Caesarea & Acre: Ancient Ports, Grottos & Local Guide Pickup

Summary

Explore ancient ports and sea caves from Jerusalem with a guide

You’ll walk Roman ruins at Caesarea, ride a cable car into Rosh Hanikra’s sea grottos, and explore Acre’s underground Crusader city—all with a local guide who brings every story to life. Expect hotel pickup in Jerusalem and time for small discoveries between big moments. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that stone? Romans carved it—still here after two thousand years,” our guide Avi said, tapping the sun-warmed marble in Caesarea. I’d barely finished my coffee when we left Jerusalem, but by the time we reached the coast, the air was salty and everything felt lighter. Walking through the old amphitheater, I tried to picture gladiators shouting over the Mediterranean wind. There was this faint smell of wild herbs mixed with sea spray—hard to describe, but it stuck with me all day.

Haifa came next, just a quick stop to look at the Baha’i Gardens tumbling down Mount Carmel. The colors were almost too green for my tired eyes. Avi pointed out how each terrace lines up perfectly—he seemed proud in that quiet Israeli way. Then we drove north along the water until limestone cliffs started rising up. Rosh Hanikra looked unreal, like someone painted white chalk into the blue sky. The cable car down was steeper than I expected; my stomach did a little flip (not sure if anyone noticed). Inside the grottos, waves echoed off the walls and everything smelled damp and ancient.

I didn’t expect Acre to feel so alive—kids chasing pigeons near Crusader arches, old men playing backgammon in doorways. Underground, it got cool and echoey fast; Avi told us stories about knights hiding from sieges right where we stood. I tried to imagine living under all that stone. We wandered through tunnels where sunlight barely reached—my shoes squeaked on wet flagstones—and then suddenly we were back outside in the heat again.

The drive back to Jerusalem felt quieter somehow. Maybe everyone was tired or just thinking about all those layers of history pressed together along this stretch of coast. I still think about that moment inside the grotto when everything went silent except for water dripping somewhere behind me—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Acre

• Visit ancient port of Caesarea
• Visit 1st century amphitheater
• View Baha'i Gardens in Haifa
• Ascend Rosh Hanikra by cable car
• View Lebanese border from Rosh Hanikra
• Explore Grottos at Rosh Hanikra
• Visit the City of Acre
• Visit Underground Crusader City Acre

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Jerusalem to Caesarea and Acre?

The tour lasts one full day, departing from Jerusalem in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included in your booking.

Are entrance fees covered on this Caesarea & Acre tour?

All entrance fees for sites visited are included in the price.

Will there be a local guide during the trip?

A professional local guide leads the entire tour.

What should I bring for walking during this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended due to uneven surfaces and some walking involved.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included; you may want to bring snacks or purchase food during stops.

Are children allowed on this tour?

This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old.

Does this tour visit Rosh Hanikra grottos by cable car?

Yes, you will ascend to Rosh Hanikra by cable car and explore its grottos.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop off in Jerusalem, entry fees for all sites like Caesarea’s ruins and Rosh Hanikra’s grottos, travel by air-conditioned vehicle, plus guidance from a knowledgeable local throughout each stop along Israel’s northern coast.