On the Trail of Red Gold: Navelli’s Saffron Harvest
Come enjoy one of the most prestigious and unique saffrons in the world
Experience the magic of saffron harvest in the heart of Abruzzo's most precious tradition
Join our trusted local tour coordinator, Salvatore, for an authentic journey into the world of saffron, one of the most valuable spices on earth. 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 Awaits You
Morning Harvest in the Fields: Meet Salvatore in the charming village of Navelli, where your adventure begins among the purple-flowered saffron fields. Working alongside the local Navelli Cooperative, you'll learn the delicate art of hand-picking saffron flowers in the early morning hours when the blooms are at their peak. Discover why this precious harvest happens just once a year and why timing is everything.
Traditional Processing at the Convent: After the harvest, we'll move to the historic Navelli Convent, where centuries-old traditions come alive. Under expert guidance, you'll master the meticulous process of separating the valuable red stigmas from the flowers. Learn the proper terminology and techniques passed down through generations, understanding why just three tiny threads from each flower create the world's most expensive spice by weight.
Authentic Lunch within the former convent of Civitaretenga: Complete your experience with a traditional lunch featuring saffron-infused local dishes.
For any questions about the food, experience and information, please contact us here: borGO contact