Episodio 1/30

@ Frecce Tricolori
Toccata 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.

Episodio 2/30

@ Son Repos
“What have you got in your rucksack, Edith?” asked Toccata. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Toccata,” responded Edith. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Son Repos
This sleepy kitty has found the perfect spot for a snooze on this wide, sun-baked step!

Episodio 3/30

@ Dark Wood
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Toccata!" remarked MUmbo. "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 Toccata.
Dark Wood
With the sun sinking like fire on the horizon, mind you don't get lost in this gloomy looking wood!

Episodio 4/30

@ Lamborghini Experience
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Splat!" announced Toccata.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Splat.
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!

Episodio 5/30

@ Abruzzo Bougainvillea
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Liliana!" announced Toccata.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Liliana.
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.

Episodio 6/30

@ Trastevere Bridge at Night
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Barnaby said, offering Toccata a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Barnaby!" said Toccata.
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.

Episodio 7/30

@ Via dei Coronari, Rome
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Shadow 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.'"
Toccata settled back in his tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Shadow!"
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.

Episodio 8/30

@ Bridge over the River Tiber
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Toccata!” said Khisanth, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Toccata.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Khisanth.
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.

Episodio 9/30

@ Roman Sunset
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Toccata!" said HOot. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Grazie!”
Clutching the postcard, he looked at his friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Prego—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Toccata looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, HOot? If I've performed a very minor service and you've said 'Thank you', do I need to say anything back? It's not like I made you a cake or mowed your lawn. I just handed you a postcard. You said 'thank you'. Couldn't I just smile slightly or something?"
HOot mused for some minutes. "The English language lacks the exact equivalent of prego or bitte schön and similar phrases in use in Continental Europe. Still, when in Rome ...!"
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.

Episodio 10/30

@ Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," queenielove said, offering Toccata a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, queenielove!" said Toccata.
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.

Episodio 11/30

@ Flag of Vatican City
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Toccata. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Firefly.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Toccata, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Toccata."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Firefly indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Toccata seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", he grumbled.
Firefly sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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.

Episodio 12/30

@ Holy See Spiral
"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, Flatts?" remarked Toccata.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Toccata," responded Flatts. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
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.

Episodio 13/30

@ Villa d'Este
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Toccata!” said Paddy ruefully.
"Never mind," said Toccata. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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!

Episodio 14/30

@ Montecastrilli
"Milan is widely considered to be the fashion capital of the world. Many internationally renowned fashion brands are based in Milan, including Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Prada. Quadrilatero della Moda is the high-end fashion district in Milan that contains luxury brands and exclusive fashion boutiques. It’s one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world," read out Franz from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Franz!" responded Toccata. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Franz.
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.

Episodio 15/30

@ Lake Trasimeno, Perugia
Half way through Toccata'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.

Episodio 16/30

@ Mediaeval Montepulciano
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Toccata to Storm. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
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.

Episodio 17/30

@ Tutti Frutti
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Toccata!" remarked Trixie. "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 Toccata.
Tutti Frutti
This tiny Tuscan fruiterer's shop offers fresh local produce and perhaps some delicious additions to your pet's picnic lunch!

Episodio 18/30

@ Tuscan Coastal Town
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Choose a name enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Toccata considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Choose a name. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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.

Episodio 19/30

@ Sun-baked Terrace
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Toccata?” suggested Mittens, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Toccata agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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.

Episodio 20/30

@ Florentine Pizzeria
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Mae?" remarked Toccata.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Toccata. 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!"
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!

Episodio 21/30

@ Florentine Sunrise
"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, Skye?" remarked Toccata.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Toccata," responded Skye. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
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.

Episodio 22/30

@ Florentine Panorama
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Toccata!” said Hera, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Toccata.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Hera.
Florentine Panorama
A panorama of Florence, taking in its historic and beautiful bridges, architecture and church and cathedral domes.

Episodio 23/30

@ Cinque Terre, Italy
Toccata flicked through the phrasebook. “The tour guide at the door of the museum this morning said Prego! as she ushered us all in. She said it meant ‛After you'. I asked her especially.”
“It's one of those terms that mean a number of things: ‛you're welcome', ‛don't mention it', ‛not at all', ‛after you!'. For example, if I reached for your bottle of orange juice you'd say, “Prego!—meaning ‛Please! Help yourself!”
“No, I wouldn't. I'd jolly well tell you to get your paws off it,” grumbled Toccata. “It's very confusing, having just one word covering half a dozen situations.”
“Would you rather have to learn half a dozen different phrases, like you'd have in English, to cover each one?”
Toccata thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Killion!” he said.
Cinque Terre, Italy
A beautiful mix of colourful houses are a Mediterranean delight!

Episodio 24/30

@ Italian Vineyard
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Toccata to Kitty. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Italian Vineyard
Some luscious grapes ripening in the Tuscan sun ready to be turned into wine.

Episodio 25/30

@ Tuscan Sunset
"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, Marty Mole?" remarked Toccata. "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!"
Marty Mole 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!"
Tuscan Sunset
The sun sinks after another grape-ripening hot day in Tuscany.

Episodio 26/30

@ Florentine Wine Country
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Toccata?” suggested Icy, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Toccata agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Florentine Wine Country
Welcome to the forests, hills and lush green valleys of Florence's wine-producing region.

Episodio 27/30

@ Tuscan Wine Cellar
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Shamika!" announced Toccata.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Shamika.
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.

Episodio 28/30

@ Siena Dwellings
"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, Autumn Fall?" remarked Toccata. "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!"
Autumn Fall 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!"
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.

Episodio 29/30

@ Camogli Lighthouse
Toccata was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Dreamer!” it exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
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.

Episodio 30/30

@ Tuscan Vineyard
As Toccata'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.
Toccata has completed their tour of "Central Italy"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!