Haifa Day 1 to Acre

 It's quite hazy this morning as we dock in Haifa. It's another large industrial port, but right in the town of Haifa and overlooked by Mount Carmel. As in Ashdod, the Israeli ports are very security conscious. After breakfast out to the bus to join the Shore Excursion of Haifa and Acre. Our guide explains that when the wind is from the east like now, it brings the dust from the desert. So when we go up Mount Carmel there isn't a panoramic view, but we can still see the Bahai Gardens. Haifa is the centre for the Bahai faith. We have another stop at Stella Maris church, very beautiful that holds a site by tradition that is the Cave of Elijah. The Stella Maris monastery nearby is for Carmelite nuns.

We then drive through Haifa to Acre or Appo, about 30 minute drive. This area is quite industrial, lots of shipping infrastructure, factories and oil refinery. Acre is a very well preserved crusader city, with forts, mosque, souk and old city walls. A very interesting history including the Knights Hospitallar, Richard the Lionheart and Napoleon. We walked through some of the crusader tunnels, used both as an aqueduct and in times of war an escape route. Then a walk along the top of the city walls.

Back to the ship with time for a late lunch at the outside grill, (a fabulous seared tuna wrap) and an afternoon swim. The visibility seems to be getting a bit better although it's still hazy. This is the warmest evening we've had so far, lovely for being outside. A later dinner on the back deck with the lights of Mount Carmel for backdrop.