Zikhron Ya'akov

A unique stop on tours of Israel, Zikhron Ya'akov is a beautiful example of a semi-cooperative farming community. Built on the tip of the Carmel Mount Range, it was Israel's first moshava and is a popular tourist spot in the area. The most popular place in Zikhron Ya'akov is the pedestrian mall on Ha'Nadiv Street and Ha-Meyasdim Street. Visitors can see the original houses (some of which were rehabilitated) on the busy stone-paved streets. Tourists often enjoy the many adorable restaurants and coffee shops that sit among the stores on the streets. In addition to shopping and eating, Zikhron Ya'akov has many art galleries, workshops and artists' studios for exploration. The mix of old and modern buildings add to Zikhron Ya'akov's appeal. There are two history museums in the moshava that were converted from original buildings located there-Beit Aharonson and Museum of First Aliya (wave of immigration to Israel). Tourists often stop in Zikhron Ya'akov on their trips to Israel for the wine and peaceful atmosphere. A large wintery was built there in 1889 by the founding farmers. Now owned by Carmel Mizrahi wineries, the wintery of this moshava offers both free guided tours as well as information in the visitors' center. Having once been a holiday resort during the British Mandate period (1917-1948), the spas, hotels and guesthouse remain to this day.

Founded in 1882 under the assistance of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the moshava became the headquarters of the NILI underground organization the provided intelligence to the British to assist them in conquering the Turks. Despite its rapid urbanization and growth, tourists often visit Zikhron Ya'akov on tours of Israel because it has not lost an ounce of its rustic quality. Zikhron Ya'akov is a convenient stop on Israel guided tours because of its close proximity to other sites of interest-Ramat Ha'Nadiv Gardens, the Mediterranean coast, Ha-Nokdim farm, Bedouin Hospitality, a Shuni Fortress and the Carmel Mountains.