Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Darcy 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
"What are you doing, Doctor Hoo?" asked Darcy, coming across her friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Darcy. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Doctor Hoo. "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."
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Darcy!" remarked Jasper. "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 Darcy.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
“Oh hello, Darcy!” cried chendler. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Whymsical Mysti, after she and Darcy had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Darcy. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Darcy?” suggested Carpe Diem, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Darcy agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Snowball said, offering Darcy a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Snowball!" said Darcy.
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
“Where are we now, Darcy?” asked Adriana.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Darcy. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
"... 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, PrimRose?" remarked Darcy.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked PrimRose.
Darcy 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."
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Darcy!" enthused Danaë.
"Yup. Pizza, pasta, Prada. I can't wait to get to Milan!"
"Oh! I was thinking more of world famous paintings and architecture, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, the Colosseum of Ancient Rome, Venice's canals, Pompeii, the opera. Italy has given the world so much!" said Danaë.
Darcy unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Danaë. "Sure! You know me, I love a bit of culture. As long as there's a nice gift shop at the end, I'm happy."
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Choose a name. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Darcy. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Darcy. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Frankie.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Darcy, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Darcy."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Frankie indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Darcy seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Frankie sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Puff?" remarked Darcy.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Darcy. 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!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"... 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, Billy goat bruff?" remarked Darcy.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Billy goat bruff.
Darcy 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."
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Darcy'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
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Sir Barkey Barksalot!" announced Darcy.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Sir Barkey Barksalot.
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Darcy?” said Sir Precious McPrance. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Darcy.
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
“What have you got in your rucksack, Geoffrey?” asked Darcy. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Darcy,” responded Geoffrey. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
"A bit of trivia here, Minerva!" remarked Darcy, 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, Darcy!"
"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 Minerva.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Choose a name ♡ Molly, after she and Darcy had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Darcy. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Julia. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Darcy. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Darcy!" remarked Muschi. "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 Darcy.
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Darcy!" enthused Jazzabell.
"Yup. Pizza, pasta, Prada. I can't wait to get to Milan!"
"Oh! I was thinking more of world famous paintings and architecture, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, the Colosseum of Ancient Rome, Venice's canals, Pompeii, the opera. Italy has given the world so much!" said Jazzabell.
Darcy unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Jazzabell. "Sure! You know me, I love a bit of culture. As long as there's a nice gift shop at the end, I'm happy."
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"It's turned a bit hot, Darcy. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Hearts.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Darcy.
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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Darcy!” said Rosie ruefully.
"Never mind," said Darcy. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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 pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Darcy to Gray. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Dear one said, offering Darcy a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Dear one!" said Darcy.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"... 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, Splat?" remarked Darcy.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Splat.
Darcy 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."
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Darcy," said Sir Barkey Barksalot, "for this experience alone?"
Darcy, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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