Promenading -- The view of Haifa from the promenade in Central Carmel makes you keep coming back for more. Day or night, it's always lovely. For the best experience, combine the Elysian vista with a meal at a restaurant right on the edge of the promenade.

Beachcombing -- Haifa's great beaches are to the south of the city, reachable by municipal bus, sherut, or, in summer, special shuttle from the big Central Carmel hotels. At the easy-to-reach Dado Beach, just to the south of the Le Méridien Hotel, you can combine a dip in the warm gentle waves with shish kabob or falafel, or a very fresh fish from one of the many beachside stands. Stay late and you'll see the sunset over the Mediterranean. For Haifans, such paradisiacal luxuries are routine.

A Day Trip to Old Akko -- It's amazing to think that two such different cities could be located on opposite ends of Haifa's sweeping bay: modern Haifa with its panoramas, and medieval Akko, with its labyrinth of bazaars, caravansaries, and mosques. A short drive or bus ride gets you 23km (14 miles) up the coast where you can explore this largely unrestored architectural treasure, have lunch or dinner in true Mediterranean style at an outdoor harborside cafe, and even take a boat ride around the Old City's wave-battered walls.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.