Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Alastair 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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Flora, after she and Alastair had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Alastair. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Alastair!” said fancy. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Alastair good-naturedly took charge of fancy'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 Alastair helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Alastair!" enthused BERT.
"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 BERT.
Alastair unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to BERT. "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."
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 don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Alastair!” said Vinny the collector ruefully.
"Never mind," said Alastair. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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, Alastair!" remarked Dreamer. "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 Alastair.
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," Dumbledore said, offering Alastair a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Dumbledore!" said Alastair.
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
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Grayson?" queried Alastair, admiring the front of his travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Grayson.
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, bluey!" announced Alastair.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded bluey.
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
On disembarking from the tour bus, Teeka surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Alastair?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Alastair. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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 would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Whoot enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Alastair considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Whoot. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said FLEECE enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Alastair considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, FLEECE. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"A bit of trivia here, Chrysomelidae ♡!" remarked Alastair, 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, Alastair!"
"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 Chrysomelidae ♡.
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Alastair!” said Amethyst.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Alastair.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Alastair'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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Shadow said, offering Alastair a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Shadow!" said Alastair.
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked FiFi. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Alastair. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Alastair?” said Darby. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
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
“Buongiorno, Alastair!” said Snowball. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Alastair 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, Alastair!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Alastair.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Joker. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Alastair. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Alastair?” suggested Slider Zea, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Alastair agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Tess?" remarked Alastair.
"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 Tess.
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Alastair!” said Rianna.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Alastair.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“Oh hello, Alastair!” cried Snuggles. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Rhian.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Alastair, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Rhian. "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 Alastair, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Rhian.
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 practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said DAISY.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Alastair, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied DAISY. "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 Alastair, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied DAISY.
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Chessie?" remarked Alastair.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Alastair. 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!"
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 Alastair, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Choose a name. "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."
Alastair 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 practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Tiger.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Alastair, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Tiger. "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 Alastair, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Tiger.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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