Cruises from Haifa
Haifa — the jewel of the Israeli coastline and the main maritime gateway to the Holy Land. Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this city draws travellers from around the world with its unique blend of ancient history, cutting-edge technology and religious diversity. Haifa — Israel's third-largest city after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv — is celebrated for the peaceful coexistence of Jews, Arabs, Druze and followers of many faiths under one sky. Here, UNESCO World Heritage terraced gardens descend all the way to the port, the restored German Colony is fragrant with fresh coffee and Mediterranean cuisine, and Israel's only underground railway — the Carmelit — carries passengers from the waterfront to the mountain summit in just a few minutes.
For the cruise traveller, Haifa is above all a unique launchpad for exploring the shrines of three monotheistic religions: Jerusalem and Nazareth, the Galilee and the banks of the Jordan, ancient Acre and the Bahá'í Gardens — all reachable within a single day. The Port of Haifa is Israel's premier cruise port and one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean. ๐ข
๐ Before setting sail on a cruise from Haifa or stepping ashore for a few hours, here is the essential information:
๐ฎ๐ฑ Country: Israel
๐ Region: Haifa District (Mehoz Heifa)
๐ฅ Population: approximately 281,000 residents (greater metropolitan area — over 930,000)
๐ Area: 63.7 km²
๐ฃ๏ธ Languages: Hebrew and Arabic (official); English is widely spoken in the tourist zone
๐ต Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS / โช)
๐ Time zone: IST (UTC+2), summer IDT (UTC+3)
โ๏ธ Climate: Mediterranean, with a mild rainy winter (+10…+18°C) and a hot, dry summer (+28…+33°C)
โ๏ธ Nearest airport: Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) — approximately 90 km from the cruise port; Haifa Airport (HFA) — within the city, but with a limited international schedule
โ Official name of the cruise port: Port of Haifa (ื ืื ืืืคื / ู
ููุงุก ุญููุง)
๐บ๏ธ Berth length: 760 metres — sufficient for the world's largest cruise ships
๐๏ธ History of Haifa — from the Bronze Age to a high-tech capital
โณ Three millennia at the crossroads of civilisations
The history of Haifa is a chronicle of twelve different civilisations that ruled these slopes and shores in turn. The earliest traces of settlement near Haifa date to the 14th–13th centuries BCE: Tell Abu Hawam — a small port city of the Late Bronze Age — traded with Cyprus, Greece and Egypt at a time when Rome and Carthage did not yet exist. Although the name "Haifa" first appears in the Talmud (1st–4th centuries CE) in connection with murex-dye production, the region itself passed successively through the hands of Canaanites, Israelites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs.
In the 11th–13th centuries, Crusaders fought over this land: nearby Acre served as the capital of the Second Crusader Kingdom. In 1761, the Arab ruler Dahir al-Umar relocated Haifa to a new site and fortified it with walls, laying the foundation of the modern city. The real ascent, however, began in the 20th century.
โ๏ธ From oil hub to the "Silicon Carmel"
During the British Mandate period (1918–1948), Haifa grew into the industrial and port centre of the Middle East. In 1933, the British opened a deep-water harbour — the first modern port of Mandatory Palestine. An oil pipeline from Iraq ran through Haifa, refineries and a power plant were built, and the city gained railway connections across the entire region. In 1912, the Technion — Israel Institute of Technology — was founded here; today it ranks among the world's leading technical universities, a forge of Nobel laureates and the Israeli high-tech industry.
After 1948, Haifa became part of the newly established State of Israel and served as the main gateway for millions of Jewish immigrants. Today the city is proud of the Matam tech park — Israel's oldest technology park (founded in the 1970s) — home to the regional headquarters of Microsoft, Google, Intel, Apple and other technology giants. Haifa is rightly called "Israel's Silicon Valley". ๐ป
โ The Port of Haifa — Israel's maritime gateway
๐ Scale and structure of the port
The Port of Haifa is Israel's largest and busiest port by both cargo volume and passenger traffic. The complex is divided into several zones: the Old (Western) Port, built in 1933, the New (Eastern) Port — a modern container terminal — and the cruise zone with a 760-metre berth capable of accommodating the world's largest ocean liners. Since 2022, the port has been privately owned by a consortium of Adani Ports & SEZ (India, 70%) and Gadot Group (Israel, 30%) under a 32-year concession.
๐๏ธ The new cruise terminal
In May 2026, Haifa Port inaugurated a fully upgraded cruise terminal — Israel's first modern dedicated cruise facility. The project investment exceeded NIS 16 million (approximately USD 5.5 million). The new terminal can simultaneously handle two large cruise ships and features an expanded duty-free shopping area, modernised border-control checkpoints and a state-of-the-art check-in complex. Port management projects that annual passenger throughput will grow to approximately one million — doubling the pre-crisis record. โจ
A larger project is also under way: American architecture firm Bermello, Ajamil & Partners is designing Israel's first purpose-built cruise terminal of approximately 19,000 m², with completion planned for 2027. The new terminal will be able to simultaneously serve two turnaround ships carrying 4,000 passengers each, with a design that harmoniously blends Israel's architectural heritage with modern standards of comfort.
๐ข Cruise lines and itineraries
The Port of Haifa welcomes ships from the world's leading cruise brands: Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Celestyal Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Silversea and many others. Israeli company Mano Cruises homeports its flagship Crown Iris here, operating sailings throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from March to November. Around 10 cruise brands have chosen Haifa as a turnaround port. ๐
๐ก Interesting facts about Haifa and its port
Your experience of the city will be richer with a few non-obvious details in mind:
๐ฟ Haifa has Israel's only metro. The Carmelit — an underground funicular built in 1959 — spans six stations and overcomes a 274-metre elevation change between the port and the summit of Mount Carmel. It is the shortest and steepest metro system in the Middle East.
๐ธ The Bahá'í Gardens are tended entirely by hand. More than 100 gardeners maintain the perfect order of 19 terraces covering approximately 200,000 m² — every day. Admission is free.
๐๏ธ Three religions coexist peacefully in Haifa. The city is a universally recognised symbol of coexistence: synagogues, mosques, churches and Bahá'í houses of worship stand side by side. A famous local saying captures this perfectly: "In Jerusalem they pray, in Tel Aviv they play, and in Haifa they work."
๐
The Technion is one of the oldest technical universities in the Middle East. Founded in 1912 (lectures began in 1924), it has produced three Nobel laureates in Chemistry and scores of pioneers of the Israeli high-tech industry.
โช Haifa is the second-holiest centre for the Bahá'í Faith in the world. The Shrine of the Báb on the slopes of Mount Carmel and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh near Acre together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2008).
๐ข The Port of Haifa opened in 1933 as the first modern deep-water harbour of Mandatory Palestine — and remains Israel's largest maritime hub to this day, handling over 29 million tonnes of cargo annually.
๐ฌ Haifa is a city of film festivals and the Festival of Festivals. Every September the International Film Festival takes place here; every December the unique "Festival of Festivals" (Chag HaChagim) is celebrated, where Hanukkah, Ramadan and Christmas are observed side by side.
โณ Nazareth is only 45 km away. The city where Jesus was born and raised is the most popular single-day excursion for cruise passengers, followed by Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee.
๐ Top sights in Haifa — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship's stay in Haifa typically lasts 8 to 12 hours, and some itineraries include an overnight call — opening the door to visits to Jerusalem and beyond. Below are the key locations that define the character of the city.
๐บ The Bahá'í Gardens and Shrine of the Báb — Haifa's crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nineteen symmetrical terraces with manicured flower beds, fountains and hedges trimmed into eight-pointed stars cascade down the slopes of Mount Carmel into the city. At the heart of the composition stands the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, gleaming above the city and visible from the sea. Admission is free, but visits to the upper terraces are guided tours only and require advance registration.
๐๏ธ The German Colony (HaMoshava HaGermanit) — a charming 19th-century neighbourhood at the foot of the Bahá'í Gardens. Restored stone houses bearing characteristic inscriptions and dates on their facades now house stylish cafés, restaurants and boutiques. This is the starting point of Haifa's grand axis — Ben Gurion Boulevard, which runs from the port straight to the shrine.
๐ The Carmelit — Israel's only underground funicular metro. Six stations, a 274-metre elevation change, travel time approximately 9 minutes. The most convenient and atmospheric way to ascend from the port district to the summit of Mount Carmel.
๐
Louis Promenade — a scenic walkway on top of Mount Carmel offering the finest panoramas of Haifa, the port and the bay, stretching all the way to ancient Acre on the horizon. The perfect spot for sunset photography.
โช Stella Maris Monastery and Church — a Carmelite monastery on the summit of Mount Carmel, featuring a colourful basilica from the 18th–19th centuries built over the cave of the prophet Elijah. The views of the Mediterranean Sea and the port from here are unrivalled.
๐ฌ MadaTech — National Museum of Science, Technology and Space — Israel's national science museum, housed in the original 1913 Technion building. Hundreds of interactive exhibits in English make it an ideal destination for families with children.
๐ฐ Ancient Acre (Akko) — a fortress city just 25 km north of Haifa, a separate regional gem with UNESCO World Heritage status. Underground halls of the Knights Hospitaller, covered lanes of the Ottoman bazaar, Turkish baths and a medieval lighthouse — Acre plunges visitors deep into the Middle Ages. Reachable by train in just 25 minutes.
โ๏ธ๐๐ Nazareth — the city of Jesus Christ, ~45 km from Haifa. The Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St Joseph, Mary's Well and a bustling Arab market make this the most popular full-day route for passengers with a longer port call.
๐ The Sea of Galilee and surroundings — 60–90 minutes from the port: Capernaum, where Jesus preached; the River Jordan, where pilgrims from around the world are baptised; and the shores of Israel's largest freshwater lake — all await those with time for a full-day excursion.
โจ Why choose a cruise from Haifa
Haifa is a rare port where the earthly and the spiritual, the ancient and the technological exist in the same place.
First, it offers unrivalled access to the shrines of three religions: no other Mediterranean city allows you to visit Nazareth, the Galilee, Acre and be back on board for dinner — all in a single day. ๐๏ธ
Second, the logistics are straightforward: a transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Haifa takes approximately 1.5 hours by bus or one hour by train. โ๏ธ
Third, itineraries from Haifa cover the entire Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean: Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE. Selected voyages are transatlantic or world cruises. ๐
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you select the ideal ship, itinerary and cabin, manage the details of airport transfers and visa arrangements, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and other leading brands with whom we partner as a priority agent. ๐ค
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is current as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify the latest details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant facilities.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Haifa
Haifa is Israel's main cruise city, beautifully situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel along the Mediterranean Sea. Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv handles all international flights, including connections from Ukraine (via Warsaw, Istanbul, Vilnius, Vienna, and other hubs). The distance from the airport to the cruise terminal is approximately 100 km, and the journey takes between 1 hour 20 minutes (taxi or transfer) and 2 hours (train). Below you will find a detailed step-by-step guide covering all transport options, up-to-date fares, and expert tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. ๐ฏ
๐ Where Is the Haifa Cruise Port Located
The Port of Haifa is Israel's largest passenger port, situated right in the heart of the city. It is one of the most convenient ports in the Mediterranean: ships dock directly at the pier — no tendering required — and the terminal is just steps away from the railway station and the city centre.
โ Haifa Cruise Terminal — the port's only passenger terminal, a modern facility of over 5,500 sq m, serving all cruise lines that call at Haifa:
• The terminal accommodates ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and others
• Inside you will find a cafeteria, currency exchange, duty-free shop, tourist information centre, free Wi-Fi, and a bus platform for shore-excursion groups
• Depending on the schedule, several ships may be in port simultaneously; a free shuttle operates between vessels within the port
๐ GPS Address: Derech HaAtsma'ut, Haifa Port, 3100001, Israel
๐ถ Distance to the city centre: approximately 1.5 km to Paris Square and the lower Carmelit station
โ Please note: your exact boarding time is always stated in your cruise voucher. Entry to the terminal is permitted only during the time window assigned by your cruise line. Verify the details 48–72 hours before departure — on busy days the port may adjust check-in windows.
โ๏ธ From Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to the Cruise Terminal
Ben Gurion International Airport is located near Tel Aviv, approximately 100 km from Haifa. It is Israel's only major international airport — all connecting flights arrive here. The journey to the cruise terminal takes between 1 hr 20 min and 2 hrs depending on the transport you choose.
๐ Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
The official taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals hall (Level G) of the airport. As of 2026, the designated operator of the airport taxi stand is Gett — you can order a taxi via the Gett app or at self-service kiosks in the arrivals hall. The system will issue a code, and a member of staff will direct you to your assigned vehicle.
• Journey time: 1 hr 20 min — 1 hr 45 min (depending on traffic)
• Cost: approximately 500–600 ILS (Israeli new shekels); surcharges may apply for night travel, weekends, and toll roads (Highway 6)
• Payment: cash or card
• Please note: during peak hours and at weekends, queues at the taxi stand can be considerable. If your flight arrives on a Friday evening or before a Jewish holiday, allow 30–40 minutes of waiting time and expect higher fares
๐ก Four Gates tip: simply say "Haifa Cruise Terminal" to your driver — all local taxi drivers know it well.
๐ Private Transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling with family, a group, or heavy luggage, or if your flight arrives on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, this is the best choice. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, assists with your luggage, and takes you directly to the terminal at a pre-agreed fixed price.
• Cost: from 450–600 ILS for a sedan (1–3 passengers), from 700–900 ILS for a minivan (4–8 passengers) — depending on the operator and time of day
• Journey time: 1 hr 20 min — 1 hr 40 min
• Advantages: fixed price, English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, available on Shabbat, no queuing
๐ค Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for all its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
๐ Israel Railways Train — the budget-friendly option on weekdays
The train station is located inside Ben Gurion Airport (Terminal 3, lower level). A direct train with no transfers runs to Haifa Center HaShmona station, which is just a 2-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Route:
1๏ธโฃ From the airport, board a direct Israel Railways train to Haifa (direction: "Nahariya")
2๏ธโฃ Alight at Haifa Center HaShmona (~80–110 min; trains run twice per hour during the day and once per hour in the evening)
3๏ธโฃ Walk approximately 2 minutes from the station to the cruise terminal entrance
Cost: approximately 40–50 ILS for a one-way ticket
Journey time: 80–110 minutes
โ ๏ธ Important: trains do not run on Shabbat (Saturday) or on most Jewish holidays — from sunset on Friday until Saturday evening. If your flight arrives on one of these days, the only options are a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer.
๐ Egged Bus — the cheapest but most complex option
Bus connections between the airport and Haifa are very limited: the Egged intercity bus to Haifa departs only a few times per day. The route terminates at Haifa's Hof HaCarmel bus station, from which you will need a local bus or taxi to reach the cruise terminal. Not recommended with heavy luggage or on peak embarkation days.
Cost: 20–30 ILS
Journey time: 2–2.5 hrs including the onward connection
๐ From Central Tel Aviv to the Cruise Terminal
If you are staying in a Tel Aviv hotel the night before your departure, there are several convenient ways to reach Haifa:
๐ Taxi / private transfer: 1 hr 20 min — 1 hr 40 min, cost 450–600 ILS. The best choice when travelling with heavy luggage or on Shabbat.
๐ Israel Railways train: from Tel Aviv HaShalom or Tel Aviv Savidor Center stations, a direct train to Haifa Center HaShmona takes 45–60 minutes and costs approximately 30–35 ILS. From the Haifa station it is a 2-minute walk to the cruise terminal. Trains run hourly (every 30 minutes on weekdays).
๐ Egged bus (route 910 or 921): departs from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station (Tachana Merkazit) and arrives at Hof HaCarmel bus station in Haifa. Journey time 60–75 minutes, cost approximately 20–25 ILS. From there, take a taxi or local bus to the terminal.
๐๏ธ From Central Haifa to the Cruise Terminal
If you have spent the night at a hotel in the city, you have several options to reach your ship:
๐ Taxi from your hotel — 50–100 ILS depending on your location. Quick (10–20 min) and practical with luggage. Taxis queue outside the terminal on days when ships are in port; you can also order via the Gett app. The meter is mandatory — make sure the driver starts it.
๐ Walk or taxi from Haifa Center HaShmona railway station — the station is just 2 minutes on foot from the terminal entrance. If you are coming from another part of the city, take the Carmelit metro to the lower "Downtown" station and walk 5–7 minutes from there.
๐ City bus (Egged, route 23) — stops near the port, fare approximately 5.5–7 ILS. A convenient option for travellers without heavy luggage.
๐ The Carmelit — Haifa's unique underground funicular metro (the only one in Israel), connecting the lower city with the summit of Mount Carmel. The lower station, "Paris Square", is approximately 10 minutes on foot from the terminal. The Carmelit does not go directly to the port, but it is ideal for sightseeing after you have boarded your ship.
๐ถ On foot from the lower city — if your hotel is in the German Colony or Paris Square area, you can walk to the terminal in 10–15 minutes along the flat Ha'Atzmaut Avenue. Bear in mind: Haifa is a hilly city, but the waterfront and lower city centre are relatively flat.
๐ By Private or Rental Car — Parking Near the Port
If you are arriving by private or rental car, please note: private vehicles are not permitted to drive onto the bridge leading directly to the terminal building. Passengers and luggage may be dropped off in the designated drop-off zone at the port entrance. Official car parks nearby include:
๐
ฟ๏ธ Municipal Car Park — Haifa Merkaz HaShmona Railway Station:
• Directly adjacent to the terminal (~2 min on foot)
• Suitable for short- and long-term parking
๐
ฟ๏ธ Municipal Car Park — Port Campus:
• Address: 40 Hanamal Street
• Guarded area
๐
ฟ๏ธ Private Car Park Sha'ar HaNamal:
• Address: 36 Hanamal Street
• Phone: 051-229-0340
• Covered and guarded
๐
ฟ๏ธ Private Car Park:
• Address: 30 Kedoshey Baghdad Street
• Phone: +972-3-561-0727
๐ฃ๏ธ GPS route: from the south or east, take Highway 2 (Coastal Highway) or Highway 4 towards Haifa; follow Derech Jaffa, turn onto Rechov Chayat, then left onto Derech HaAtsma'ut, and drive up the bridge to the terminal building. All navigation apps recognise "Haifa Port Cruise Terminal".
๐ก Tip: the most convenient approach is to drop passengers and luggage in the drop-off zone first, then proceed to the nearest car park. This saves time and avoids any issues with access to the terminal bridge.
โฟ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Haifa Cruise Terminal is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility:
โ
The terminal is equipped with lifts, ramps, and wide passageways
โ
Israel Railways carriages have low-floor access and designated spaces for wheelchairs
โ
Gett taxis offer accessible vehicles for passengers with mobility needs — book via the app using the "accessible" filter
โ
Private transfers allow you to choose a suitable vehicle for your specific requirements
โ
Terminal staff are available to assist passengers during boarding — please notify your cruise line of any special needs in advance
โฐ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
The official policy of the Port of Haifa is that terminal entry is permitted only during the designated time slot assigned by your cruise line. Arriving earlier is not recommended as waiting areas have limited capacity. Approximate check-in times:
๐ MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hrs before departure
๐ Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises: at the time stated in your voucher (usually 30-minute windows)
๐ Luxury segment (Silversea, Seabourn, etc.): any time after the terminal opens
โ Boarding deadline: generally 60–90 minutes before departure. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
๐ก Expert Tips from Four Gates Group
After years of experience working with Israel, our cruise specialists have put together a set of practical tips to save you time, money, and stress:
๐
Arrive the day before your cruise. Even a 3–4 hour flight delay can cost you your entire holiday — the ship sails on schedule. Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem are all worth spending at least one night in Israel before you embark.
๐ Plan for Shabbat. From sunset on Friday until Saturday evening (approximately 25 hours), trains and most buses in Israel do not operate. The only transport available is taxis and private transfers. If your flight arrives on Friday afternoon or Saturday, be sure to book your transfer in advance.
๐ผ Book your transfer early. Especially if you are travelling during Shabbat, a Jewish holiday, or the peak tourist season (April–October). A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price and no waiting.
๐ฑ Carry cash in shekels. Most local taxi drivers and small shops prefer cash. Exchange currency at the airport or withdraw shekels from an ATM — ATM exchange rates are generally better than those at currency exchange booths.
๐ Leave your luggage at the hotel before boarding. If you arrive in the morning but embarkation is only in the afternoon, most hotels in Tel Aviv and Haifa will store your bags free of charge, even after check-out.
๐ฑ Download the essential apps in advance: Gett (taxis in Israel), Israel Railways (train timetables), and Google Maps with an offline map — port and city signs are bilingual in English and Hebrew, but having navigation to hand is always useful.
๐จ Choose a hotel in the German Colony or lower city area of Haifa. From there it is a short walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the terminal — ideal both before and after your cruise, with the Baháสผí Gardens, restaurants, and the waterfront all nearby.
โฐ๏ธ Remember that Haifa is a hilly city. The lower city and waterfront are flat and easy to navigate with luggage, but everything above Paris Square involves steep climbs. Plan your route accordingly or use the Carmelit.
๐ Haifa Cruise Terminal Contact Information
Port of Haifa — Cruise Division (general enquiries): +972-4-851-8111
Port website: haifaport.co.il
Israel Railways (train timetables): rail.co.il
Gett (taxis in Israel): Gett app / +972-77-888-2222
Israel Emergency Services: 100 (Police), 101 (Ambulance), 102 (Fire Brigade)
Four Gates Group Cruise Specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
Getting to your cruise ship in Haifa may seem complicated at first glance, but Israel's transport system — one of the most developed and reliable in the region — offers convenient solutions for every budget and schedule. The key is to plan for Shabbat and book your transfer in advance. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group support our clients at every stage: from selecting the best flight to Haifa to organising a private transfer with a personalised meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager today — and your Haifa cruise will begin without a moment's stress. ๐ณ๏ธโจ
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant services.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Haifa Attractions & Sights: The Complete Guide for Cruise Tourists
Haifa is a city where three religions, three layers of history and three levels of Mount Carmel create an unparalleled portrait of Israel. Here UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit alongside cutting-edge technology universities, Arab bazaars rub shoulders with 19th-century German townhouses, and Mediterranean beaches give way to the underground halls of Crusader knights. For cruise passengers with 8–12 hours in port, Haifa offers a rare advantage: most of its top sights are just 5–15 minutes from the pier. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key attractions with up-to-date 2025–2026 prices, opening hours and precise directions from the cruise port to every landmark. ๐ฏ
๐ฟ 1. The Bahá'í Gardens (Hanging Gardens of Haifa)
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
The Bahá'í Gardens are not merely a park — they are the holiest spiritual site of the worldwide Bahá'í Faith and the most beautiful landscaped landmark in the Middle East. Nineteen terraces cascade down the slopes of Mount Carmel from summit to sea, centred on the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb, founder of the Bahá'í Faith. โจ
๐น In 2008 the gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a site of outstanding universal value — together with the Bahá'í Gardens in Akko.
๐น The symmetrical lawns, geometric flower beds and fountains are maintained by hand around the clock; the gardens are home to more than 500 plant species from across the globe. ๐ธ
๐น The terraces were built over 100 years: the lower ones were laid out in the 1890s, and the full ensemble was completed only in 2001.
๐น From the upper terrace the view encompasses the entire Haifa Bay, the port and — on a clear day — even the shores of Lebanon: one of the most spectacular panoramas in Israel.
๐น The gardens are funded entirely by the voluntary donations of Bahá'ís worldwide — no government money and no admission fees.
๐ History:
The Bahá'í Faith arose in Persia in the mid-19th century. After the death of its founder — the Báb — in 1850, his remains were secretly transferred from place to place for six decades before finally being interred in Haifa on the slopes of Mount Carmel in 1909. The second prophet of the Bahá'í Faith — Bahá'u'lláh — spent the last years of his exile nearby, in Akko, where he passed away in 1892. This is why Haifa and Akko together form the twin spiritual centre of the global Bahá'í community (over 5 million believers in 200 countries).
Construction of the terraced gardens began in 1987 to a design by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. Work continued for 14 years; the full complex was inaugurated in May 2001 in the presence of 50,000 Bahá'ís from around the world. ๐๏ธ
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• On foot (lower entrance): 10–15 minutes along Ben Gurion Boulevard through the German Colony. Lower entrance address: Ben Gurion Boulevard / HaGefen Street
• Taxi (upper entrance, Yefe Nof Street): 10–12 minutes, 50–60 ILS. Address: Yefe Nof St 61, Haifa
• Carmelit (underground funicular): walk from the port to Paris Square station ≈ 12 minutes → take the Carmelit to the top station, Gan HaEm → 5 minutes' walk to the upper garden entrance. Ticket: 23 ILS (round trip)
• Bus No. 23: from the port exit to the HaGefen/Ben Gurion stop. Fare ≈ 6 ILS. Journey time ≈ 10 minutes
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Admission: free of charge
• Guided tour (upper route, 750 steps descending): free; daily except Wednesday, at 12:00 in English. Pre-registration 7 days in advance: +972-4-8313131 or ganbahai.org.il
• Self-guided visit (lower and middle levels): daily 9:00–17:00
• Upper viewing terrace (Yefe Nof): daily 9:00–17:00
โ ๏ธ IMPORTANT: Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat); opening times may vary — check the official website before your visit.
๐ Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. The guided tour route descends 750 steps; choose footwear accordingly.
๐๏ธ 2. The German Colony (HaMoshava HaGermanit)
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
Haifa's main boulevard — Sderot Ben Gurion — is a rare example of a well-preserved Victorian urban vision: a wide, tree-lined 30-metre boulevard flanked by two-storey pale-stone houses with distinctive red-tiled roofs. Each house bears a plaque recording the name of its first owner and the year it was built. ๐ก
๐น This was the first Templer colony in the Holy Land — later ones followed in Jaffa (Sarona), Galilee and Jerusalem.
๐น It was the Templers who brought Haifa its first horse-drawn omnibus and a network of proper roads, transforming it into a modern city.
๐น The community hall known as "Beit Am" (House of the People) — one of the earliest buildings in the colony — served as a place of worship and communal gatherings; today it is a cultural centre.
๐น Every December the German Colony becomes a Christmas market: thousands of lights, Christmas trees and seasonal stalls make Haifa the most festive city in Israel. ๐
๐น The lower entrance to the Bahá'í Gardens begins right at the far end of the boulevard — the Colony and the Gardens make a perfect natural walking circuit.
๐ History:
In 1868, when Haifa was still part of the Ottoman Empire, a small group of Pietist Protestants from Württemberg (Germany), known as the Templers, settled on the southern shore of Haifa Bay. They had nothing to do with the Knights Templar of the Crusades — their name reflected their ambition to build a "temple of the Lord" through a hard-working, honest, God-fearing society in the Holy Land.
By 1883 the colony comprised about 100 houses and as many families. The Templers built a road from Haifa to Nazareth, opened flour mills and olive-oil presses, and established the first European-style shops and guesthouses. During World War II the British administration deported the German residents to Australia and Ceylon as "enemy aliens". Today the restored colony is the city's most popular tourist and dining district.
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes directly from the terminal exit to the start of Ben Gurion Boulevard — the closest attraction to the port
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, 30–40 ILS
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Walking through the Colony: free (it is an ordinary city street)
• Cafés, restaurants and shops: open daily, most from 9:00 to 22:00
• Haifa City Museum: Ben Gurion St 11; Tue–Thu 10:00–16:00, Fri 10:00–13:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00; admission 30 ILS
๐ก Tip: start at the port, stroll through the Colony and walk uphill to the Bahá'í Gardens — this natural walking route links Haifa's two greatest attractions without any transport at all.
โฉ๏ธ 3. Stella Maris Monastery
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
Stella Maris — "Star of the Sea" — perches on the very edge of the Mount Carmel cliff and serves as the world headquarters of the Carmelite Order, one of the oldest Catholic monastic orders, which was founded right here on this mountain in the 12th century. ๐
๐น Mount Carmel itself is the symbol of the Order: the first Carmelite hermits settled in nearby caves during the Third Crusade (1192), shortly after Richard the Lionheart captured Akko.
๐น The monastery's greatest relic is the ancient Cave of the Prophet Elijah: according to biblical tradition, it was here that Elijah hid from King Ahab's wrath and from here that he challenged the priests of Baal.
๐น The church dome is adorned with vivid frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments — following extensive restoration completed in 2023, the paintings now shine in full splendour. ๐จ
๐น In front of the monastery stands an Egyptian-style pyramid — the tomb of French soldiers who fell during Napoleon Bonaparte's siege of Akko in 1799.
๐น From the monastery terrace you have the finest view of Haifa Bay of any vantage point in the city.
๐ History:
The first small chapel on this site dates to the 12th century, but the Mamluks destroyed it after expelling the Crusaders. A subsequent monastery was built in 1767, destroyed again by Napoleon's troops in 1799, and rebuilt in 1828 as a grand stone structure with a distinctive octagonal tower. The current building was opened in 1853 and remains the largest monastery in Israel.
Throughout its long history Stella Maris has served as a spiritual lighthouse for Mediterranean sailors — hence its name. ๐ฏ๏ธ
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• Taxi: 15–18 minutes, 60–75 ILS. Address: Stella Maris Rd 100, Haifa
• Carmelit + on foot: Carmelit from Paris Square to the top station Gan HaEm → bus or walk (≈20 min) to the monastery
• Cable Car (Bat Galim Cable Car): ascends from the Bat Galim waterfront to near the monastery level; ticket 40 ILS one way, 70 ILS round trip. โ ๏ธ Does not operate on Saturday
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Church admission: free; donations welcome
• Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00; Sun 6:00–12:00 and 15:00–17:00
๐ Dress code: covered shoulders and knees are required. Women do not need a head covering inside, but modest clothing is mandatory.
๐ 4. The Carmelit — Israel's Only Metro
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
The Carmelit — an underground funicular bored through the rock of Mount Carmel — is not just a convenient transport link but also a unique tourist attraction in its own right. It is the world's smallest metro and the only underground railway in Israel. ๐
๐น The line has just 6 stations and stretches only 1.8 km, yet it overcomes a height difference of 274 metres — more than most urban metro systems on flat terrain.
๐น The system opened in 1959 and underwent full modernisation between 1986 and 1992.
๐น The cars travel simultaneously in both directions on opposing tracks — the classic "counterweight" system typical of funicular railways.
๐น The Carmelit connects the port-level lower city with the scenic Yefe Nof promenade on the mountain summit, where a panorama of all Haifa unfolds.
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• On foot to the lower station (Paris Square): 12–15 minutes along the waterfront
๐ถ Fares & Operating Hours:
• Single ticket: 12 ILS
• Round-trip ticket: 23 ILS
• Operating hours: Sun–Thu 6:00–22:00; Fri 6:00–15:00; Saturday — does not operate
๐ก Tip: take the Carmelit up to the Bahá'í Gardens upper terrace and the Yefe Nof promenade, then walk back down through the gardens themselves. This is the best way to experience Haifa from top to bottom and cover three attractions in a single outing.
๐ฌ 5. MadaTech — Israel's National Museum of Science, Technology and Space
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
MadaTech is Israel's largest science museum, housed in the original building of the Technion — Israel's legendary Institute of Technology, founded in 1912. It is the perfect attraction for families with children: more than 600 interactive exhibits to touch, move and explore. ๐
๐น Growing in the museum's courtyard is a palm tree planted by Albert Einstein during his visit to Haifa in 1923 — just one year before he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
๐น The museum spans more than 20 themed exhibitions: from physics, chemistry and astronomy to robotics, 3D printing and space exploration.
๐น The flagship attraction is CinematriX — 7 cinemas screening 3D films with synchronised sensory effects (motion, wind, scent).
๐น An outdoor Science Park with solar, wind and water-powered installations is the ideal place for children to "play with science" safely. ๐ฌ๏ธ
๐น The museum welcomes more than 400,000 visitors every year.
๐ History:
The Technion Institute was inaugurated in Haifa in 1912 as the first institution of higher education in what was then Palestine. Its original building, constructed in an Islamic-oriental eclectic style with soaring arches and spacious galleries, today houses MadaTech, established in 1983. The Technion relocated to a new campus on Mount Carmel, where it still stands — as one of the world's most renowned technology universities, which produced two Nobel laureates in 2013 alone.
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• Taxi: 12–15 minutes, 55–70 ILS. Address: Balfour St 25, Haifa (Hadar HaCarmel district)
• Carmelit: from Paris Square to the "Neve Sha'anan" or "Masada" station → 5–7 minutes on foot
• Bus: routes No. 37 or 40 from the port exit to the Balfour/HaNevi'im stop
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Adults (18+): 75 ILS
• Children and school pupils (5–17 years): 65 ILS
• Children under 5: free
• Family ticket (up to 4 people): 260 ILS
• Seniors and students: 37.50 ILS
• Opening hours: Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00; Fri 10:00–14:00; Saturday — closed
โ ๏ธ Tip: book tickets online at tickets.madatech.org.il — save 5 ILS per ticket compared with the box office.
๐ 6. Wadi Nisnas — Arab Quarter of Street Art
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
Wadi Nisnas is one of Israel's most authentic Arab neighbourhoods, where narrow stone alleyways have been transformed into a genuine open-air gallery: more than 60 murals and sculptures by leading Israeli and international artists. ๐จ
๐น The "Art in Wadi" trail features works in a wide range of styles — from realism and street art to surrealist 3D murals and kinetic sculptures.
๐น The neighbourhood is alive with its market: stalls sell fresh spices, olive oil, fresh-baked goods, sesame tahini and local cheeses — the authentic taste of Haifa.
๐น Arab and Jewish families live peacefully side by side in Wadi Nisnas — a symbol of Haifa's celebrated spirit of coexistence, a source of great civic pride.
๐น Food tours through the quarter are considered one of the best culinary experiences along the entire Israeli coast.
๐ History:
Wadi Nisnas is one of Haifa's oldest urban neighbourhoods, where Arab families lived long before the wave of Jewish immigration that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike many other Arab neighbourhoods in Israel, it survived the 1948 Arab–Israeli War and stands today as a living testament to the possibility of intercultural dialogue. In the 2000s the quarter underwent a cultural renaissance — the municipality and independent artists transformed its weathered walls into a collective artistic statement about peace and coexistence.
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• On foot: 15–20 minutes from the terminal exit
• Taxi: 5–8 minutes, 35–45 ILS
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Walking the quarter and art trail: free
• Wadi Nisnas market: open daily, including Saturday (most Haifa markets remain open on Shabbat)
• Guided food tour: from 150 ILS per person; book through local agencies or GetYourGuide
๐ก Tip: try a falafel wrap with tahini and a fresh-squeezed juice — the quintessential Israeli street food for just a few shekels.
โ 7. Akko — City of the Crusaders (Akko / Acre)
๐ก Interesting Facts & Information:
Akko is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (first recorded mention: 1504 BC, in the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The city lies just 24 km north of Haifa and is the most popular day trip for cruise tourists. โ๏ธ
๐น Beneath modern Akko lies an entire underground medieval city from the 12th–13th centuries: the colossal halls of the Hospitaller Knights, the Templars' 350-metre underground tunnel, and a network of secret passages.
๐น Akko is the only city that Napoleon failed to take by storm: the failed siege of 1799 put an end to his ambitions of conquering the Middle East.
๐น The Al-Jazzar Mosque (1781) is the largest mosque in Israel outside Jerusalem; it houses a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. ๐
๐น The Crusaders held Akko for 100 years after the fall of Jerusalem (1191–1291) — it was the last stronghold of their kingdom in the Middle East.
๐น Only 4% of the underground Crusader city has been excavated and opened to the public — maps in the Vatican Library reveal that an entire unknown civilisation lies hidden beneath Akko.
๐ History:
Akko occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of sea and land trade routes linking Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Levant. Phoenicians, Persians, Alexander the Great, Romans, the Arab Caliphate, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, Napoleon, the British — each in turn held Akko as the key to the Middle East. Its most glorious chapter came in the 13th century, when the city — known as Saint-Jean-d'Acre — served as the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, the wealthiest port in the Mediterranean and a genuine crossroads of three continents.
๐ข Getting There from Haifa Cruise Port:
• Train: from Haifa-Center HaShmona station (5 minutes' walk from the cruise terminal) to Akko station — 30 minutes. Ticket ≈ 18 ILS. Timetables at rail.co.il
• Taxi: 30–40 minutes; fixed prices are posted in the Haifa terminal — 125 ILS one way
• Shared taxi (sherut): departs from Haifa port on demand; ≈ 50–60 ILS
๐ถ Admission & Opening Hours:
• Akko Combo Ticket (Knights' Halls + Turkish Bathhouse + Templars' Tunnel + Treasures in the Wall Museum): 55 ILS per person. Website: akko.org.il
• Al-Jazzar Mosque: 10 ILS; closed during prayer times
• Main sites' opening hours: Sun–Thu 9:00–18:00 (winter until 17:00), Fri 9:00–16:00
โ ๏ธ IMPORTANT for cruise tourists: allow plenty of time for the return journey. Trains run hourly; taxis are always available. Factor in 10–15 minutes for security checks when departing by train.
๐จ 8. Other Attractions Worth Visiting
• ๐ผ๏ธ Haifa Museum of Art — contemporary and modern art by Israeli and international artists. 26 Ben Gurion Blvd; Tue–Thu 10:00–16:00, Fri 10:00–13:00; admission 30 ILS.
• ๐ Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art — the only museum in the Middle East entirely dedicated to Japanese culture: samurai swords, netsuke, scrolls and modern painting. Sderot HaNassi 89; Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00; admission 35 ILS.
• โ Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum — dedicated to the heroic smuggling of thousands of Jewish refugees into Palestine in defiance of the British naval blockade, 1934–1948. Aliya Bet 204; Sun–Thu 8:30–16:00; admission 25 ILS.
• ๐๏ธ Yefe Nof Street / Louis Promenade — a free scenic promenade along the Mount Carmel ridgeline offering panoramic views of the entire Haifa Bay and the Bahá'í Gardens below. ๐
• ๐ Haifa Educational Zoo — a charming zoo with 1,000+ animals; the ideal choice for families with young children. Admission 60 ILS adults, 48 ILS children.
• ๐๏ธ Haifa Beaches — 17 km of coastline; the most convenient for cruise tourists are Dado Beach and Bat Galim: 20–25 minutes from the port by taxi or bus.
๐บ๏ธ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for 9 Hours in Haifa
A cruise call in Haifa usually lasts 8–12 hours. With a well-planned itinerary, visiting 3–5 top sights is entirely realistic. Below are three options depending on your budget and interests. All prices are in Israeli shekels (ILS).
๐ฅ Itinerary No. 1. Budget — up to 100 ILS per person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 9 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 80–100 ILS + food
๐ 09:00 — Leave the cruise terminal
Walk 10 minutes along the waterfront to the start of Ben Gurion Boulevard.
๐ 09:10–10:00 — Stroll through the German Colony
Free exploration of the restored Templer houses; coffee at a local terrace café (≈ 20 ILS).
๐ 10:00–11:30 — Bahá'í Gardens (lower entrance)
Free admission. Visit the lower and middle terraces, the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, panoramic views from below.
๐ฆ 11:30–12:30 — Wadi Nisnas
5 minutes on foot. Art trail among the murals, spice market, street food: falafel wrap ≈ 20–30 ILS.
๐ 12:30–14:00 — Carmelit up + Bahá'í upper terrace and Yefe Nof promenade
Round-trip ticket 23 ILS. From the top station — 5 minutes' walk to the promenade and the upper garden entrance. Best city panorama.
๐ 14:00–15:00 — Lunch on Yefe Nof or in the Colony
Set lunch (hummus, shakshuka, pita bread) ≈ 50–70 ILS.
๐ 15:00–16:30 — Return to the port
Carmelit downhill or walk through the gardens (if energy allows) — 30–40 minutes.
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Carmelit round trip: 23 ILS
• Coffee + street food: 40–50 ILS
• Lunch: 50–70 ILS
๐ธ TOTAL: ≈ 113–143 ILS per person (excluding paid admissions)
๐ฅ Itinerary No. 2. Optimal — 200–300 ILS per person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 9 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 250 ILS + food
๐ 08:30 — Leave the port; taxi to the upper Bahá'í Gardens entrance (Yefe Nof)
≈ 60 ILS — straight to the start of the guided tour.
๐ 09:00–10:30 — Bahá'í Gardens (guided tour, top to bottom)
Free official guided tour; pre-registration required. 750 steps, the full ensemble from summit to lower entrance.
๐ค 10:30–11:30 — German Colony
The lower garden exit leads straight onto Ben Gurion Boulevard. Stroll, browse shops, have a coffee.
๐ 11:30–13:00 — Akko by train
10 minutes on foot from the port or taxi to Haifa-Center HaShmona station → train to Akko 30 minutes (18 ILS). Underground Crusader city: combo ticket 55 ILS.
๐ 13:00–14:00 — Lunch in Akko
Seafood restaurants on the Old City waterfront; main course ≈ 60–90 ILS.
๐ 14:00–15:00 — Return to Haifa by train
18 ILS, 30 minutes.
๐ 15:00–16:30 — Stella Maris Monastery + panorama
Taxi from the station ≈ 70 ILS. Free admission. Church visit, Napoleon's pyramid, bay views.
๐ 16:30–17:00 — Return to the port by taxi ≈ 60 ILS
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Taxi (start and end): 120 ILS
• Train Haifa–Akko–Haifa: 36 ILS
• Akko combo ticket: 55 ILS
• Lunch: 60–90 ILS
๐ธ TOTAL: ≈ 271–301 ILS per person
๐ฅ Itinerary No. 3. Premium — Private Tour from 300 USD per person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 9 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 300–500 USD + admission tickets
๐ What's included:
• โ
Private driver meets you with a name board right at the ship's gangway
• โ
Comfortable car/minivan for the full day
• โ
Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• โ
Admission tickets to all paid attractions on the itinerary
• โ
Guaranteed return to the ship before departure
• โ
Flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go
Book through your cruise manager, or contact us by any convenient means:
Phone:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Send us an e-mail
๐ 08:30 — Meet the driver and guide at the terminal
๐ 09:00–10:30 — Bahá'í Gardens (full guided tour, top to bottom)
Private guided tour: symbolism of the terraces, architecture of the Shrine of the Báb, spiritual practice of the Bahá'í Faith, panoramic photos without the crowds.
๐ค 10:45–12:00 — Akko: the underground Crusader city
Transfer by car (30 minutes). Private tour: Hospitaller Knights' Halls, Templars' Tunnel, Al-Jazzar Mosque, the Old Harbour.
๐ง 12:00–13:30 — Lunch at an Old Akko restaurant
Fresh fish, seafood and hummus on the medieval harbour waterfront ≈ 100–150 ILS per person.
๐ 14:00–15:00 — Stella Maris Monastery
Transfer by car. Private visit to the church, Elijah's Cave, Napoleon's pyramid, bay views.
๐ 15:15–16:15 — MadaTech or Wadi Nisnas (your choice)
With children — MadaTech (75 ILS, hands-on science). Without children — art walk and street food in Wadi Nisnas.
๐ 16:30–17:15 — Shopping in the German Colony and Ben Gurion Boulevard
Olive oil, Dead Sea cosmetics, ceramics, souvenir silverware.
๐ 17:30 — Return to the port in a comfortable car
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hours): from 250 USD
• Driver with car (9 hours): from 200 USD
• Tickets (Akko combo + MadaTech): ≈ 130 ILS
• Lunch: from 100–150 ILS
๐ธ TOTAL: from 450 USD + tickets (for a group of 2–6 people, the rate applies to the whole group, not per person)
๐ค Four Gates Group organises private shore excursions in Haifa and across Israel with licensed guides, transfers from the ship's gangway and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Haifa will be perfectly planned to your tastes. ๐ณ๏ธโจ
โ ๏ธ Essential Information Before Going Ashore
๐ The "all aboard" rule: you must be back on board 60 minutes before departure. If you are late — the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
๐ชช Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card. Israeli immigration and some attractions may ask to see ID.
๐ด Cash: have 200–300 ILS in cash. Card machines are not always available in Akko and at market stalls. ATMs are located inside the port terminal and in the German Colony.
๐ Clothing: comfortable closed-toe shoes — you will walk 8–12 km on cobblestones and uneven terrain. For the Bahá'í Gardens, the monastery and the mosque, covered shoulders and knees are mandatory.
๐ฑ Internet: free Wi-Fi is available in the port terminal and in the German Colony. For navigation, download an offline Google Maps map or use Waze (extremely popular in Israel).
๐ Safety: Haifa is one of Israel's safest cities. Petty theft is rare. Stay alert and follow the general safety advice issued by your home country's foreign ministry.
โ๏ธ Sun protection: in summer temperatures reach +32–35 °C with high humidity. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. There is very little shade in the Bahá'í Gardens.
๐ Shabbat: from Friday sunset to Saturday evening most businesses and public transport shut down. Attractions such as the Carmelit and the railway do not operate on Saturday. Plan ahead if your call falls on a Saturday.
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please verify current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals