Haifa

Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, in the Middle East.

The Carmelit subway runs straight up the hill to Carmel Centre, the main shopping and restaurant area. History books, seder plates (for Passover), jewellery, Jewish skull caps and souvenirs such as fridge magnets and mud products from the Dead Sea, can all be found here.

Castra Art, Recreation and Shopping Centre is a modern complex of galleries, shops and restaurants.

Baha'i Gardens, Elijah's Cave and the Carmelite Monastery are places of interest nearby.

Nazareth is a bustling town with a huge number of churches, whilst Akko, is famed for it's 800 year old system of underground caverns, halls and crypts where the Crusader Knights hid from invaders. The city also has massive fortifications, a fishing harbour and a bustling souq (Arab market). Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are possible trips from Haifa.

Haifa has 8 beaches - the Surfers' Beach in Bat Galim is close to the port and is ideal for windsurfing. The other 7 are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and beach volleyball.

Traditional Israeli dishes include falafels, hummus and 'shakshuka', a dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce.

Cruise ships dock at the passenger terminal next to the quay, in the centre of Haifa. Facilities include a duty free and souvenir shop, cafe and currency exchange.

A bridge connects the terminal with one of the city's main traffic areas and to a railway station located next to the port. Car parking is located adjacent to the terminal.