Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
George 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
“Oh wow, George, there's a butterfly!” Legolas cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied George knowledgeably.
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"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 tails from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, tails!" responded George. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked tails.
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 some Italian phrases, George!" said Selene. "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!'”
George looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Selene? 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?"
Selene 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 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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, George!” said Sir Fluffle Bottom, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked George.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Sir Fluffle Bottom.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
George was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Ms Stinkerbelle!” she exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Muschi. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled George. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, George," said Kalila, "for this experience alone?"
George, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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 can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, George,” mused Muschi, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned George. “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 Muschi.
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused George, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said tails. "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."
George considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, George. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked BERT.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied George, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo George."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded BERT indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
George seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", he grumbled.
BERT sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, George?” said Innes. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
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
"... 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, Majestic?" remarked George.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Majestic.
George 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."
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Uni?" queried George, admiring the front of his travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Uni.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through George'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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, George!” said Eevee ruefully.
"Never mind," said George. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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
"What are you doing, Wily?" asked George, coming across his friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, George. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Wily. "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 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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Coal enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
George considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Coal. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Patch!" announced George.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Patch.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Daba!" called out George. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, George. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded George.
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," b-rok said, offering George a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, b-rok!" said George.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"It's turned a bit hot, George. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Savannah.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said George.
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, George!" enthused blade.
"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 blade.
George unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to blade. "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 would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly) enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
George considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly). You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
“What have you got in your rucksack, strips?” asked George. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, George,” responded strips. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
"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 Zubi from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Zubi!" responded George. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Zubi.
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
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Cheery?" queried George, admiring the front of his travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Cheery.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Midnight. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled George. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
George and Daisy were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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