Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Razor 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
“What have you got in your rucksack, Tweety Pi?” asked Razor. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Razor,” responded Tweety Pi. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Razor?” said Bo. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"A bit of trivia here, Baile Átha Cliath!" remarked Razor, 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, Razor!"
"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 Baile Átha Cliath.
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
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Waddles!" called out Razor. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Razor. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Razor.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Razor, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Princess. "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."
Razor considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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 some Italian phrases, Razor!" said Julia. "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!'”
Razor looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Julia? 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?"
Julia 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 ...!"
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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Razor!” said W Axl Fox ruefully.
"Never mind," said Razor. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Roxas!" announced Razor.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Roxas.
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
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Razor!" remarked Azure Beauty. "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 Razor.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Razor!” said Mama Bear ❤️.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Razor.
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
“Oh wow, Razor, there's a butterfly!” Chrysomelidae ♡ cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Razor knowledgeably.
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
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Razor!" said Legolas. "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!'”
Razor looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Legolas? 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?"
Legolas 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 ...!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Razor," said Amanda, "for this experience alone?"
Razor, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Razor'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
“Where are we now, Razor?” asked Choose a name.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Razor. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
On disembarking from the tour bus, Dave surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Razor?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Razor. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Razor!" enthused Fizzgig.
"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 Fizzgig.
Razor unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Fizzgig. "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."
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, queenielove?" remarked Razor.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Razor. 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!"
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Razor!” said Skye.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Razor.
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
Razor and Liliana were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said BUZZ.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Razor, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied BUZZ. "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 Razor, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied BUZZ.
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 must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Razor," said Choose a name contentedly sipping grape juice after a hard day’s sightseeing. "Imagine picking the ripe grapes while the sun sets and seeing them turned into wine!"
"Hmm—now imagine being up at dawn in the cold of January and February pruning the woody stalks by hand and crushing them up for compost,” said Razor. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Choose a name waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“Buongiorno, Razor!” said Casper. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Razor sniffed. "So—can I say it back, or do I have to say a different form of it, or say prego, or something?"
“Just say it back, Razor!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Razor.
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
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Symphony!" called out Razor. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Razor. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Razor.
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Velveteen enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Razor considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Velveteen. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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, Ginny!" remarked Razor, 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, Razor!"
"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 Ginny.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Razor. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Foxy.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Razor, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Razor."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Foxy indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Razor seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", he grumbled.
Foxy sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Razor. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Myngetta.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Razor.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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