Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Fantasy begins her tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Italy - North - Venice and Tyrol
We start by unashamedly concentrating on the beautiful water city of Venice from dawn to night life, and experience delights from gondola trips on the canals, viewing quaint little bridges and magnificent architecture, to a visit to the grand Opera House. The pets will round off their Venetian tour with a visit to the famous Murano glass factory! We then move on to a colourful little town outside Venice before completing this leg of the trip by visiting scenes of a very different nature in the mountainous South Tyrol and Dolomites.
Venice Lido
The term Lido, which originates from this island, forms the first part of the name of many seaside resorts in Italy and is used to refer to certain types of outdoor swimming pools, especially in Great Britain. It also the origin of the name "Lido deck" on a cruise ship.

Episodio 2/30

@ Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
“Oh wow, Fantasy, there's a butterfly!” Myngetta cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Fantasy knowledgeably.
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"A bit of trivia here, Plandemic!" remarked Fantasy, reading from their tour brochure. "Can you name two films that popularised the Vespa as the ultimate way to explore Italy?"
"I don't think I can, Fantasy!"
"Well, to be fair, they were both from before we were born. The 1953 film, Roman Holiday, and La Dolce Vita in 1960. It says the latter is a particularly good film."
"We'll have to see if we can watch them when we get back," said Plandemic.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Garth.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Fantasy, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Garth. "You should only say Ciao to pets you know very well. You mustn't say it to somepet's grandmother who you haven't met before, and you shouldn't walk into a shop and say it. It's far too informal."
“So what do you say then?" queried Fantasy, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Garth.
Grand Old Opera
Have you got your opera glasses at the ready? As the lights dim and the chatter dies down, prepare to be amazed! What musical treat is in store? Is it perhaps something by Verdi, or Rossini? Or then again, it could be a piece by Mascagni, Puccini or Vivaldi!

Episodio 5/30

@ Bridge of Mystery
Fantasy was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Julius!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Rascal?" queried Fantasy, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Rascal.
Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
Venice -- the gondoliers must rise early to ready their craft for that day's trade ferrying passengers to and fro on the water streets of Venice.

Episodio 7/30

@ Grand Canal, Venice
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Fantasy?” said Sam. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
Grand Canal, Venice
The Grand Canal not only connects most of Venice's top tourist attractions, it is one of its top attractions. Curving in a backwards 'S' shape through the very heart of the city, it is also Venice's High Street, always busy with waterborne traffic including everything from gondolas to barges carrying produce to market.

Episodio 8/30

@ Carnival of Venice
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Chance 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.'"
Fantasy settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Chance!"
Carnival of Venice
The Carnevale di Venezia is one of the most well known carnivals around the world, and a charming characteristic of the city. It originated as a celebration of the last days of Lent centuries ago. Wearing a colourful mask hid differences in class and status and enabled the working classes to poke fun at the aristocracy. The carnival annually attracts many tourists, who applaud the sumptuous costumes and masks being paraded in the streets and piazzas. Creating masks is an art form in Venice.

Episodio 9/30

@ Fiery Venetian Sunset
"A bit of trivia here, Woolly!" remarked Fantasy, reading from their tour brochure. "Can you name two films that popularised the Vespa as the ultimate way to explore Italy?"
"I don't think I can, Fantasy!"
"Well, to be fair, they were both from before we were born. The 1953 film, Roman Holiday, and La Dolce Vita in 1960. It says the latter is a particularly good film."
"We'll have to see if we can watch them when we get back," said Woolly.
Fiery Venetian Sunset
Sunset falls on Venice's Grand Canal as the boats wind down their trade for the night.

Episodio 10/30

@ Orange and Lemon
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Fino?" queried Fantasy, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Fino.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"Hey, it says in our tour guide that construction of the 8-storey Leaning Tower of Pisa started in 1173 and took 200 years to complete! It quite puts that two-week delay on your bathroom tiling project into perspective, doesn't it, Splat?" remarked Fantasy. "Also, the name of the architect has been lost in the sands of time. You sort of wonder whether he'd have wanted his name to be linked to a tower that leans so noticeably to one side!"
Splat leaned across to read the description of the famous Leaning Tower. "It's good in a way that we can celebrate such an apparent disaster," he said. "It says here that it's a very popular design for wedding cakes!"
Water Taxi
What better way to admire the Venetian architecture than to lie back on the gondola cushions as the gondolier steers you along the Grand Canal?

Episodio 12/30

@ Murano Glass Birds
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Susie Brownie?" queried Fantasy, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Susie Brownie.
Murano Glass Birds
Murano glassware production dates back to the Middle Ages. The same-name island has quickly become a centre of glassmaking and shot to fame worldwide attracting more and more visitors. MadeMuranoGlass.com is located right there, in the picturesque Venetian Lagoon, selling pieces of art that will spark your interest.

Episodio 13/30

@ Serene Venice
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Fantasy!” said Ali Haider. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Fantasy good-naturedly took charge of Ali Haider's possessions while he emptied his 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 he donned and then Fantasy helped him put everything back in his rucksack.
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Radar!" called out Fantasy. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Fantasy. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Fantasy.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Fantasy's tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol", she finds a special prize!
Soft Azure Lake
The soft delicate waters of this isolated lake are calling your name. Take some time off your busy schedule to make a visit.
Venetian Nights
As the heat of the day falls and the daytime busy-ness of the canal dies down, Venice lights up as waterside bars and restaurants fill up with patrons all set to enjoy pizza, pasta and Chianti while the water laps against the tethered gondolas.

Episodio 16/30

@ Caorle Lighthouse, Italy
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Fantasy!” said Katrice. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Fantasy good-naturedly took charge of Katrice'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 Fantasy helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Caorle Lighthouse, Italy
Caorle Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on a little promontory at the end of the waterfront promenade in Caorle, Veneto on the Adriatic Sea. The lighthouse, established in 1905, consists of a quadrangular bell tower, 9 m (30 ft) high.

Episodio 17/30

@ Venetian Mystery
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Icy. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Fantasy thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
Venetian Mystery
Dive in the wonderful atmosphere of a concert or an opera on stages full of charm and history, in the company of the virtuosity of great musicians and the amazing voices of singers in immortal operas.

Episodio 18/30

@ Murano Glass Bubbles
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, CatchThis18?" remarked Fantasy.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Fantasy. She said the gestures originate from the Romans who used chironomia, which incorporates hand movements into everyday language. They aren’t random gestures, each one has a meaning; so as a foreign pet, you never really known what they mean!"
Murano Glass Bubbles
Skilled craftsmen of Murano fashion these gorgeous globes in an array of stunning colours: azure, turquoise, orange, lime green and amber. Your trip to Venice would be incomplete without a visit to this artisans' factory!

Episodio 19/30

@ Lagoon Boat Trip
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Fantasy!” said Henry.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Fantasy.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“What have you got in your rucksack, Cora?” asked Fantasy. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Fantasy,” responded Cora. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Dreamy Venice Sunset
As the sun falls and a mist rises, Venice starts to wind down after another busy day.

Episodio 21/30

@ Burano, Italy
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Fantasy?” said Eyre. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Fantasy.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Iolanthe. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Fantasy thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
Venetian Memories
Anypet would love to own this splendid oil painting to put on their wall as a beautiful memento of their Italian trip!

Episodio 23/30

@ Ornate Italian Ironwork
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Nemo. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Fantasy. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
Kitty was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Fantasy unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Kitty’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Kitty, irritated. “We’re about to pose on either side of this amazing scene—the picture will all be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Tyrolean Peaks
Imagine living and working on the slopes of this mountain range, far from the nearest town, with the chamois and other wildlife as your companions! The peace and being at one with nature must make up for the lack of mod cons.

Episodio 25/30

@ Dolomite Backdrop
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Fantasy to Winter. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Dolomite Backdrop
This is a "The hills are alive with the sound of music" backdrop if ever there was one! It is situated in Villnöß, Funes, South Tyrol, Italy. It has a German name and most people here speak German as their first language rather than Italian.

Episodio 26/30

@ Pragser Wildsee, Tyrol
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Fantasy?” suggested Dunkle, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Fantasy agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Pragser Wildsee, Tyrol
The most iconic sight in the Dolomites, the Lago di Braies is famous the world over for its turquoise waters, numerous boat houses, impressive spruce pines forests and immense limestone peaks.

Episodio 27/30

@ Mountain Skiing
"Hey, it says in our tour guide that construction of the 8-storey Leaning Tower of Pisa started in 1173 and took 200 years to complete! It quite puts that two-week delay on your bathroom tiling project into perspective, doesn't it, Omega?" remarked Fantasy. "Also, the name of the architect has been lost in the sands of time. You sort of wonder whether he'd have wanted his name to be linked to a tower that leans so noticeably to one side!"
Omega leaned across to read the description of the famous Leaning Tower. "It's good in a way that we can celebrate such an apparent disaster," she said. "It says here that it's a very popular design for wedding cakes!"
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Sparkle.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Fantasy, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Sparkle. "You should only say Ciao to pets you know very well. You mustn't say it to somepet's grandmother who you haven't met before, and you shouldn't walk into a shop and say it. It's far too informal."
“So what do you say then?" queried Fantasy, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Sparkle.
Skiing Paradise
Perfectly manicured white slopes for skiing in winter or fragrant flower meadows and dreamy scenery in summer months? The Dolomites can offer you both.

Episodio 29/30

@ Dolomite Songster
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," DORTHEA said, offering Fantasy a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, DORTHEA!" said Fantasy.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

@ Misty Peaks
As Fantasy's tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol" comes to an end, she rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Soft Azure Stepped Waterfall
Cascading not-so-slowly down a set of stone stairs, this waterfall is small yet powerful.
Misty Peaks
The Dolomites at dawn -- a rhapsody in blue!
Fantasy has completed their tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!