Private Acre and the Crusaders' Kingdom

Private Acre and the Crusaders' Kingdom This wonderful, private half-day tour of Acre and the Crusaders' Kingdom allows you to fully discover this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, whose history dates back almost 4,000 years. After meeting your private guide on the pier in Haifa, they will drive you for approximately 60 minutes to the northernmost point of Haifa Bay. Upon your arrival at Acre, you will begin to experience the decidedly medieval atmosphere of the area, as you descend into the headquarters of the Knights of St. John. Part of this underground city was known as the Hospitaler Quarter because it was here that the knights received their medical care. Your tour takes you through a series of barrel-vaulted rooms called the Crusader Halls, which lead to the Refectory (dining hall). Also referred to as the "Crypt," it is a true representation of Crusader architecture. Near the Crypt, a stairway leads to a long underground passage thought to be an escape tunnel built by the Crusaders in order to reach the port during attacks by Moslem forces. Returning to the surface, you will next explore the Ottoman period of Akko's long and colorful history. In this portion of your tour, you'll visit the vibrant 18th-century Turkish Bazaar, the elegant restored Turkish Baths--which are now a museum--and the lively marketplace with its exotic offerings and intoxicating scents. From the marketplace you will continue on to the enormous Kahn El Umdan, also referred to as the "Pillar's Inn," an ancient caravanserai which once served the camel caravans. Before leaving the city behind, you will make a stop at the picturesque Pisan Port, which was built by Crusader seamen from Pisa, Italy. Then relax during your one-hour drive back to the pier. Please Note: The order of site visits may vary within the tour itinerary. Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 22 guests may be accommodated upon request. Please take this information into consideration when booking.