On the way to Rehovot, you’ll pass through the small town of Rishon leTzion (First to Zion), the site of the first Jewish settlement in Palestine. As might be expected, the town contains many Israeli “famous firsts.” It was here that the tune to the Israeli national anthem was composed, the world’s first national Hebrew school opened, and the Jewish National Fund was created. The Rishon leTzion Museum, 24 Ahad ha’Am St. (tel. (03) 94 6 21), traces the history of the town from the early pioneers to the present. For NIS7 you can get a tour of the museum and a sound and light show.

(Museum open Sun. and Tues.-Thurs. 9am-2pm, Mon. 9am-lpm and 4-8pm, Fri. 9am-lpm, Sat. 6-9pm. Free tours and admission 10am-2pm on the first Sat. of every month.) At no charge, you can take your own tour of the “Pioneer’s Way,” a path painted along Rishon’s pavement, directing you to 18 of the town’s historic sites, each with a plaque to explain its significance. Pick up Israel’s version of the “Freedom Trail” at Rothschild St. (Walk south on Herzl St. 2 blocks, turn left onto Rothschild, a pedestrian street, and walk uphill until the pedestrian mall ends.) The yellow line leads down HaCarmel St., where you will pass the Winery, 25 HaCarmel St. (tel. (03) 964 2021), built by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1887 and still used today to produce Carmel Mizrahi wine. One-hour tours of the winery end witii a tasting and a souvenir bottle. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8:30am4pm. Admission NIS9, seniors and students N1S6.) Across the street from the winery, you can buy booze at wholesale prices at Sokolik (tel. (03) 964 1343; open Sun.-Wed. 6am-2:30pm, Thurs. 6am-5pm, Fri. 6am-3pm).