Bahai Gardens Overlook (Haifa)

The overlook view is a revelation: Haifa’s German Colony, it’s busy downtown and expanding port in the foreground. In the middle distance dozens of container ships sit, anchored in the bay awaiting to import and export goods. And in the distance, the hills of Galilee sloping down to the Mediterranean Sea at Rosh Hanikra, the border with Lebanon, and on a clear day, the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon and Mount Hermon, 105 kilometers to the northeast.

The gardens below you are a marvel as well, 18 levels of lavish manicured grass, plants, trees and flowers. The centerpiece of Haifa and object of pilgrimage for the Bahai faithful, the gardens contain a golden domed mausoleum, the Shrine of the Bab, the second holiest place on Earth for the Bahai. Tourists are allowed into the upper two levels of the garden, and there are entrances midway down the slope and at the bottom of the hill, at the top of the German Colony.

How to put together your Water and Wine tour of Israel

On our Water and Wine Tours website you will not find standard tours.

Don’t worry. We’ll make sure that you experience the must-see sites in the country. But we’ve also included a comprehensive list of sites, by region for people with many different interests, with enough description for you to ascertain whether it’s the sort of place you want to spend your time.

You know your budget and how much time you have to spend here.

So here are our recommendations, based on years of leading all sorts of tours throughout the country.

Ask yourself if this trip is a vacation. Do you want to see sites but also feel really relaxed at the end of each day? So that you don’t need a few days of sleep upon your return home? If this is the case then try to restrict yourself to three major sites per day. Between the sites, travel and lunch 8-10 hours will pass quickly.
If you’re more inclined to describe yourself as a pilgrim or someone who wants a survey of sites, then expect to visit up to five sites per day. You’ll be spiritually satisfied but you’ll also need to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Your Tour Guide

Water & Wine Tours specializes in individually tailored tours catering to the interests of its clients. Our founder, Zach Levin, is an experienced, licensed tour guide who majored in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Our tour guides make the history and culture of Israel come alive. They understand that the customer is always right and want you to experience an unforgettable Israel. We’ll take you to places which you’ll love and never forget. When you need to be left alone we’ll sense it. When you need an extra hand we’re there for you.