Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Frodo Baggins begins his 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
"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, Flicka?" remarked Frodo Baggins.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Frodo Baggins," responded Flicka. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Frodo Baggins,” mused Alexandra, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Frodo Baggins. “You just need to remember it’s got ‘terra’ in the middle, which is Latin for ‘earth’, and the ‘Medi’ bit means ‘middle’. Put the two together and Bob’s your uncle.”
“Middle Earth!” cried Alexandra.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"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 Rocky from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Rocky!" responded Frodo Baggins. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Rocky.
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
On disembarking from the tour bus, Munchkin surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Frodo Baggins?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Frodo Baggins. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
“Where are we now, Frodo Baggins?” asked Twitch.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Frodo Baggins. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
Frodo Baggins and Night Wing were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Frodo Baggins!" enthused Dave.
"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 Dave.
Frodo Baggins unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Dave. "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."
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, Enterbeauty a name for this pet?" remarked Frodo Baggins.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Enterbeauty a name for this pet.
Frodo Baggins 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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Frodo Baggins!” said Flitter, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Frodo Baggins.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Flitter.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“Oh wow, Frodo Baggins, there's a butterfly!” Fluffy cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Frodo Baggins knowledgeably.
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Velcro.
"Me too!" said Frodo Baggins. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Danaë. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Frodo Baggins. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“What have you got in your rucksack, Nutsy Mouse?” asked Frodo Baggins. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Frodo Baggins,” responded Nutsy Mouse. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Frodo Baggins's tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol", he 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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Frodo Baggins to Finley. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
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 saying 'hello' in Italian," said jimkitty.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Frodo Baggins, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied jimkitty. "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 Frodo Baggins, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied jimkitty.
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
"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 Frodo Baggins.
"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 Kikianna.
Frodo Baggins 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!"
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Frodo Baggins?” said Helana. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
On disembarking from the tour bus, Flapke surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Frodo Baggins?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Frodo Baggins. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Frodo Baggins!” said Roskaizan.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Frodo Baggins.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"A bit of trivia here, Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly)!" remarked Frodo Baggins, 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, Frodo Baggins!"
"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 Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly).
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Puff enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Frodo Baggins considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Puff. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"BoBo," gulped Frodo Baggins 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, Frodo Baggins!" said BoBo 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."
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 can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Frodo Baggins,” mused Redington, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of his pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Frodo Baggins. “You just need to remember it’s got ‘terra’ in the middle, which is Latin for ‘earth’, and the ‘Medi’ bit means ‘middle’. Put the two together and Bob’s your uncle.”
“Middle Earth!” cried Redington.
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, Frodo Baggins?” suggested Saphira, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Frodo Baggins 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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Snowball. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Frodo Baggins. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
Frodo Baggins and Lucky shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Frodo Baggins. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Lucky. “This is my best side.”
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
Sweetie pie was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Frodo Baggins unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Sweetie pie’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Sweetie pie, 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!”
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

@ Misty Peaks
As Frodo Baggins's tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol" comes to an end, he 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!
Frodo Baggins has completed their tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!