Riviera Botanical Experience
Discover the gardens and plant heritage of the Riviera
- FormatGuided outdoor visit on foot
- Duration2–3 hours
- Group size8–40 guests
Sanremo’s identity as the City of Flowers is rooted in more than its flower-growing industry. The Riviera dei Fiori also has a rich botanical heritage, shaped by horticultural research, the introduction of exotic plants and the region’s distinctive Mediterranean climate.
This guided outdoor experience explores the gardens and plant life of the Riviera with a botanical guide, introducing guests to the work of Libereso Guglielmi and his connection to the Calvino family. It offers a quieter, more educational perspective on the region, making it particularly suitable for scientific conferences, environmental events and partner programmes.
The programme
The visit introduces guests to the botanical heritage of the Riviera dei Fiori through the plants, gardens and horticultural traditions that have helped shape the region’s identity.
With a botanical guide, the group explores the native flora of the Riviera alongside exotic species introduced and cultivated in the area’s historic gardens. The experience also looks at the relationship between botanical research, horticulture and the development of Sanremo’s flower-growing industry.
A central figure in the programme is Libereso Guglielmi, the botanist and gardener associated with the Calvino family. His work and approach to plants provide a starting point for discovering the region’s botanical culture, from Mediterranean species to plants brought from other parts of the world and adapted to the local climate.
The route and botanical themes can be adapted to the selected garden, the season and the interests of the group.
Ideal for
- Social programmes accompanying scientific, medical and environmental conferences.
- Partner programmes offering a relaxed cultural and educational experience.
- Groups interested in botany, horticulture, biodiversity and landscape heritage.
- Low-intensity outdoor activities for delegates looking for a quieter alternative to more active excursions.
Combine with
Sanremo Villas and Botanical Gardens
Extend the exploration of Sanremo’s historic villas, gardens and Belle Époque heritage.
Hanbury Gardens and Dolceacqua
Combine botanical discovery with a visit to a historic Mediterranean garden, a medieval village and a local Rossese wine tasting.
Complement the botanical visit with a creative activity inspired by the flowers and plant life of the Riviera.
Frequently asked questions
Does the visit go ahead in the rain?
The outdoor programme may need to be adapted in bad weather. An indoor alternative using botanical materials and samples has been proposed, but its availability and format must be confirmed in advance.
Is the experience suitable for guests with no botanical knowledge?
Yes. The botanical guide adapts the explanations to the interests and knowledge of the group, making the visit accessible to beginners as well as guests with a particular interest in plants.
Which gardens are included in the visit?
The location depends on the selected programme. Possible venues include Villa Ormond and Villa Nobel in Sanremo, or the Hanbury Botanical Gardens in Ventimiglia. The garden or gardens will be specified when the proposal is prepared.
Is the visit suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
Accessibility depends on the selected garden and route. Please advise us of any mobility requirements when requesting a proposal so that a suitable itinerary can be considered.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The experience is available throughout the year. Spring, particularly from March to June, is generally a rewarding period for seasonal flowering, although the plants and displays vary between gardens and seasons.
How does this corporate activity support our company’s ESG and sustainability goals?
This excursion focuses on advanced biodiversity education, low-intensity eco-mobility, and the support of localized scientific heritage. Led by a specialist botanical guide, the itinerary operates as a low-impact outdoor educational initiative centered on the region’s specific microclimate and flower-growing industry. By anchoring the educational narrative around the historic work of botanist Libereso Guglielmi and the Calvino family, the tour directly elevates regional landscape heritage and botanical research conservation. This structured approach provides your planning team with a verified environmental education component that aligns perfectly with corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandates without relying on carbon-heavy logistics.
Fact sheet
- Format
- Guided outdoor visit on foot
- Duration
- Approx. 2–3 hours
- Group size
- 8–40 guests, with one botanical guide per 20 guests
- Locations
- Selected botanical gardens of the Riviera dei Fiori, such as Villa Ormond, Villa Nobel or Hanbury Gardens
- Languages
- English, French and Italian
- Season
- All year; spring, particularly March to June, offers a varied display of seasonal flowering
- Fitness level
- Easy
- Included
- Botanical guide and garden entry fees
Request a proposal
Discover the botanical heritage of the Riviera dei Fiori with a guided experience tailored to your group. Contact Visit Sanremo DMC with your preferred date, group size and language requirements to receive a proposal.
Planning a conference or incentive in Sanremo?
Discover the botanical heritage of the Riviera dei Fiori with a guided experience tailored to your group. Contact Visit Sanremo DMC with your preferred date, group size and language requirements to receive a proposal.