Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Peace 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, Coca?" remarked Peace.
"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 Coca.
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, Peace!" enthused gemma.
"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 gemma.
Peace unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to gemma. "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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Choose a name. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Peace. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Serena said, offering Peace a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Serena!" said Peace.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Peace!" said PI PI. "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!'”
Peace looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, PI PI? 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?"
PI PI 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 ...!"
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, Peace!” cried Quartzy. “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
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Peace," said Mama Bear ❤️ 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 Peace. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Mama Bear ❤️ waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
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
"... 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, Dusty?" remarked Peace.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Dusty.
Peace 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."
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Ulle enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Peace considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Ulle. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Peace?” suggested Fino, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Peace agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Peace!” said Fleur. “Can you hold my gelato and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Peace good-naturedly took charge of Fleur'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 Peace helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said BUZZ, after he and Peace had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Peace. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"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 Audrey from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Audrey!" responded Peace. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Audrey.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Peace'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
"It's turned a bit hot, Peace. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said swinger.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Peace.
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, Peace," said Sparkle 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 Peace. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Sparkle waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he 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
“Oh hello, Peace!” cried Mr. Panda. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Chester said, offering Peace a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Chester!" said Peace.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Peace!" enthused Tommen.
"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 Tommen.
Peace unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Tommen. "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."
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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Yozaria. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Peace thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said frosty.
"Me too!" said Peace. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
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," Choose a name said, offering Peace a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Choose a name!" said Peace.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“What have you got in your rucksack, Andrew?” asked Peace. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Peace,” responded Andrew. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got 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
Peace and Dave shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Peace. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Dave. “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
“Where are we now, Peace?” asked Buzzz.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Peace. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Oscar.
"Me too!" said Peace. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Velcro.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Peace, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Velcro. "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 Peace, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Velcro.
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
“Where are we now, Peace?” asked Twinkel.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Peace. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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