Pioneers, Philanthropists and Spies – Zichron Yaakov Day Tour

Activities:

• Begin the day in the beautiful gardens of Ramat Hanadiv.

• Ramat HaNadiv - Ramat Hanadiv combines formal gardens, an extensive nature reserve presenting the native plants and wildlife of the Carmel, and an eco-friendly visitors’ center for environmental education. The gardens are named after Baron Edmund James de Rothchild (1845-1934), who was a major and pivotal supporter of the Zionist movement in its early years ("Hanadiv" - the generous, the philanthropist). Around the park are different hiking trails and easy walking paths, some archeological relics, and in its center - the burial ground of Baron de Rothschild and his wife, Ada.

• Continue to the town of Zichron Yaakov.

• Zichron Yaakov - Established in December of 1882, Zichron Ya'akov was one of the first modern Jewish communities in the country. Due to the massive support of Baron de Rothchild, the town was soon named after Rothchild's father (Zichron Yaakov - "in memory of Jacob") and became known for its fine wine cellars, which produce high-quality vintages to this day. The town is also famous as the center of the NILI spy ring, organized by Jews to aid the British in ousting the Turks at the beginning of the 20th century. Tour the town to learn its history and enjoy its charming, shop-lined streets.

• Time for lunch on your own- pick up something on the street or sit down at one of the many restaurants.

• First Aliya Museum - "Aliyah" is a term used in Hebrew to describe the immigration of Jews back to their historic homeland - Israel. It literally means "ascension" - to emphasize not only the physical journey but more so the spiritual one. First Aliyah - was the first wave of Jewish immigration to the land of Israel, mainly from East Europe, in the late 19th century. While many of the peers were searching for a brighter future in America, a small number of idealists chose to come to the fairly neglected Ottoman Palestine, to reassert Jewish presence in the land and build a foundation for the future Jewish state.
  The First Aliyah museum is located in a building that was built by Baron de Rothschild’s staff in 1892. Known at the time as the Administration House, when built, it was the largest and most magnificent building in Israel. The museum tells the story of members of the First Aliyah through examples of several families.

• Aaronson House Museum- optional - During the First World War, Zichron Ya'akov was used a center for underground activity by NILI, the first Hebrew secret organization led by siblings Aaron and Sarah Aaronson. NILI is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase “Netzah Yisrael Lo Yeshaker,” meaning The Eternal One of Israel will not lie (Samuel I 15:29), which served as its password. The organization's headquarters was the family home and is now a museum where you can learn about the underground members' activities, how they were caught and their ultimate fates.

• Somek Winery - Visit Somek Winery in Zichron for a wine tasting. Somek is a small family winery using only grapes grown in the family’s vineyards and featuring several local varieties of grapes.

• Or Kosher Winery in the area

• Bat Shlomo Winery - Taste wine and hear the incredible story of the Bat Shlomo Winery and settlement, founded by Baron Edmund de Rothschild.