Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Aylizia 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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Aylizia!" enthused Henry.
"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 Henry.
Aylizia unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Henry. "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."
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"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, bielzibub?" remarked Aylizia.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Aylizia," responded bielzibub. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
Aylizia and 克力 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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Boycee, after he and Aylizia had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Aylizia. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
Aylizia was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Pixie!” she exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
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
"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, Orchid?" remarked Aylizia.
"Well, they certainly are amazing, Aylizia," responded Orchid. "But I'd rather own a little Fiat 500! They are terminally cute!"
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
Aylizia and Vinny the collector shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Aylizia. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Vinny the collector. “This is my best side.”
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 practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Melinda.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Aylizia, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Melinda. "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 Aylizia, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Melinda.
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
Aylizia and merlin were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
Aylizia and Moriarty shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Aylizia. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Moriarty. “This is my best side.”
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 Drogon. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Aylizia 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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Aylizia, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Cuddles. "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."
Aylizia considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
“Let's practise some Italian phrases, Aylizia!" said Digger. "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!'”
Aylizia looked puzzled. "Why do I have to say anything at all, Digger? 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?"
Digger 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 ...!"
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Aylizia'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, Aylizia. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Choose a name.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Aylizia.
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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Aylizia!” said Sabrina ruefully.
"Never mind," said Aylizia. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
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
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Choose a name?" remarked Aylizia.
"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 Choose a name.
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, Aylizia," said Aria, "for this experience alone?"
Aylizia, 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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Mitsy 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.'"
Aylizia settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Mitsy!"
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
Aylizia 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 Aylizia. “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?”
Aylizia thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Suzy Q!” she said.
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“Where are we now, Aylizia?” asked Patches.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Aylizia. "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
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Zeus. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Aylizia thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Aylizia?” said Chewbie. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Aylizia.
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Aylizia, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Sam. "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."
Aylizia considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
"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, Suzie?" remarked Aylizia. "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!"
Suzie 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!"
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
Aylizia and Spearmint were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Susie Brownie. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Aylizia thought about this. "Good scheme!" 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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Aylizia!” said nellie, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Aylizia.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said nellie.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

@ Misty Peaks
As Aylizia'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!
Aylizia has completed their tour of "Northern Italy - Venice and Tyrol"! Your PnF tour of Italy is now over, but PnF will hold a new event again soon!