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A romantic winter break: dream, drink, and dine at the foot of Mount Carmel

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Thursday January 4 2018

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It’s time to reveal the truth: winter is as good a time as any to travel across Israel and take a break from your fast paced lives. Yes, we know, Israel is known for its sunny summer days, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities, but there’s no reason not to enjoy all of these in the Israeli winter. After all, it’s not like we’re in Canada, coats are optional most of time and umbrellas are usually stored way back in the closet, behind old sweaters and knit scarves. So, If you are looking for a romantic and reasonably priced vacation, it’s time to cease the day, right now.

Where to?

While there are plenty of places to go on a vacation in and around the Holy Land (like Eilat, the Galilee, and other destinations included on your ultimate tourist's checklist), if you want to rest like the locals, you have to vacation like them, too.

At the foot of Mount Carmel and about 10 minutes from the picturesque town of Zichron Ya’akov lies one of the most beautiful stretches of beach along the Mediterranean - Nahsholim. In the area between the blue waters in the west and green mountains in the east, you can experience a real Israeli vacation filled with good food, great wine, sports activities, culture, and pure fun.

Sleep

Forget about big chain hotels and say hello to tiny houses sprinkled along the Mediterranean. Nahsholim Seaside Resort is located on one of Israel's most beautiful beaches, adjacent to clear blue lagoons, a natural bay, small islands close to the beach, and magical sunsets. The resort offers 153 guest units in different styles and prices including family units, couples units, country resort rooms, a family villa, and 40 brand new luxurious boutique rooms and suites facing the water. Prices begin at NIS 650 for a couple’s standard room and NIS 1,250 for a couple’s beach front room or suite. This January through February, the hotel is offering a unique romantic package for NIS 1,500, which includes a stay in the luxurious boutique rooms, a couples massage (45 minutes), breakfast, and in-room goodies like wine, fruit, and chocolates.

nahsholim.co.il

Dine

Close by, about five kilometers from Nahsholim beach, you’ll find plenty of dining options in Zichron Ya’akov. The main promenade of the town is a great place for an evening stroll, so you can choose a restaurant of your liking and just walk in. If you are staying over the weekend, you might want to reserve a table in advance since the good restaurants tend to get busy. Cucina, Tishbi Winery’s Restaurant, and Manuela are all good choices.

If you are ready to drive a little further, about 12 kilometers to the north in the port of Caesarea you will find Helena, a restaurant that offers stunning views of the ancient town framed by the glittering Mediterranean Sea. The spectacular views are complimented by Helena’s menu, making use of local, high-quality ingredients, including aged meats, seafood, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
hellena.co.il

Wine

A short drive from Nahsholim Beach, Amphorae Winery provides the perfect spot for wine tasting paired with some peace of mind. Established in 2000, Amphorae Winery is a rarity in Israel in that it produces non-kosher wines. The winery boasts 15 different varieties including reds, whites, and roses, as well as interactive tours.

amphoraewines.com

Culture & History

In May 1799, while trying to conquer Israel, Napoleon understood that he was about to be defeated and literally ran for his life. While doing so, he decided to get rid of all of his weapons and toss them into the sea. Where? You guessed right, just in front of Nahsholim and Dor beach. In the past years, archaeologists were able to find in deep excavations many of the weapons (including cannons), that found a new home inside the Mizgaga Museum next to the beach.

Hamizgaga museum, located in an enchanting two-story building located just a stone’s throw away from Tel-Dor and Nahsholim Kibbutz, was once a glass wine bottle factory, opened by none other than the Baron Rothschild himself. Former mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff, was once also the manager of the factory. A mere five years after opening its door, the place had to shut down due to unforeseen complications such as malaria, the fact that the local sand being used just was not good enough for glassmaking, and the ultimate reason - the factory was simply unprofitable. After the building was restored in 1980, it was reopened as a museum, mainly to show the local archaeological excavations being done around Tel-Dor. The weapons of Napoleon are just one example of the many rare and interesting pieces of history this museum offers. So rare that one of the museum’s rooms contains a large stone that is believed to have contained a small stone from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Don’t miss out on this fun and unexpected experience.

mizgaga.com

Activities

A great way to get acquainted with the Israeli landscape is go horseback riding. At the center of Beit Oren, a beautiful kibbutz located about a 15-minute drive from Nahsholim, you will find a big old horse ranch with fifty horses ready to take you on a ride. The people working in the ranch are super friendly and nice (to both people and horses alike), and will accompany you while you ride through the beautiful Carmel Mountain landscape. A delightful experience and a fitting outdoor vacation activity, especially since the horses are doing all the hard job.

http://www.havayat-harochvim.org.il/