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VICENZA EXPERIENCES · THE SCIENCE OF SCENT
Make an essence and distil essential oils in Vicenza
An unique fragrance workshop in Vicenza, Italy, where you explore perfume notes, synthesise an aromatic essence and distil pure essential oils from fresh plants. Two days of botanical science for curious travellers of all ages.
On 24 and 25 October 2026, Vicenza’s Alto Vicentino hosts a fragrance laboratory with a particularly appealing proposition: learn what makes a scent recognisable, create an essence using aromatic molecules and extract essential oils directly from fresh plants. Molecole ed essenze, presented by ITIS S. De Pretto as part of the FeSAV science festival, brings perfume chemistry into an accessible, practical experience for adults and children.
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Know before you go
In this story: The perfume chemistry lab ↓ From fresh plants to essential oils ↓ An unusual October experience in Vicenza ↓ PLAN YOUR VISIT
THE PERFUME CHEMISTRY LAB ↓
What gives a fragrance its character? At Molecole ed essenze, visitors explore perfume notes and the aromatic molecules behind them, before synthesising an essence in the laboratory. Presented by ITIS S. De Pretto, a technical institute in Vicenza province, the workshop offers a hands on introduction to the chemistry of scent, with plenty to interest perfume lovers, botanical enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by how fragrances are made.
FROM FRESH PLANTS TO ESSENTIAL OILS ↓
The next experiment begins with fresh plants and steam distillation, a technique used to extract essential oils from botanical material. Steam passes through the plants, collecting volatile aromatic compounds. The vapour then cools and condenses, allowing the essential oil to be separated from water. Visitors can explore two different aspects of fragrance production during the same laboratory: creating an essence through chemical synthesis and extracting aromatic oils already present in plants.
PLAN YOUR VISIT : A UNIQUE OCTOBER EXPERIENCE IN VICENZA ↓
For travellers searching for unusual things to do in Vicenza, botanical workshops in Italy or more original experiences to add to a European itinerary, this is an appealing October discovery.The laboratory belongs to the ninth edition of FeSAV, the Festival della Scienza dell’Alto Vicentino, bringing scientific experiments, exhibitions and public events to the Vicenza area. The experience takes place in Schio, in Vicenza province, on 24 and 25 October 2026. Activities run throughout both days, with a midday break, and are recommended for all ages.
24 & 25 October 2026 · 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Schio, Vicenza province, Italy. Exact workshop station awaiting confirmation.
Lunch break: Approximately 1 pm to 2 pm.
Who: Recommended for all ages.
Admission: FeSAV generally offers free admission, subject to capacity and event specific exceptions. Check the booking arrangements for this laboratory.
Organised by: ITIS S. De Pretto, as part of FeSAV 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↓
Can children take part? Yes. The organisers recommend the laboratory for all ages.
Is this a full day perfume making course? FeSAV describes it as a continuous laboratory running between 10 am and 6 pm on both days, with a lunch break. The duration of an individual session is unspecified.
Can participants take home their essence or essential oils? The programme confirms the synthesis and distillation activities but gives no details about taking finished products home.
Sources
- FESAV, Festival della Scienza dell’Alto Vicentino · Molecole ed essenze
- FESAV, Festival della Scienza dell’Alto Vicentino · Programma 2026
- Iowa State University · Steam Distillation of Biomass to Extract Essential Oils