Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Marla 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
On disembarking from the tour bus, Shamika surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Marla?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Marla. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Marla," said Punky, "for this experience alone?"
Marla, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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, Marla!" enthused WillDroid.
"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 WillDroid.
Marla unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to WillDroid. "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
“Oh hello, Marla!” cried Abergavenny. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"Talos," gulped Marla apprehensively, "Have you seen this item on the itinerary? We'll be going to see an active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the Naples leg!"
"Don't worry, Marla!" said Talos reassuringly. "It's not erupted since 79 CE. Admittedly, on that occasion, it did wipe out the Roman city of Pompeii and an estimated three million inhabitants, but today Mount Vesuvius is a large national park that attracts tourists wanting to hike up to the top and take a look inside. The brochure says the trail to the top is beginner-friendly and about a 2½ mile (4km) round trip."
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
“What have you got in your rucksack, Silver?” asked Marla. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Marla,” responded Silver. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, why.way?" remarked Marla.
"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 why.way.
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
"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, Dominion?" remarked Marla. "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!"
Dominion 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!"
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
"... 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, Flapke?" remarked Marla.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Flapke.
Marla 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."
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Panda said, offering Marla a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Panda!" said Marla.
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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Likey. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Marla thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Marla!" enthused rainbow cookie.
"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 rainbow cookie.
Marla unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to rainbow cookie. "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."
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Marla!” said Elsa ruefully.
"Never mind," said Marla. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Marla'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
"... 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, Mr. Dylan?" remarked Marla.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Mr. Dylan.
Marla 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."
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 does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Velcro?" queried Marla, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Velcro.
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
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Marla!" said Slider Zea. "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!'”
Marla looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Slider Zea? 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?"
Slider Zea 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 ...!"
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
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Kia!" called out Marla. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Marla. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Marla.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"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 Brown Bobby from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Brown Bobby!" responded Marla. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Brown Bobby.
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
“Buongiorno, Marla!” said fresh. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Marla 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, Marla!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Marla.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Rianna!" called out Marla. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Marla. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Marla.
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Lucy said, offering Marla a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Lucy!" said Marla.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"A bit of trivia here, Clyde!" remarked Marla, 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, Marla!"
"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 Clyde.
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
Marla flicked through the phrasebook. “The tour guide at the door of the museum this morning said Prego! as she ushered us all in. She said it meant ‛After you'. I asked her especially.”
“It's one of those terms that mean a number of things: ‛you're welcome', ‛don't mention it', ‛not at all', ‛after you!'. For example, if I reached for your bottle of orange juice you'd say, “Prego!—meaning ‛Please! Help yourself!”
“No, I wouldn't. I'd jolly well tell you to get your paws off it,” grumbled Marla. “It's very confusing, having just one word covering half a dozen situations.”
“Would you rather have to learn half a dozen different phrases, like you'd have in English, to cover each one?”
Marla thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Alex!” she said.
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Kia said, offering Marla a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Kia!" said Marla.
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
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Marla!" said Eton. "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!'”
Marla looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Eton? 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?"
Eton 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 ...!"
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"It's turned a bit hot, Marla. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Nibbles.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Marla.
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Marla?” said Choose a name. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Marla.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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