A TRAVEL COMPANY FOR THE DEEPLY CURIOUS The Luminaire is a company that creates unique and stirring experiences in cultural and stimulating travel. We reimagine educational travel for a new generation The Luminaire experiences are meaningful, substantive and arouse curiosity. In the company of leading thinkers, each experience provides a new perspective on the world. Each journey is as individual as those they are created for, carefully crafted to protect the world for future generations, and inspiring others to do the same.
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MOUNT ATHOS
MOUNT OLYMPUS
PELION COAST
GULF OF CORINTH
PELOPONNESE
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PATMOS
PELION COAST Arrive privately into Volos, the gateway to Pelion and its under appreciated coastline. Dotted with sleepy fishing villages and deserted beaches, it is where wild, mountainous landscapes meets the tranquillity of the Aegean Sea. Follow in the footsteps of Jason and his Argonauts as you board your yacht from Agios Ioannis, heading north towards Thessaloniki. Spend days swimming in beautifully clear water and exploring coves. Fish for the freshest catch, expertly prepared by your chef on board – or moor in bays to visit local tavernas and enjoy north-western specialties. At Plaka, head inland to climb Mount Olympus, famed sanctuary of the Greek gods. Over two days, and staying in a mountain refuge overnight, hike, climb and scramble to it’s summit, and be rewarded with spectacular views across the peninsula.
MOUNT ATHOS Stay on the Holy Mountain, having gained special dispensation to spend a night at a monastery with Orthodox monks and experience their simple devotional lives.
Mount Athos is one of the holiest places in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Moreover, it is a living relic of the political might of the Byzantine Empire, bringing together communities of monks from the many states which fell under the influence of Constantinople. From Mount Athos, continue to explore the power of Byzantium in Thessaloniki, the heart of Macedonia and the largest Byzantine city after the capital. Of its various UNESCO World Heritage sites, the mosaics of the Rotunda of St George and the churches of St Demetrius and St David, are some of the great masterpieces of early Christian art.
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PELOPONNESE Fly south to the Peloponnese and stay at the serene Amanzoe. Located on the east coast near Porto Heli, it was designed as a modern-day Acropolis from which 360-degree views encompass olive groves and the Aegean sea. Cabanas, pavilions and villas all offer private pools with beautiful views, whilst speedboats await at the beach to zip between nearby islands. Helicopter over to Mystras, one of the most important sites of Byzantine times. The design of its palaces, monasteries, churches and libraries influenced the rest of the Mediterranean world.
PATMOS Fly over to Kos, before continuing by sea to the island of Patmos, where John the Baptist is said to have written the Book of Revelation. Today it is a stylish yet understated island escape where you are just as likely to see a monk as you are a long term Patmian dweller. From your base in Chora, at famed designer John Stefanidis’ house, explore the Monastery of St John the Theologian, as well as the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse, both important points of pilgrimage for both Orthodox and Western Christians. Enjoy philoxenia, essentially the Greek art of hospitality, at Giagkos Pantheon, Tsipouradiko Mas and Benetos, and dine to a backdrop of sunsets across the island, or from the terraces of your villa.
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