Experience the magic of saffron harvesting at the heart of Abruzzo's most precious tradition

Join our trusted local guide for an authentic journey into the world of saffron, one of the most precious spices in the world. This immersive experience takes you deep into the ancient traditions of Navelli, where families have been cultivating this “red gold” for over 500 years.

What's in it for you?

Morning harvest in the fields: Meet us in the charming village of Navelli, where your adventure begins among the purple-flowered saffron fields. Working with the local Navelli Cooperative, you'll learn the delicate art of hand-picking saffron flowers in the early morning, when the blooms are at their peak. Find out why this precious harvest only happens once a year and why timing is everything.

Traditional processing in the convent: After the harvest, we'll head to the historic Convent of Navelli, where traditions come to life. Under the guidance of experts, you'll learn the meticulous process of separating the precious red stigmas from the flowers. You'll learn the proper terminology and techniques handed down through generations, understanding why just three tiny filaments from each flower create the most expensive spice in the world by weight.

Authentic lunch inside the former convent of Civitaretenga: round off your experience with a traditional lunch featuring local dishes enriched with saffron.