Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Scooch 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
"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 Scooch.
"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 Panda.
Scooch 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!"
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Scooch?” said Thimbl. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Scooch.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Icicle, after she and Scooch had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Scooch. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Scooch, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Skye. "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."
Scooch considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Scooch!" remarked Chamaeleon. "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 Scooch.
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," jonny said, offering Scooch a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, jonny!" said Scooch.
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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Ada. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Scooch thought about this. "Good scheme!" he said.
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
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Scooch," said Savannah 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 Scooch. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Savannah waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
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
"What are you doing, MELODEE?" asked Scooch, coming across his friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Scooch. I don't want to forget anything!" responded MELODEE. "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."
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Scooch!” said Sif. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Scooch good-naturedly took charge of Sif's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This she donned and then Scooch helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Scooch!” said kitty.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Scooch.
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
“Oh hello, Scooch!” cried Schnupfen. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Sunset enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Scooch considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Sunset. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Scooch'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
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Scooch!" remarked Choose a name. "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 Scooch.
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
“Buongiorno, Scooch!” said Choose a name. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Scooch 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, Scooch!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Scooch.
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
“Where are we now, Scooch?” asked Noelle.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Scooch. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
"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, Night Wing?" remarked Scooch. "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!"
Night Wing 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!"
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“Where are we now, Scooch?” asked Princess.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Scooch. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
“Oh hello, Scooch!” cried Specks. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Scooch?” suggested PluttiPott, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Scooch agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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 pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Scooch to lady ciganko. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
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, Scooch?” suggested Mrs. Dylan, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Scooch 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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Isabella enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Scooch considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Isabella. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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 must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Scooch," said Jus2cute 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 Scooch. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Jus2cute waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he said.
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Scooch, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Sweetie pie. "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."
Scooch considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Scooch, 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."
Scooch considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Scooch?” suggested Sassy, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Scooch agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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