Touring Acre/Acco, Israel and the Surrounding Area

We spent several days in Haifa, Israel. We planned on visiting Acre (Spelled and pronounced many difference ways including Akko and Acco).

Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Israel. We found an empty lot (Head toward what looks like a stone wall with a crack in it. There is room through the crack. Drive through it and turn left and you will find the lot.)

Just about the first thing you will see as you head away from the lot are the remains of the Crusader Walls. It is a fortification with a wall, a moat, which was dry, and cannons. To get here you will walk up the ramparts. Please note that the tower and moat area are not kept up. There was a lot of litter and debris making our tour of that particular area unpleasant. Still it was worth the walk because of its historical significance. You'll see cannons, which you may enjoy. From there go to the Visitor Center, where you'll find bathrooms and a video.

We were very interested in The Mosque of Jezzer Pasha which was built in 1781. He and his successor are both buried in a graveyard next to the mosque. You may have to wait to take a tour because of the times of prayers but it is worth the wait. The mosque is pretty and simple. You will have to dress appropriately to enter the area. There is a fee to get in.

I highly recommend that you pay for headphones to tour the Citadel. This was a huge array of ancient buildings and courtyards making up what was a fortification. You will have no idea what you are looking at if you just wander around. You will find excavations continue and continue in so many part of Israel and this was no different. Under the citadel, which was more recently used as a prison, excavations found halls, rooms, a dungeon, and a dining room. This was actually all very confusing but something that I think must be seen.

The Templar tunnel was in a separate area. We only knew about it from going to the Visitor Center. Don't miss this. The tunnels are a relatively recent discovery. You will be given headphones. The Turkish bath (and video) was a highlight for me.

Make sure you go into the very old Synagogues - no matter what your religion!

We spent five hours in Acre. For $47.00 you can get a combined ticket for the tours. It is well worth the price.

Don't leave Acre without trying a falafel sandwich.

As we headed toward the upper Galilee we stopped at Rosh Hanikra where you will be standing on the border of Lebanon! Take the cable car down to the gorgeous grottoes. Then head on over to Nahariya, which is a beach town and watch the sun set.