A trip to Zichron Yaackov, Amphorae winery and Sky diving

Zichron Yaackov offers Ramat Hanadiv gardens, boutique wineries, and rich history. Nearby Habonim beach invites thrilling paradive skydiving and a visit to Amphorae winery, blending adrenaline, fine wine, and Mediterranean views into one unforgettable Israeli adventure of culture and nature.

Written by Zvika Gasner 09-September-2025 (Originally 24-February-2019, Edited 31-March-2021, 12-December-2024) Photography by Angela Hechtfisch

Zichron Yaakov – a quick background

Zichron Yaakov sits on the Carmel mountain, just 40 minutes north of Tel Aviv and right beside Binyamina.

The history of Zichron Ya’akov begins in 1882, when about a hundred immigrants from Romania, part of the “Hovevei Zion” movement, arrived to settle the land. Their dream was to cultivate the soil and build a new home. They bought wagons, plows, and tools, but right from the start they faced huge challenges. When financial support from Romanian Jews stopped, they were left struggling with hunger and disease.

That’s when Baron Rothschild stepped in. Hearing about their hardship, he took the settlement under his wing and named it after his father. With his generous support, they planted trees, built sidewalks and houses, and soon the colony began to thrive.

The Baron even brought in a German engineer named Stuckler to map out the village. Stroll down HaMeyasdim Street and soak up the charm—those uniform homes are still beautifully preserved! Back then vineyards fueled the town, and today Zichron Yaackov still shines for its outstanding wines.

The Baron didn’t just give his name—he invested big in industries like tobacco, perfume, and especially wine. Some ideas fizzled out, but the wineries? They flourished! Today, leading wineries like Carmel in Zichron (Israel’s largest, producing over 60 million bottles a year!), together with Binyamina and Tishbi in the nearby town of Binyamina—both also backed by the Baron—are celebrated throughout Israel and across the globe.

Zichron Yaakov Ramat HaNadiv

Ramat HaNadiv Park at the south edge of Zichron Yaackov named after the legendary “Nadiv” (“Generous”) Baron Rothschild. Perched on a hilltop, the park covers 250 acres of gorgeous gardens with breathtaking views—green valleys to the east and the Mediterranean coast to the west.

The gardens are a real mix: elegant European designs, Mediterranean landscapes, fragrant sensory gardens for the blind, and more—all kept in perfect condition (just don’t even think about stepping on the grass!).

Make sure to catch the 20-minute film about the Baron’s role in Israel’s history—it’s shown every half hour with subtitles in English, French, and Russian. You’ll also find the Rothschild Tomb here (closed on Saturdays). Nature lovers can head straight to the walking trail that winds through the large nature reserve next door.

Plan to spend 1–2 hours here. The cherry on top? Beside the parking fees, entry and all facilities are totally FREE.

Ramat Hanadiv Almonds flowers in the park

Amphorae winery

Just 10 minutes north of Binyamina, you’ll arrive at the boutique Amphorae Winery—named after the ancient clay jars once used to store wine. This hidden gem produces only 80,000 bottles a year, following a classic French winemaking philosophy.

The experience at Amphorae winery is pure delight: four generous tastings of red and white wines, paired with cheese, fresh veggies, and warm bread straight from a taboon oven. In between, you’ll step into the atmospheric wine cellar for a 15-minute guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of the winemaking process.

Come hungry and thirsty—you won’t just be sipping here! Each tasting is paired with a clear, engaging explanation in English.

Plan for about two hours. Cost is 170 NIS per person, and reservations for Amphorae wineryare highly recommended (weekends book up quickly!).

Paradive Skydiving at Habonim

We saved the best for last… Just 6 km west lies “Paradive”, the skydiving center at Habonim village. This place has been running for over 25 years—without a single life-threatening incident. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking, with Israel’s northern coastline stretching out below you.

Prices aren’t exactly cheap: starting at 1650 NIS for a 11,000-foot tandem freefall (strapped to a pro) with premium photage and up to 3,000 NIS for the full 14,500-foot jump—complete with video and photos. Different packages are available, but hey, living well costs a little!

Skydive in Habonim beach at Paradive club

Yes, it took courage (after all, it’s not exactly natural to jump out of a plane), but the moment you leap, it’s pure magic. The first 50 seconds of freefall from 12,000 feet are a wild mix of fear and thrill—followed by unbeatable panoramic views of one of Israel’s most beautiful beaches.

The whole adventure is over way too fast, but luckily the photos and videos keep the adrenaline alive long after you land. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Zichron Yaakov’s Nili underground – Beit Aharonson

NILI, short for “Netzach Israel Lo Yishaker” (“The Eternity of Israel will not deceive” – Samuel I, 15:29), was a daring underground movement founded in 1915 to fight the Ottoman Empire.

Their mission? Support the British in conquering the Land of Israel while pushing forward the Zionist dream of a Jewish homeland. Leading the effort was agronomist Aaron Aaronsohn from Zikhron Ya’akov, together with his sister Sarah, his brother Alexander, Avshalom Feinberg from Hadera, and a small group of passionate friends.

At the time, not everyone agreed with their actions—but looking back, their courage and sacrifice were key in helping the British defeat the Ottomans and opening the path to Israel’s independence.

Today, the inspiring story of NILI comes alive at Beit Aharonson, the family’s home in Zikhron Yaakov. The site has become an interactive museum with fascinating guided tours in both Hebrew and English.

Zichron Yaakov HaMeyasdim promenade

HaMeyasdim Street, the main promenade of Zichron Ya’akov, has been lovingly restored into the lively “Wine Route”. It’s a real gem packed with cozy restaurants such as “Nili”, unique shops, and charming galleries. Wander into the courtyards—you’ll discover hidden surprises!. It really comes alive on Shabbat, buzzing with energy and people everywhere.

Just nearby, step right into history at the Aharonson House Museum, where the extraordinary story of the NILI underground comes alive.

Aunt Berta Café & Shop

The story of the German “Beit El” community in Zichron Yaakov is fascinating. About 400 Christian Zionists arrived in Israel in 1963 and settled in Zichron Yaakov. Legend has it they were sure the world would end in 2000, with Israel as the only safe haven. Luckily, the apocalypse hit snooze, and meanwhile, They’ve built a unique life in Zichron Yaakov—an independent, close-knit community with their own schools and healthcare services.

The community produces a wide range of food products under the label “Aunt Berta,” crafted with meticulous German-style care. You can buy them at their factory outlet, at Café & Shop Aunt Berta located at the bottom of Zichron Yaakov main pedestrian street. There you’ll find fresh baked goods, desserts, jams, olive oil, and more—all made from local ingredients by the community. And yes, most products are kosher.

Zichron Yaackov promenade

Let’s work together

Wanna join our crazy team?

Zichron Yaackov offers Ramat Hanadiv gardens, boutique wineries, and rich history. Nearby Habonim beach invites thrilling paradive skydiving and a visit to Amphorae winery, blending adrenaline, fine wine, and Mediterranean views into one unforgettable Israeli adventure of culture and nature.

Zichron Yaakov – a quick background

Zichron Yaakov Ramat HaNadiv

Amphorae winery

Paradive Skydiving at Habonim

Zichron Yaakov’s Nili underground – Beit Aharonson

Zichron Yaakov HaMeyasdim promenade

Aunt Berta Café & Shop

Let’s work together

Wanna join our crazy team?

Tags.

Recent Posts.

A trip to Zichron Yaackov, Amphorae winery and Sky diving

Zichron Yaackov offers Ramat Hanadiv gardens, boutique wineries, and rich history. Nearby Habonim beach invites thrilling paradive skydiving and a visit to Amphorae winery, blending adrenaline, fine wine, and Mediterranean views into one unforgettable Israeli adventure of culture and nature.

Zichron Yaakov – a quick background

Zichron Yaakov Ramat HaNadiv

Amphorae winery

Paradive Skydiving at Habonim

Zichron Yaakov’s Nili underground – Beit Aharonson

Zichron Yaakov HaMeyasdim promenade

Aunt Berta Café & Shop