Zichron Yaakov

Zichron Yaakov is a hillside town on the southern slopes of Mount Carmel, about 55 km north of Tel Aviv, founded in 1882 and long associated with Israeli wine-making. By car the drive takes about an hour. By public transport, Israel Railways runs to Binyamina station in around 50 minutes at roughly 25 ILS, and bus 201 or a taxi covers the remaining 15 minutes to town for about 6 ILS by bus. Trains and buses do not run on Shabbat, so a car or taxi is needed at weekends.

The heart of the town is HaMeyasdim Street, a pedestrian lane lined with restored stone houses, cafes, galleries, boutiques and small shops. Nearby, the Carmel Winery visitor centre offers tours and tastings, with the history of the Rothschild-backed winery that started the local wine industry. Ramat HaNadiv, a short drive south, contains the memorial gardens of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, walking trails and nature areas with views across the coastal plain. Other sights include the First Aliyah Museum and the Aaronsohn House, related to the NILI spy network of the First World War.

A suitable day plan begins in the morning with a stroll along HaMeyasdim Street while the shops open, followed by a visit to the First Aliyah Museum or the Aaronsohn House. Lunch can be taken at one of the street cafes or a winery restaurant serving local cheese, salads and grilled meat. In the afternoon, visitors can continue to Ramat HaNadiv for a garden walk or taste wines at the Carmel Winery visitor centre, then return by taxi and train in the evening. Visitors drinking wine should arrange a driver or taxi.

The best seasons are March to May and September to November, when the weather is comfortable for walking and the grape harvest runs in late summer. The street is free, and winery tastings cost about 40-80 ILS. Weekends are busier, so weekday visits are calmer.