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A WORLD OF NEW PERSPECTIVES The Luminaire is more than a travel company, it is a collection of curious minds. We passionately believe that seeing the world through a new lens has the power to positively transform our guests’ perspectives. Unique destinations and properties are home to our Guild of leading experts, who build personal connections with each of our guests to create singular journeys of discovery that immerse them in all fields of culture, history, and the natural world. Each experience 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. Funded by 1% of our sales, The Luminaire Foundation’s aim is to protect the legacy and longevity of the places, people, and objects we explore.
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V E N IC E Through the eyes of a Venetian native
The Luminaire uncovers stories of the history, art, architecture and food of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over seven days, privileged access, private tastings, and hands-on restoration experiences reveal the secrets of the floating city, enlivened with deep insight offered by a Venetian architect whose family has lived in Venice for over a millennium.
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THE EXPERTS Your guides in the pursuit of knowledge
FRANCESCO DA MOSTO VENETIAN ARCHITECT, AUTHOR, HISTORIAN & FILMMAKER
Francesco da Mosto is an architect, historian, television presenter and lifelong Venetian citizen. His family heritage in Venice can be dated back to the 10th century with ancestors ranging from merchants to explorers. Francesco views the city as a living work of art, where nothing was made or survived without a powerful story behind it. A passionate life-long learner, his unique insight brings the history of Venice to life from the perspective of his ancestors. Francesco has presented numerous BBC2 documentaries including Francesco’s Venice, and Francesco’s Mediterranean Voyage where he followed the historical Venetian trading route from his home city to Istanbul, visiting places like Split, Mostar and Dubrovnik. VENICE
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DAY 1 The story of a family that has thrived in Venice for over 11 centuries
ARRIVAL Arrive from Marco Polo airport to home for the week, Palazzino Alvisi, located in a prime position on the Grand Canal. A palace wearing its pedigree with pride, this Palazzino offers privacy, oldstyle glamour and spectacular views. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it was once the Italian residence of American socialite and patron of the arts Katherine Brouson. She hosted her famous literary salon here and welcomed renowned artists such as the writer Henry James and the poet Robert Browning.
EVENING After arrival, an aperitivo is served in the classical Venetian drawing room of Palazzino Alvisi, while host for the evening, Francesco da Mosto shares his family’s rich heritage in this historic merchant town. Francesco da Mosto hails from a family with roots in Venice that can be traced back to the 10th
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century. Hear first-hand about Venice’s magnetism and the allure that kept this family here for over a millennium. The expansive terrace is the setting for a candlelit dinner overlooking the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. Built in 1631, this impressive baroque building was a votive offering to Our Lady of Health for protecting the city from the plague. Alongside Francesco, discover the cuisine of the Veneto region with a meal prepared by a celebrated Michelin starred chef. The sommelier introduces a series of pairing wines showcasing the region’s richness, including the renowned Amarone Della Valpolicella and a 1997 vintage of Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta.
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DAY 2 A city that owes its longevity to water but is now endangered by it
MORNING PLAY A ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF VENICE Francesco da Mosto’s family has lived in Venice for 11 centuries. He has a singular view of the city’s rich history, framing the discoveries The Luminaire unravels over the coming week, from the art of the Venetian Renaissance to the very latest efforts to preserve the floating city from the threat of climate change.
Palazzo Muti was finished in 1602. In the heart of Rialto, the commercial and financial centre of Venice, it was designed across seven stories by architect Antonio da Ponte, renowned for completing the nearby Rialto bridge. Now Palazzo da Mosto, and Francesco’s family seat for over a century, he unravels the often incongruous layers of Venetian history. Among them, the design influences of arguably Venice’s most renowned Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio, which appear in the architecture of this Palazzo.
During the morning, experience a private tour of the Palazzo Ducale, a 14th century Gothic masterpiece, where Francesco’s unique perspective further navigates the city’s intriguing trading history. Also known as the Doge’s Palace, it was the centre of power in the Venetian Republic and home to the famous Doges of Venice.
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The Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo is the resting place of 25 Doges and many of Francesco’s ancestors, including explorers and merchants. Completed in 1430, the decade of Gutenberg’s printing press, the Basilica serves as a rich backdrop to bring Venetian history to life.
Discover the great façades of Venice, as Francesco brings his substantial experience to illuminate the city’s structural triumphs. Comprising 118 islands, 150 canals and over 400 bridges, the floating city sets an engineering and architectural standard for the world. Its unique position as
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The morning ends with a leisurely lunch in the company of Francesco and the bustle of Venetian locals at his favourite local trattoria, serving authentic Italian dishes with seafood fresh from the Rialto Market.
a thriving port in the 15th century made Venice the wealthiest and most influential city centre in Europe. But now, this same anatomy makes it vulnerable to the escalating effects of climate change. Could Venice’s former strength be the reason for the city’s uncertain future? Travel the labyrinth of canals by gondola to discover the marvels of Venetian architecture defined by its Byzantine, Islamic & Gothic influences. Such as the 15th century Ca’ D’Oro palace: originally covered in gold leaf, it’s a spectacular example of Venetian Gothic architecture, positioned on the Grand Canal. Its ornately carved marble façade and waterside loggia echoes the iconic design of the Doge’s Palace. An invitation into a private architectural restoration site reveals the cultural preservation of this city, including the skilled artisans who have mastered the trade for generations.
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DAY 3 Inspiring and thought provoking art
MORNING
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Over breakfast, an art historian shares their perspective on the role history plays in defining the art of Venice, before departing for the island of Torcello.
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Torcello is the first settlement in the Venetian lagoon and home to the oldest surviving church in Venice, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. An inscription on the foundations of the church dates back to AD 639, and this is considered the oldest known document in Venetian history. The golden mosaic artwork visible in the domes of the Basilica demonstrates the strong byzantine influences of the East. Carefully selected churches showcase the great artworks of the Venetian School, a distinct art movement developed in Renaissance Venice, from the late 1400s by Brothers Giovanni and Gentile Bellini. 16th century Renaissance artists, including Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese, followed in the footsteps of the Bellini brothers, clearly partitioning this movement from that of the Italian Renaissance and ultimately highlighting how the political, economic and cultural isolation of this city impacted its art.
EVENING Join Francesco da Mosto for a truly unique evening in Venice’s most iconic expression of the Catholic faith, St. Mark’s Basilica. Knowledge of art and architecture from great minds coalesce beneath the splendour of this famed religious monument. In AD 828, the remains of St. Mark arrived in Venice, smuggled from Alexandria by merchants. Saint Mark the Evangelist, replaced St. Theodore as the Patron Saint of Venice, and his winged lion became the celebrated symbol of the Venetian Republic. Experience a personal moment of spirituality, surrounded by magnificent architecture and more than 8,000 squares of breathtaking gold mosaic that adorn the walls and cupolas of the Basilica. An intimate dinner at a local trattoria with only nine tables, provides the perfect setting to reflect on the day in the company of Francesco.
The morning ends with lunch at a small neighbourhood restaurant. Founded in 1903, while you won’t find linen on the tables at this osteria, it serves traditional cucina tipica Veneziana bursting with flavour.
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DAY 4 Picasso through a new lens
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Renaissance in a visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to some of their finest works.
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EARLY EVENING
Open the door to an art conservation laboratory, with privileged access to meet the team who carefully restores some of the city’s most precious artwork.
The evening begins with a private tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with the gallery’s Associate Curator, Ms Gražina Subelytė. Located at what was once Peggy Guggenheim’s home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, this personal collection includes masterpieces encompassing all artistic periods, such as Cubism, Abstraction, Surrealism, early American Abstract Expressionism and post-war European and American painting and sculpture. A renowned patron of the arts, Guggenheim’s collection offers a platform for modern art appreciation around the world. Her legacy means that after viewing the art of renaissance masters in Venice, one can see Picasso through a different lens.
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Witness these modern-day masters at work as they demonstrate the meticulous techniques used to restore Venetian art and learn about the importance of using historical materials and techniques to replicate the original artists’ work as closely as possible. Will seeing and understanding the fragilities of delicate and thorough conservation work impart a greater appreciation for art? With the increasing impact of climate change on Venice’s water levels, it’s more important than ever to understand and support the critical work of those who protect and preserve the city’s treasures. An art historian will ignite newfound appreciation for the artists of the Venetian
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EVENING FREE TIME
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DAY 5 Explore at your own pace
MORNING RELAX AND REFLECT Take the day to enjoy Venice and explore at your own pace. For those wishing to venture beyond the lagoon, the Veneto region is brimming with historical towns, vineyards, lakes and mountains, stretching from the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea. At your request, The Luminaire will curate a truly unique experience to pique your curiosity, whether it be to stand beneath Giotto’s frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel or travel by helicopter to the Dolomites, for a mountaintop lunch al fresco.
EVENING For a singular experience, a local Venetian family welcomes you into their home at a historic Palazzo on the Canal Grande, close to the Accademia Bridge. Join the family for dinner and listen to the colourful stories of life as a local. VENICE
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DAY 6 How does the history of a place shape its future?
FULL DAY Local life in modern Venice is vibrant and remains firmly rooted in its trading history since the 9th century. Francesco will reflect on the future of Venice over espresso at his favourite café, in the heart of the Rialto Market. The market, with trading origins since 1097, is an area in the centre of the city’s historic heart. Completely rebuilt after a fire in 1514, the market provides an opportunity to join the throng of bustling activity as fishermen unload boats and locals arrive to buy their produce for the day. HOW DO HISTORICAL ARTISAN TRADES CONTINUE TO FLOURISH, AND WHAT DO THEY NEED TO THRIVE IN MODERN VENICE?
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Venice’s celebrated glassmaker artisans were forced to move to the island of Murano in 1291 to reduce the threat of a potentially disastrous fire in the city. Murano’s youngest Venetian glassmaker and Francesco da Mosto, Venice’s Ambassador of Glass, offer potential answers during an interactive visit to the master’s workshop. Observe centuries-old winemaking tradition at the Venissa vineyard situated on the island of Mazzorbo. The Dorona di Venezia grape, an indigenous variety of Venice, was once thought to be extinct following the great flood of 1966 but then rediscovered by Gianluca Bisol, growing on the island of Torcello.
a lunch tasting menu at Venissa’s Michelin starred restaurant to accompany its own wines. Growing wine grapes in a flood plain is a unique challenge for the Venetian terroir. Discover the historical vineyards and ancient cellar of Isola San Michele, an island once home to Franciscan friars and a Camaldolese monastery. As the day draws to a close, meet the association that seeks to preserve the lost vineyards of Venice and uncover the history of the island and their incredible work here.
Gianluca founded Venissa in 2002 on a small estate surrounded by medieval walls. Local ingredients are used to create
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DAY 7 How Shakespeare imagined Venice
MORNING THE MERCHANT OF VENICE The first Jewish Ghetto in history lies within the vibrant local community of the Cannaregio district. Accompanied by a local expert, explore Gheto Vechio, founded in 1516 by a decree of Doge Leonardo Loredan. Pivotal to the flourishing economy of Venice, the role of money lending was adopted by the Jewish community and was not permitted within the Christian faith. By 1555, there were 160,208 inhabitants of Venice, of which 923 were Jewish, and most were merchants. Shakespeare’s Shylock, curiously both villain and victim, still brings the Jewish Ghetto to life today. A specially selected reading of The Merchant of Venice is performed in the Square Campo del Ghetto Nuova.
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The morning ends with a private exploration of one of Venice’s five Synagogues, Scola Levantina, and the private garden of Scola Ponentina o Spagnola, which is concealed within a baroque building, revealing itself as a place of worship. It is one of only two still open in the city.
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EVENING PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES La Fenice Opera House opened in 1792. Its name, ‘The Phoenix’, reflects the company’s repeated rise from the ashes, following the destruction caused by major fires. One of the most celebrated opera houses in the world, La Fenice hosted works by renowned composers in the 19th century, including
Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ (1853). The evening begins with a classical music recital at Palazzino Alvisi, in the company of Francesco da Mosto. Francesco joined renowned architect Aldo Rossi in the reconstruction of the theatre after the great fire of 1996. A private tour of the Opera house reveals the components that bring the show to life. Before the performance begins, the Artistic Director will share the creative influences that inspired the production. Later, in a building dating back to the early 18th century, enjoy a late-night dinner in the historic dining room of a nearby restaurant.
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ENLIGHTENED TRAVEL, SHAPED BY YOU Choose a location anywhere on earth, from the culture of Europe to the wilds of Patagonia, and share your passions with us. Whether your interest lies in the classical roots of history and art, following the trail of Renaissance masters across Italy, or your curiosity is piqued by science or the natural world, discovering the deep connectivity of trees in an ancient rainforest, our Guild of experts will add substance and purpose to one-off experiences, shaped by you. The Luminaire selects properties of historical or cultural provenance, shares private access, and creates engaging and accessible ways to participate and learn, for a community of curious minds, young and old.
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DATES OF NOTE IN VENICE VENICE CARNIVAL Annual festival running for the two weeks before the onset of Lent in the Christian calendar. Renowned for the elaborate costumes, masks, parades, masquerade balls and parties. The best time to enjoy the festivities is over the final weekend. 12 February - 1 March 2022
WHEN TO TRAVEL AUTUMN
WINTER
CONTACT Paul Eccles-James paul@theluminaire.com UK: +44 (0)20 3870 3896 US: +1 888 380 1594 theluminaire.com @theluminairetravel
VENICE BIENNALE OF ART The international exhibition held bi-annually in Venice showcasing the best of contemporary art. Curated in 2022 by Cecilia Alemani, the first Italian woman to hold the position, she intends to “give voice to artists to create unique projects that reflect their visions and our society”. 23 April - 27 November 2022 THE REGATA STORICA Every year, 16th century-style boats parade and race down the Grand Canal in this historical regatta. All the gondoliers on the boats dress up in period costume. 4 September 2022 (est.)
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SPRING
VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The world’s oldest film festival brings together the most successful directors and actors of our time. It’s one of the big three film festivals alongside Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival. 31 August 2022 - 10 September 2022 (est.)
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TERMS & CONDITIONS All elements included in the itinerary are subject to availability at the time of travel. Full terms & conditions will be sent at the time of booking.
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