@ Frecce Tricolori Rick O'Shade begins his tour of "Central Italy" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations! Italy - Central The pets have a very varied tour taking in the magnificence of Rome and Vatican City, romantic Florence, and also Siena, and the vineyards of Tuscany. They will come across another very stylish icon of the Italian automobile industry! There will be opportunities to explore winding backstreets with a choice of Italian eateries! Other sights are Cinque Terre, with its colourful jumble of houses, and for sea-lovers, visits to coastal lighthouses, including one in Genoa. One exciting point will be viewing a flypast of the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian airforce aerobatic fleet! Frecce Tricolori The Frecce Tricolori is the aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force. The team flies the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a two-seat fighter-trainer craft capable of 898 km/h (558 mph) at sea level. With ten aircraft, nine in close formation and a soloist, they are the world's largest acrobatics patrol, and their flight schedule, comprising about twenty acrobatics in about half an hour, trailing plumes in green, white and red, made them the most famous in the world. It is one of national symbols of Italy.
While touring Italy, you met Brujula.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Brujula the Green Beautiful Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ Son Repos “If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20 said, offering Rick O'Shade a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself. “That sounds like a good plan, get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20!" said Rick O'Shade. Son Repos This sleepy kitty has found the perfect spot for a snooze on this wide, sun-baked step!
While touring Italy, you met get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20 the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20 and you found 5 Travel Tokens!
@ Dark Wood "I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Mia, after he and Rick O'Shade had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end. "Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Rick O'Shade. "The thought of that generally keeps me going." Dark Wood With the sun sinking like fire on the horizon, mind you don't get lost in this gloomy looking wood!
While touring Italy, you met Mia.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Mia the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Lamborghini Experience “Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Rick O'Shade!” said Danaë. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?" Rick O'Shade good-naturedly took charge of Danaë's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This she donned and then Rick O'Shade helped her put everything back in her rucksack. Lamborghini Experience The Lamborghini Museum is now the Museum of Technologies, where fascinating history, the iconic models and tours of the production lines tell the story of over 50 years of innovation that project Lamborghini into the future. Mudetec (Via Modena, 12 40019 Sant'Agata Bologna, Italy) offers an interactive experience, also thanks to the new driving simulator that amplifies the thrills and the discovery of the vehicles on display. From the early visionary creations of the genius of Ferruccio Lamborghini like the Miura and Countach to the more recent and exclusive super sports cars like the hybrid concept Asterion, the few-off Centenario, the Huracán Performante and the Aventador SVJ. Experience the emotion with new augmented reality!
While touring Italy, you met Danaë.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Danaë the Majestic Monarch Butterfly. They both received one silver mole!
@ Abruzzo Bougainvillea “Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Rick O'Shade to Tess. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!” Abruzzo Bougainvillea Abruzzo has a long history of pasta-making and has produced handmade spaghetti alla chitarra (guitar spaghetti) for more than 200 years. This variety of egg pasta is pushed through a wooden contraption that has stainless steel guitar-like strings.
While touring Italy, you met Tess.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Tess the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Trastevere Bridge at Night "When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said fiffy. "I've realised how little I know about it." Rick O'Shade thought about this. "Good scheme!" he said. Trastevere Bridge at Night A beautiful Roman night scene of the Trastevere Bridge overlooking St Peter's Dome, with lights shimmeringly reflected in the River Tiber.
While touring Italy, you met fiffy.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with fiffy the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Via dei Coronari, Rome "It says in our brochure that Italy has produced many luxury sports cars, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. That's impressive, isn't it, Julian?" remarked Rick O'Shade. "Well, they certainly are amazing, Rick O'Shade," responded Julian. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!" Via dei Coronari, Rome A detail of the architecture in the Via dei Coronari, which is situated near the River Tiber in Rome, close to several elegant Piazzas, museums, restaurants and bars.
While touring Italy, you met Julian.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Julian the Brown Funky Monkey. They both received one silver mole!
@ Bridge over the River Tiber "We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Rick O'Shade!" remarked W Axl Fox. "It says in our brochure it's one of the most recognisable destinations in the world thanks to its unique construction of canals and bridges. It says the main city of Venice is made up of 118 islands connected only by 400 bridges and 170 canals. It’s renowned for its gondolas, flat bottomed Venetian rowing boats that are the equivalent to taxis. Becoming a gondolier is no easy feat as you need a professional licence that’s only granted after 400 hours of training." "It doesn't sound as bad as London black cab drivers having to take The Knowledge before being granted a licence. That can take three or four years!" remarked Rick O'Shade. Bridge over the River Tiber As the sun sets, the lights of the bridge spanning the Tiber are reflected in the waters, adding romance to the scene. A barge awaits its passengers eager for a sunset trip down the river.
While touring Italy, you met W Axl Fox.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with W Axl Fox the Red Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Roman Sunset “Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Rick O'Shade!” said Venus, studying the future itinerary. "Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Rick O'Shade. "Oh yes, indeedy," said Venus. Roman Sunset The foundation for a great deal of Western culture comes from that of Ancient Rome, in particular in engineering, architecture, government, language and literature.
While touring Italy, you met Venus.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Venus the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain "The tour guide said we'll be visiting Il Duomo. I asked her what that was and she said it meant 'the cathedral' in Italian. But there are lots of cathedrals in Italy!" remarked Rick O'Shade. "When they say Il Duomo they most often mean the one in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It says in our brochure it was first built in the 13th century, with the dome added in the 15th century. It has a pink, white and green exterior in a gothic style with a large dome on top. Sounds beautiful!" remarked Autumn Fall. Rick O'Shade mused for a minute. "I guess it's like when we were touring England last spring, everypet in London would talk about 'The Monument'—to the Great Fire of London of 1666—as if there were only one monument in the whole of London, instead of thousands!" Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is the largest, and most beautiful, fountain in Rome. Why are there always pets throwing coins into the water? A myth, originating in 1954 with the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain," goes like this: If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian. If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met.
Around €1 m of coins are taken from the fountain each year. Since 2007 this money has been used to support good causes.
While touring Italy, you met Autumn Fall.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Autumn Fall the Screech Owl. They both received one silver mole!
@ Flag of Vatican City “Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Rick O'Shade!” said DILLIGAS, studying the future itinerary. "Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Rick O'Shade. "Oh yes, indeedy," said DILLIGAS. Flag of Vatican City The Vatican is a city state independent of Italy, ruled by the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. The coat of arms depicts the papal tiara and the two keys which represent the Keys of Heaven (according to the Gospel of Matthew 16:19) given by Jesus Christ to St Peter.
While touring Italy, you met DILLIGAS.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with DILLIGAS the Green Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Holy See Spiral "What are you doing, Kikianna?" asked Rick O'Shade, coming across his friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen. "I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Rick O'Shade. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Kikianna. "Oh, and the tour guide taught me a lovely phrase just now—Dall'Italia, con amore!—'From Italy, with love'. I'm going to use it on my postcards home to my Mum." Holy See Spiral The modern 'Bramante' spiral stairs of the Vatican Museums, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932. The modern double helix staircase, also in the Pio-Clementine Museum, was inspired by the original Bramante Staircase. This staircase, like the original, is a double helix, having two staircases allowing people to ascend without meeting people descending; as with the original, the main purpose of this design is to allow uninterrupted traffic in each direction. It encircles the outer wall of a stairwell approximately 15m (45ft) wide and with a clear space at the centre. The balustrade around the ramp is of ornately worked metal. A canopy located above provides the necessary light to illuminate the stairs. The staircase is located at the end of the museum visit and all visitors leave by this route.
While touring Italy, you met Kikianna.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Kikianna the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Villa d'Este "What are you doing, Noctema?" asked Rick O'Shade, coming across his friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen. "I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Rick O'Shade. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Noctema. "Oh, and the tour guide taught me a lovely phrase just now—Dall'Italia, con amore!—'From Italy, with love'. I'm going to use it on my postcards home to my Mum." Villa d'Este Overlooking one of the most romantic lakes in the world, Lake Como, Villa d’Este is surrounded by a wonderful 10-hectare private park. The rooms and suites, overlooking the lake or the park, are divided into two buildings: the Cardinal Building and the Queen’s Pavilion. Windows and terraces overlooking the lake, with exceptional views of the marina and boats quietly returning to shore in the evening. What a dream scenario!
While touring Italy, you met Noctema.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Noctema the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Montecastrilli "... the texture of fairy floss, the scent of fresh grapes and orange blossom and the mouthwatering flavour of lemon sherbet, green apples and juicy peaches. Sounds lovely, doesn't it, Bandit?" remarked Rick O'Shade. "I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Bandit. Rick O'Shade chuckled. "No, not gelato. That was a description of Asti Spumante, a delicious sparkling wine from Piedmont. Along with Lambrusco and Prosecco, it's a popular budget alternative to champagne." Montecastrilli Montecastrilli is one of the more characteristic walled hilltop villages of Umbria. In the village, the structure of the city walls framed by a series of crenellated towers can be seen, with two gates opening in the walls.
While touring Italy, you met Bandit.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Bandit the Black Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Lake Trasimeno, Perugia Half way through Rick O'Shade's tour of "Central Italy", he finds a special prize! Arctic River The Arctic River shimmers brightly under the full moon, a guiding beacon to any pet in the night. Camp by its gentle waters, letting the soothing sound of the current lull you to sleep. Lake Trasimeno, Perugia Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth largest lake, is located in Umbria in the province of Perugia, near the border with Tuscany and the river Tiber. Lovers of the outdoors are sure to enjoy a trip to Lake Trasimeno. Its waters are good for swimming; its surrounding valleys and the three islands within the lake feature pristine environments. A 50-km bicycle path circling the lake was opened in 2003, providing a fun, environmental-friendly way to explore the lake. Mountain bikers can take advantage of the cross-country paths, especially over the hills on the eastern side. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular sports here. Half of Trasimeno is surrounded by hills, planted with olive trees. Vineyards dot the western shore, near the border with Tuscany.
While touring Italy, you met blade.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with blade the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Mediaeval Montepulciano “What have you got in your rucksack, Bubblegum?” asked Rick O'Shade. “It looks very full!” “I’ve come prepared for anything, Rick O'Shade,” responded Bubblegum. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!” Mediaeval Montepulciano Montepulciano is a mediaeval town of rare beauty highly recommended visiting in Tuscany. The city, full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners, boasts vast panoramas all over the wonderful Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys that surround it. Montepulciano has received great attention following the filming of the vampire saga Twilight sequel New Moon here and has seen a notable increase in visitors.
While touring Italy, you met Bubblegum.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Bubblegum the Playful Penguin. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tutti Frutti "What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Choose a name?" queried Rick O'Shade, admiring the front of his travel itinerary. "It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Choose a name. Tutti Frutti This tiny Tuscan fruiterer's shop offers fresh local produce and perhaps some delicious additions to your pet's picnic lunch!
While touring Italy, you met Choose a name.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tuscan Coastal Town “Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Rick O'Shade, sipping a leisurely espresso. "Well, I don't know," said Isabella. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have run up and down stairs to operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator." Rick O'Shade considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then." Tuscan Coastal Town Piombino is located in the final stretch of the Etruscan Coast, which begins at the height of Livorno, 100 km further north. In the early 1800s, Napoleon Bonaparte assigned Piombino to his sister who became regent of the Principality of Lucca and Piombino. The Princess of Piombino used to call the city "my little Paris" and during her reign the town had a period of great splendour. Built over the sea, Piombino has always been a naval base. Today, the city’s port is used for freight transport, but also as a marina. From the port of Piombino you can catch one of the many ferries that go direct to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (Elba Island is just 10km from the coast!), as well as those to Sardinia and Corsica.
While touring Italy, you met Isabella.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Isabella the Strawberry Milky Moo Cow. They both received one silver mole!
@ Sun-baked Terrace Rick O'Shade was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Whymsical Mysti!” she exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!" Sun-baked Terrace A delightful little green-shuttered restaurant, where you can sit outside with a meal and cold drink, shaded from the sun by the ample tree foliage.
While touring Italy, you met Whymsical Mysti.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Whymsical Mysti the Green Rapid Dragonfly. They both received one silver mole!
@ Florentine Pizzeria "'Bella Italia!'" read out Dani from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'" Rick O'Shade settled back in his tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Dani!" Florentine Pizzeria The Rooster and the Fox is the name of this pizzeria in Florence, and it looks just the place to relax over your favourite pasta dish after a hard day's sightseeing!
While touring Italy, you met Dani.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Dani the Green Rapid Dragonfly. They both received one silver mole!
@ Florentine Sunrise “Where are we now, Rick O'Shade?” asked Cherokee. "If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Rick O'Shade. "Only kidding—let me check the map!" Florentine Sunrise As the sun rises palely pink, shining on the Renaissance domes of Florence, the city wakes up and the pets have another day of sightseeing amongst beautiful buildings.
While touring Italy, you met Cherokee.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Cherokee the Black Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Florentine Panorama “I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Rick O'Shade!” said Tasi ruefully. "Never mind," said Rick O'Shade. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!" Florentine Panorama A panorama of Florence, taking in its historic and beautiful bridges, architecture and church and cathedral domes.
While touring Italy, you met Tasi.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Tasi the Vanilla Milky Moo Cow. They both received one silver mole!
@ Cinque Terre, Italy "It says in our brochure that Italy has produced many luxury sports cars, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. That's impressive, isn't it, BLUEY?" remarked Rick O'Shade. "Well, they certainly are amazing, Rick O'Shade," responded BLUEY. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!" Cinque Terre, Italy A beautiful mix of colourful houses are a Mediterranean delight!
While touring Italy, you met BLUEY.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with BLUEY the Blue Polar Bear. They both received one silver mole!
@ Italian Vineyard “I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Rick O'Shade!” said Elsa ruefully. "Never mind," said Rick O'Shade. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!" Italian Vineyard Some luscious grapes ripening in the Tuscan sun ready to be turned into wine.
While touring Italy, you met Elsa.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Elsa the Sparkling Snow Foxee. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tuscan Sunset On disembarking from the tour bus, Dante surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Rick O'Shade?” "Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Rick O'Shade. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!" Tuscan Sunset The sun sinks after another grape-ripening hot day in Tuscany.
While touring Italy, you met Dante.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Dante the Luscious Lilac Dolphin. They both received one silver mole!
@ Florentine Wine Country "It's turned a bit hot, Rick O'Shade. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Shadow. "Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Rick O'Shade. Florentine Wine Country Welcome to the forests, hills and lush green valleys of Florence's wine-producing region.
While touring Italy, you met Shadow.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Shadow the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tuscan Wine Cellar "Here's another bit of trivia for you, mucki!" called out Rick O'Shade. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?" "I don't know, Rick O'Shade. Which films were they?" "The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Rick O'Shade. Tuscan Wine Cellar When planning your Italian food and wine tour, you must include at least one Tuscan winery! Perhaps it will be a legendary Chianti estate or a tasting at a Super-Tuscan vineyard.
While touring Italy, you met mucki.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with mucki the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Siena Dwellings “Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Rick O'Shade?” said Trish. "It looks fantastic!" "I'll get my camera ready," said Rick O'Shade. Siena Dwellings Siena is a medieval city in the region of Tuscany, located in the north of Italy some 70 km (43 miles) south of Florence.
While touring Italy, you met Trish.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Trish the Brown Owl. They both received one silver mole!
@ Camogli Lighthouse Rick O'Shade and Draco were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side! Camogli Lighthouse For sea history enthusiasts, Camogli’s Marine Museum is worth a visit. Scuba-diving pets should don flippers and check out some of the numerous grottoes here.
While touring Italy, you met Draco.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Draco the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tuscan Vineyard As Rick O'Shade's tour of "Central Italy" comes to an end, he rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day. Soft Azure Slopped Waterfall Tall and intimidating, this waterfall flows a gorgeous azure over its rounded rocks, falling into the shallow basin below. Tuscan Vineyard One of the many vineyards in the famous wine-producing region of Tuscany. The grapes require constant care as the ripen, ready for picking and turning into wine. Rick O'Shade has completed their tour of "Central Italy"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!
While touring Italy, you met Midnight.
Rick O'Shade shook paws with Midnight the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
Midnight gave you 1 "Soft Azure Slopped Waterfall"
Rick O'Shade has completed the quest of
