I will be staying in Tel Aviv and want to take a trip to Haifa. Does anyone have recommendations on the best way to get there (we are not renting a car)? Any city bus, or specific day tours/tour companies that you recommend? What attractions would you recommend are absolute to-do's in Haifa? thanks!

The Egged bus system runs frequent buses between the cities-they're only an hour or so apart. I think the buses run all day, although I took a 9 pm or so bus.

The only must (imo) are the Bah'ai gardens in Haifa. Otherwise, Haifa's fairly ordinary. Charming, but ordinary. Further up the coast is Akko (Acre) a very cool walled Crusader city with a fortress, secret tunnels, etc. I wouldn't miss that!

Laura

Another vote for Akko:

http://www.akko.org.il/English/main/default.asp

There are several direct trains from Tel Aviv to Akko. Also a branch of the Bahai garden exists at Akko - less crowded than haifa's...

Another vote for Acre.

When I was there, a movie was filming, our group was so excited! But... the tour guide didn't give us time to become that movie's stars

Second recommendation to use the train. It's air-conditioned and seats are comfortable.

I would also highly recommend the train.Have a walk to the port.