Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Daiwik Bhavatu 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 don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Daiwik Bhavatu!” said Mikey ruefully.
"Never mind," said Daiwik Bhavatu. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Daiwik Bhavatu!" enthused Bigfoot.
"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 Bigfoot.
Daiwik Bhavatu unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Bigfoot. "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."
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
Daiwik Bhavatu and Plandemic were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
Daiwik Bhavatu and Beast were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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, dora?" remarked Daiwik Bhavatu.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Daiwik Bhavatu. 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
Daiwik Bhavatu and Abby shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Daiwik Bhavatu. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Abby. “This is my best side.”
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 are you doing, Myngetta?" asked Daiwik Bhavatu, coming across his friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Daiwik Bhavatu. I don't want to forget anything!" responded Myngetta. "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."
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's turned a bit hot, Daiwik Bhavatu. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Storm.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Daiwik Bhavatu.
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 don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Daiwik Bhavatu!” said Chica ruefully.
"Never mind," said Daiwik Bhavatu. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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, Daiwik Bhavatu!" 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 Daiwik Bhavatu.
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
"Sugar," gulped Daiwik Bhavatu 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, Daiwik Bhavatu!" said Sugar 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."
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
Daiwik Bhavatu was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Beast!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"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, Chesterfield?" remarked Daiwik Bhavatu.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Daiwik Bhavatu," responded Chesterfield. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Daiwik Bhavatu'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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Emerald enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Daiwik Bhavatu considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Emerald. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Daiwik Bhavatu," said Moon 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 Daiwik Bhavatu. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Moon waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
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 hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Daiwik Bhavatu!” said Fino, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Daiwik Bhavatu.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Fino.
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's turned a bit hot, Daiwik Bhavatu. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Sozos the Gentle Healer.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Daiwik Bhavatu.
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, Daiwik Bhavatu. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Ughly.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Daiwik Bhavatu, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Daiwik Bhavatu."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Ughly indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Daiwik Bhavatu seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", he grumbled.
Ughly 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
Daiwik Bhavatu was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Pingu!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Daiwik Bhavatu,” mused Mystery, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Daiwik Bhavatu. “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 Mystery.
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
"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 Dai from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Dai!" responded Daiwik Bhavatu. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Dai.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"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, Zubi?" remarked Daiwik Bhavatu. "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!"
Zubi 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," she said. "It says here that it's a very popular design for wedding cakes!"
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Daiwik Bhavatu!” said Wawatay. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Daiwik Bhavatu good-naturedly took charge of Wawatay's possessions while he emptied his 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 he donned and then Daiwik Bhavatu helped him put everything back in his rucksack.
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
“Buongiorno, Daiwik Bhavatu!” said Havana. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Daiwik Bhavatu 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, Daiwik Bhavatu!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Daiwik Bhavatu.
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 saying 'hello' in Italian," said Loosie.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Daiwik Bhavatu, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Loosie. "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 Daiwik Bhavatu, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Loosie.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Daiwik Bhavatu?” suggested Sabrina, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Daiwik Bhavatu agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Sadie enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Daiwik Bhavatu considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Sadie. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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