Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Violetta 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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Luckyice, after he and Violetta had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Violetta. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"Blossom," gulped Violetta apprehensively, "Have you seen this item on the itinerary? We'll be going to see an active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the Naples leg!"
"Don't worry, Violetta!" said Blossom reassuringly. "It's not erupted since 79 CE. Admittedly, on that occasion, it did wipe out the Roman city of Pompeii and an estimated three million inhabitants, but today Mount Vesuvius is a large national park that attracts tourists wanting to hike up to the top and take a look inside. The brochure says the trail to the top is beginner-friendly and about a 2½ mile (4km) round trip."
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 Mama Bear ❤️.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Violetta, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Mama Bear ❤️. "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 Violetta, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Mama Bear ❤️.
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Geoffrey enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Violetta considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Geoffrey. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Draco!" called out Violetta. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Violetta. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Violetta.
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
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Pixie.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Violetta, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Pixie. "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 Violetta, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Pixie.
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
"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, kitty?" remarked Violetta. "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!"
kitty 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!"
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
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Violetta!" remarked PI PI. "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 Violetta.
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
“Oh wow, Violetta, there's a butterfly!” Storm cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Violetta knowledgeably.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Calista?" remarked Violetta.
"On our table the waiter explained that risotto is a rice dish with origins in Lombardy. It’s cooked in a broth to make it creamy. It must be made with a short-grain variant of Italian rice, usually Arborio, as this absorbs less water and gives the risotto a sticky texture," said Calista.
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Violetta, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Minnie. "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."
Violetta considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Choose a name.
"Me too!" said Violetta. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
Violetta was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Choose a name Thisisme!” she exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Violetta'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
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Pixie?" queried Violetta, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Pixie.
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
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Violetta. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Melinda.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Violetta, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Violetta."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Melinda indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Violetta seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Melinda sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Splodge. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Violetta thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Violetta. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Flitter.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Violetta.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Genevieve.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Violetta, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Genevieve. "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 Violetta, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Genevieve.
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
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Violetta!" said Chrysomelidae ♡. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Grazie!”
Clutching the postcard, she looked at her friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Prego—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Violetta looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Chrysomelidae ♡? 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?"
Chrysomelidae ♡ 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 ...!"
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
On disembarking from the tour bus, Amanda surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Violetta?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Violetta. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Violetta!” said Kia, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Violetta.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Kia.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Violetta?” suggested Garth, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Violetta agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Violetta?” said Crocodile Beauty. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Violetta.
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Violetta, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Bella. "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."
Violetta considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
"A bit of trivia here, Alex!" remarked Violetta, 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, Violetta!"
"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 Alex.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"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 Violetta.
"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 Draco.
Violetta 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!"
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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Foxy Sir 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.'"
Violetta settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Foxy Sir!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

@ Misty Peaks
As Violetta'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!
Violetta has completed their tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!