Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Aunt Dora 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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Aunt Dora!” said PI PI ruefully.
"Never mind," said Aunt Dora. "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
Aunt Dora was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Camo!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Josie, after she and Aunt Dora had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Aunt Dora. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Aunt Dora!” said Misty Anne.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Aunt Dora.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Storm from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'"
Aunt Dora settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Storm!"
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, Little Fang?” asked Aunt Dora. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Aunt Dora,” responded Little Fang. “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
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Aunt Dora!" said Choose a namebecky. "Tell you what, hand me that postcard, will you? Grazie!”
Clutching the postcard, she looked at her friend expectantly. “That's your cue to say Prego—which means ‛you're welcome!'”
Aunt Dora looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Choose a namebecky? 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?"
Choose a namebecky 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 ...!"
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've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Sephira.
"Me too!" said Aunt Dora. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Blue Fire. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Aunt Dora. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
Aunt Dora 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 Aunt Dora. “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?”
Aunt Dora thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, fiffy!” she said.
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Aunt Dora?” said Shadow. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Aunt Dora.
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Aunt Dora?” suggested Muschi, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Aunt Dora agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"A bit of trivia here, Lalique!" remarked Aunt Dora, 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, Aunt Dora!"
"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 Lalique.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Aunt Dora'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
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Choose a name.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Aunt Dora, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Choose a name. "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 Aunt Dora, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Choose a name.
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 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, Toto?" remarked Aunt Dora.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Aunt Dora," responded Toto. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
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
“Buongiorno, Aunt Dora!” said Trish. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Aunt Dora 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, Aunt Dora!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Aunt Dora.
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Aunt Dora," said Pingu, "for this experience alone?"
Aunt Dora, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
Aunt Dora 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 Aunt Dora. “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?”
Aunt Dora thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Artic!” she said.
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
Aunt Dora and Symphony shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Aunt Dora. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Symphony. “This is my best side.”
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Sapphire Rose!" called out Aunt Dora. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Aunt Dora. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Aunt Dora.
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Aunt Dora," said DaiDai, "for this experience alone?"
Aunt Dora, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“Buongiorno, Aunt Dora!” said Honey. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Aunt Dora 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, Aunt Dora!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Aunt Dora.
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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Nicole from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'"
Aunt Dora settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Nicole!"
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
“Oh wow, Aunt Dora, there's a butterfly!” Hero cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Aunt Dora knowledgeably.
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
“Oh wow, Aunt Dora, there's a butterfly!” Owen cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Aunt Dora knowledgeably.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Aunt Dora," said Hadee Nidmorth 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 Aunt Dora. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Hadee Nidmorth waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he 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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Dave from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'"
Aunt Dora settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Dave!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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