is difficult to single out one thing.: the city keeps the secret of the Templars, it hosted Napoleon, the legendary king Richard the Lionheart, and despite all the warriors, rulers and conquerors, Acre has never interrupted its settlement for more than five millennia and is one of the oldest cities in the world.
The city of Acre, which is one of the most ancient cities in the world, is of particular interest to tourists. The city has a huge number of historical monuments of different centuries, however, the underground city of the crusaders is of the greatest value (after all, it was in Acre that the crusaders settled during the Crusades).
It is no secret that it was the city of Acre that for a long time was the capital of the Kingdom of the Crusaders. Today, every tourist has a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the huge complex, most of which is located underground. The complex includes monasteries, temples, castles, underground passages. One of the most impressive rooms underground, undoubtedly, is the Knights' Hall of the Hospitallers (this room is currently used for concerts).
The underground premises of knights of the Middle Ages are decorated with the banners of the crusaders. There is a special lighting in the halls, which creates an even more mysterious and mysterious atmosphere.
The spiritual center on Mount Carmel in Haifa is one of the holiest places for Baha'i practitioners, the youngest monotheistic religion in the world. The center includes a temple, a tomb where the remains of the Bab, the ancestor of the faith, and famous gardens rest.
The tomb is an impressive building crowned by a gilded dome. It is equipped with a backlight. Thanks to her, the dome is illuminated at night, but so that it seems as if the source of radiance is inside it.
To get to the tomb, the guest have to go through the gardens that terraces cover the slope of Mount Carmel. There are twelve in all. Seeing this incredible work of human hands, you will understand why the gardens are called the eighth wonder of the world. The local collection contains about 450 species of various plants, among which there are unique flowers. Shrubs are sheared, and you probably will not find lawns more even and greener in the city. Add to this the fountains - isn't it awesome? Bahai Gardens is a monument not only to faith and its founder, but also to the harmony and great taste of architects.
Try to describe Haifa in a few words, and... and you will fail. You can travel to this city alone or with the family. It does not matter how old you are, what kind of relaxation you prefer and what impressions you long for. No one will feel bored here. No wonder they say that "Haifa is full of high".
Founded in a time before remembering and known since the Roman era, today's Haifa is a metropolis. It proudly bears two honorary titles: the country's main port and northern capital.
There are two must see objects in the city – small and huge one. The first is the underground funicular train. The tiniest in the world! It has a poetic name – "Carmelit." All because the train rolls through the tunnel, penetrating the Mount Carmel.
The second is a huge Bahai temple, the domes of which can be seen from everywhere in the city, and its gardens. Baha'i faith is one of the world’s youngest monotheistic religions.
Feedback (1)
Спасибо за прекрасный тур! Снами сегодня работала Рина "Зеленая" Кофман, водитель, кажется, Абад. Акко вне конкуренции! Но и окончание экскурсии в кармелитском монастыре, в церкви Стелла Марис, было эпичным! Благодарю нашего гида за честную работу! Она давала максимум информации, была эмоциональна, эрудирована, очень деликатна и дружелюбна. Закончила экскурсию методически правильно, напомнила все основные моменты прогулки! Спасибо, Рина!
Thanks for the wonderful tour! Rina “Green” Kofman worked with us today, the driver, I think, is Abad. Akko is beyond competition! But the end of the tour in the Carmelite monastery, in the Stella Maris church, was epic! I thank our guide for his honest work! She gave maximum information, was emotional, erudite, very delicate and friendly. I finished the tour methodically correctly and recalled all the main points of the walk! Thank you, Rina!
-
- Hotel 1 ($)
-
- Hotel 2 ($)
-
- Rally point (₪)
-
- Rally point 2 (₪)