Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Pearl 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
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Choose a name?" remarked Pearl.
"On our table the waiter explained that risotto is a rice dish with origins in Lombardy. It’s cooked in a broth to make it creamy. It must be made with a short-grain variant of Italian rice, usually Arborio, as this absorbs less water and gives the risotto a sticky texture," said Choose a name.
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“What have you got in your rucksack, Sozos the Gentle Healer?” asked Pearl. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Pearl,” responded Sozos the Gentle Healer. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"... 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, Firefly?" remarked Pearl.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Firefly.
Pearl 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."
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 can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Pearl,” mused Tiara Maxwell, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Pearl. “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 Tiara Maxwell.
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 seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Jesse. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Pearl. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Pearl. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said fresh.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Pearl.
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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Brown Bobby from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'"
Pearl settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Brown Bobby!"
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, Pearl," said Casper 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 Pearl. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Casper waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he 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
Rocky was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Pearl unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Rocky’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Rocky, 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!”
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"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, Pekoe?" remarked Pearl.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Pearl," responded Pekoe. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Pearl!" enthused Tiara Maxwell.
"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 Tiara Maxwell.
Pearl unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Tiara Maxwell. "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 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
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Hadee Nidmorth?" queried Pearl, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Hadee Nidmorth.
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," DrakeStingray said, offering Pearl a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, DrakeStingray!" said Pearl.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Pearl'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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Pearl?” said WillDroid. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Pearl.
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
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Pearl,” mused Lady Aelfgifu, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Pearl. “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 Lady Aelfgifu.
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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Badger. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Pearl thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said rex enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Pearl considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, rex. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Pearl. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Suzy Q.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Pearl, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Pearl."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Suzy Q indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Pearl seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Suzy Q sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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," Stripes said, offering Pearl a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Stripes!" said Pearl.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
Pearl and Choose a name were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Zeus!" announced Pearl.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Zeus.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
Pearl and Mischief shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Pearl. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Mischief. “This is my best side.”
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
Pearl and Moo shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Pearl. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Moo. “This is my best side.”
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Pearl?” said Woolly. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
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
"... 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, Hera?" remarked Pearl.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Hera.
Pearl 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."
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Pearl!” said Spark.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Pearl.
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
"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 Pearl.
"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 Moo.
Pearl 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!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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