Zikhron Ya’akov

About 5km east of Dor, on a hill overlooking the fish ponds-dotted coastal plain, is Zikhron Ya’akov, founded in 1882 by Romanian Jews. The early settlers fought unsuccessfully against malarial swamps until Baron Rothschild came to their aid with generous donations, establishing a vineyard-based economy. The town is thus named “Ya’akov’s Memorial,’” commemorating the baron’s father, James. The tourist office (open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-lpm) is to the left of the central bus station on HaMeyasdim St. Buses #872 from the old central bus station in Tel Aviv (NISI 1.50) and #202 from Haifa (NIS8.30) make the trip to Zikhron Ya’akov.

Since its early start in wine production, Zikhron Ya’akov has come to be known for its Carmel-Mizrahi Winery (tel. (06) 39 67 09), founded 100 years ago by the French Jewish baron. The winery now produces a big share of Israel’s domestic wine, as well as a large stock for export. You can sample the finished product at the end of the tour, and buy some at their store. From the central bus station turn right onto HaMeyasdim St. Continue downhill for a few blocks and turn right onto HaNadiv St. The winery is the huge building at the bottom of the hill. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8:30am-3:30pm., Fri. 8:30am-lpm. Admission NIS10. Call ahead for tours in English.) The Rothschild Family Tomb and Gardens (tel. (06) 39 78 21) is nearby (Open Sun.-Thurs. and Sat. 8am-4pm, Fri. 8am-2pm.)

On the way to the winery on the right side of HaMeyasdim St., is the Aharonson House (tel- (06) 39 01 20), commemorating NILI, an early Zionist paramilitary intelligence unit originally based in Zikhron Ya’akov. The entrance to die museum is on the small street in front of the museum. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8:30am-lpm, Fri. lOam-noon. Admission NIS4.) An added bonus is the Sarah Aharonson “Meteorology Station” outside the museum, consisting of a piece of paper tacked to a board listing the day’s wind speed and direction, temperature, and barometric pressure.