Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Star 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
Star and PyroManiac were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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 Paws from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Paws!" responded Star. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Paws.
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"What are you doing, Dear one?" asked Star, coming across her friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Star. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Dear one. "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."
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Star?” said Alex. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Tester 3?" remarked Star.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Star. 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!"
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
“Oh hello, Star!” cried Sweetie. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't 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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Emily, after she and Star had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Star. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Star?” suggested Bindy, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Star agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Woolly.
"Me too!" said Star. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Star!" remarked Liliana Luna. "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 Star.
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Hoot?" remarked Star.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Star. 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!"
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
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Star!" remarked Polly. "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 Star.
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“What have you got in your rucksack, Dreamer?” asked Star. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Star,” responded Dreamer. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Star'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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Star," said Choose a name, "for this experience alone?"
Star, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Star!” said Roxy, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Star.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Roxy.
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Basil Brianberry. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Star. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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 can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Star,” mused Plandemic, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of its pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Star. “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 Plandemic.
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, Star. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Grace.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Star, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Star."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Grace indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Star seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Grace 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
On disembarking from the tour bus, Ali Haider surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Star?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Star. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“Where are we now, Star?” asked Allegra.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Star. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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, Minerva!" announced Star.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Minerva.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"What are you doing, fire fox?" asked Star, coming across her friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Star. I don't want to forget anything!" responded fire fox. "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."
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 just drink in this scene, shall we, Star?” suggested HOot, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Star agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Star, 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."
Star considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Star!” said Myngetta.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Star.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
Star 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 Star. “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?”
Star thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Grace!” she said.
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Silky?" remarked Star.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Star. 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!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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