Episodio 1/30

@ Rocky Sardinian Cove
Speedy Gonzalez begins his tour of "Islands of Italy" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Italy - Islands
We go island-hopping off the "boot" of Italy on Sardinia and Sicily! There is so much for the pets to enjoy here, from the dozens of flawless sandy beaches, vibrant, colourful houses and special flora and fauna. The architecture reflects the melting pot of travellers from ancient empires of Europe, Africa and the Middle East that used the islands as a stopping-off place—the Byzantines, Phoenicians and of course, the Spanish, all of whom have left their mark. The water is perfectly clear, making it ultra-inviting for pets who want to try their paw at snorkling! And there's a banger of a surprise on Sicily, home to Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna! It's classed as active, but pets need have no fear—that just means it's erupted once since the last Ice Age! Rest assured, your picnics will not be disturbed!
Rocky Sardinian Cove
With a morning spent in happily sailing the ocean blue around the island of Sardinia, the pets can pull in on the coastline wherever they want to explore. Just remember to tie the boat up firmly, chaps and chapesses, for when you're ready to embark again!

Episodio 2/30

@ La Macchinina Rossa -- Little Red Car
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Sophia?" remarked Speedy Gonzalez.
"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 Sophia.
La Macchinina Rossa -- Little Red Car
The Fiat 500 is an iconic Italian design. It's just the job to take a group of pets on a sightseeing tour ending in a picnic in the beautiful Italian countryside!

Episodio 3/30

@ Deep Blue Sea
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Havana. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled Speedy Gonzalez. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Deep Blue Sea
Whether you chose to visit Sardinia to check out Phoenician or Roman ruins, or just to soak up some sun and enjoy some excellent Sardinian wines, you're sure to have a great time.

Episodio 4/30

@ Cagliari, Sardinia
"It's turned a bit hot, Speedy Gonzalez. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Chamaeleon.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Speedy Gonzalez.
Cagliari, Sardinia
Sardinia is one of the most mysterious places on earth. The oldest landmass in Europe, it has archaeological sites, discovered in the 1970s, that date from between 1900 and 730 BCE (Sardinia’s Stonehenge).

Episodio 5/30

@ Sardinian Haven
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Speedy Gonzalez!” said Twitch.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Speedy Gonzalez.
Sardinian Haven
Sardinia is undoubtedly best known for limpid turquoise sea and exquisite beaches on the Costa Smeralda, but there are plenty of those elsewhere on the island too. Food and wine is just as important here as well – the island is a designated ‘Blue Zone’, a region where the people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet.

Episodio 6/30

@ Royal Olive Oil
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Speedy Gonzalez!" enthused Choose a name.
"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 Choose a name.
Speedy Gonzalez unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Choose a name. "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."
Royal Olive Oil
There are over 400 varieties of olive in Italy! Each Italian region has its own special cultivars. For example, Ortice from Campania is one of the oldest olive trees in Italy dating back to 539 BCE; spicy and slightly bitter with elegant and well-balanced tones of fresh tomatoes and vegetables.

Episodio 7/30

@ Sardinian Seaside Delight
tigg was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Speedy Gonzalez unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking tigg’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said tigg, irritated. “We’re about to pose on either side of this amazing scene—the picture will all be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Sardinian Seaside Delight
About a quarter of the island of Sardinia is designated as either a National Park or other protected reserve territory, so much of the environment is unspoiled. The naturalists in your family can have a great time trying to spot incredibly rare creatures such as the Sardinian Fox or the Mediterranean Monk Seal!

Episodio 8/30

@ Sea Glass Fragments
"A bit of trivia here, Midnite!" remarked Speedy Gonzalez, 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, Speedy Gonzalez!"
"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 Midnite.
Sea Glass Fragments
Sea glass is essentially pieces of glass ground smooth by the action of the sea. Taking anything from 20 to 100 years to complete the process, the end results can be exquisite. Jewellery made from sea glass will be absolutely unique.

Episodio 9/30

@ I saw one ship go sailing by
On disembarking from the tour bus, Mickle surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Speedy Gonzalez?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Speedy Gonzalez. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
I saw one ship go sailing by
Sardinia presents a huge range of activities for a holiday. From the sunbathing perfection of its Mediterranean beaches to the exploration of sites such as Su Nuraxi di Barumini - a building structure dating from the Megalithic period - there is something to interest everypet.

Episodio 10/30

@ Lavender Shop
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Hot Stuff, after he and Speedy Gonzalez had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Speedy Gonzalez. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Lavender Shop
While strolling round idyllic Sardinia you may come across this delightful little shop offering all things lavender! You will find plants, bath foam, perfume sprays, fragrant sachets and more!

Episodio 11/30

@ Turquoise Surf
"... 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, Quartzy?" remarked Speedy Gonzalez.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Quartzy.
Speedy Gonzalez 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."
Turquoise Surf
Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Cala Gonone, Italy. Who'll be the first to get their surf board out?

Episodio 12/30

@ Canopied Café
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Po?" remarked Speedy Gonzalez.
"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 Po.
Canopied Café
A romantic setting for an outdoor café terrace area, where one can sip delicious coffee or indulge in an ice cream under a canopy of vine leaves.

Episodio 13/30

@ Cheer Me Up Tiramisu
"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 Choose a name from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Choose a name!" responded Speedy Gonzalez. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Choose a name.
Cheer Me Up Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. The name comes from the Italian tirami sù, meaning "pick me up" or "cheer me up". This luscious pud is made of sponge fingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa. For that finishing touch, sprinkle with chocolate shreds and a sprig of fresh mint!

Episodio 14/30

@ Cala Gonone
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Speedy Gonzalez!” said Misty Anne ruefully.
"Never mind," said Speedy Gonzalez. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
Cala Gonone
An Italian seaside town in Sardinia. Due to the quality of its waters, Cala Gonone is a popular tourist venue.

Episodio 15/30

@ White Peacock
Half way through Speedy Gonzalez's tour of "Islands of Italy", he finds a special prize!
Bulrush Field
If you're needing a place to relax and forget about your troubles, spend an afternoon resting among the bulrushes.
White Peacock
The white peacock fans out its snowy train to display its feathers of cloudy magnificence. The all-white color of a peacock is a trait of beauty among a species of beautiful birds. A white version of an animal can be found in nearly any species, but the white peacock is not an albino.

Episodio 16/30

@ Let's Go A'Sailing
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Speedy Gonzalez to miniyao. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Let's Go A'Sailing
Here's a splendid little sailing boat all ready for a group of pets to jump aboard and go for a fun afternoon sailing around the lovely island of Sicily!

Episodio 17/30

@ Sicilian Town
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, Speedy Gonzalez!” said Jasper.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Speedy Gonzalez.
Sicilian Town
A charming jumble of colourful houses is to be found in this Sicilian town.

Episodio 18/30

@ Sicilian Boating Trip
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said mucki, after she and Speedy Gonzalez had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Speedy Gonzalez. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Sicilian Boating Trip
Hire a sailing boat with a skipper; anchor offshore to take a dip in the clear waters. We suggest to diving pets and those who love to explore the underwater world to be equipped with snorkels so that they can admire the various species of marine life that populate these waters, like scorpion fish, morays or starfishes!

Episodio 19/30

@ Mural Apricot
"A bit of trivia here, Slider Zea!" remarked Speedy Gonzalez, 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, Speedy Gonzalez!"
"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 Slider Zea.
Mural Apricot
A sun-baked wall in warm apricot where the sage green shutters provide the perfect complementary colour. While the town drowses in the afternoon heat, this house interior looks invitingly cool.

Episodio 20/30

@ Sicilian Sea Holly
Speedy Gonzalez 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 Speedy Gonzalez. “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?”
Speedy Gonzalez thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Moonabelle!” he said.
Sicilian Sea Holly
This is a fine specimen of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) found in the Mediterranean. This spiky beauty changes colour from blue, green and brown depending on the season.

Episodio 21/30

@ Tricolour Pig
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Priya.
"Me too!" said Speedy Gonzalez. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Tricolour Pig
I'm a tricolour pig, de diddly dee
I'm not very big, de diddly dee
My appearance is trig, de diddly dee
And I'm dancing a jig, de diddly dee!

An Italian pig, de diddly dee
I don't give a fig, de diddly dee
For truffles I dig, de diddly dee
As blythe as a grig, de diddly dee!

Episodio 22/30

@ Land Ahoy!
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about architecture," said Olivia Anna. "I've realised how little I know about it."
Speedy Gonzalez thought about this. "Good scheme!" he said.
Land Ahoy!
Such fun for everypet to take a sailing boat on a trip round Sicily in Italy!

Episodio 23/30

@ Couture Boutique
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Alexandra!" called out Speedy Gonzalez. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Speedy Gonzalez. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Speedy Gonzalez.
Couture Boutique
This modest Sicilian frontage conceals the fact that behind its walls is an amazing ladies' fashion establishment. Check out their Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/ElioFronterreAtelier45

Episodio 24/30

@ Strombolicchio, Sicily
Speedy Gonzalez 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 Speedy Gonzalez. “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?”
Speedy Gonzalez thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Fluffy!” he said.
Strombolicchio, Sicily
Strombolicchio is a sea stack of volcanic origin 2 km (1.2 miles) to the northeast of the island of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands of Italy. Its name in the Sicilian language means Little Stromboli.

Episodio 25/30

@ Italy
MUmbo was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Speedy Gonzalez unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking MUmbo’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said MUmbo, irritated. “We’re about to pose on either side of this amazing scene—the picture will all be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Italy
Italy, southern Europe, is a boot-shaped country is one of the world's most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons that include art treasures, trendy fashion, stunning landscapes, passionate people and top class cuisine.

Episodio 26/30

@ Tuscan Delicacy
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Smoothie, after she and Speedy Gonzalez had spent some time exploring another narrow, winding alleyway to its end.
"Is there a gift shop at the end?" enquired Speedy Gonzalez. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Tuscan Delicacy
Figs have been in Tuscany for centuries and the town of Carmignano, just outside Florence, is famous for its desiccated figs. Only available from September to October, the delicious fruit is still sought after in modern-day Italy. In fact, so entrenched it is in the Italian language that it originated many sayings and proverbs.

Episodio 27/30

@ Mediterranean Diet
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Tommen!" announced Speedy Gonzalez.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Tommen.
Mediterranean Diet
This delicious looking snack contains cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil leaves. The colours echo those of the tricolor, the Italian flag.

Episodio 28/30

@ Heavenly Hibiscus
"Dragoon," gulped Speedy Gonzalez 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, Speedy Gonzalez!" said Dragoon 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."
Heavenly Hibiscus
This gorgeous hibiscus with its large, showy yellow petals and crimson centre is found on the isle of Sicily. The hibiscus flourishes in warm and tropical climates.

Episodio 29/30

@ Cream Terrace
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Sheba.
"Me too!" said Speedy Gonzalez. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Cream Terrace
This Sicilian terrace, drowsing in the sun, offers an ideal spot to rest and relax over ice cream at a café or to sample the local cuisine at a cosy restaurant. Time to get those holiday postcards home written, perhaps!

Episodio 30/30

@ Salina Islands, Sicily
As Speedy Gonzalez's tour of "Islands of Italy" comes to an end, he rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
False Harvest Floral Display
It's not time for the autumn season yet, is it? These flowers may make you second-guess yourself as their hues are more commonly associated with the changing of seasons. Don't let that turn you away, these full blossoms thrive in any environment.
Salina Islands, Sicily
Salina is an Aeolian island, where small vineyards produce white wine, a riot of colourful flowers climb joyously among picturesque village houses, and visiting pets enjoy laid-back holidays away from tourist hubbub, underneath the island's twin green peaks—extinct volcanoes! This is the island for losing oneself in authentic island life, for strolling through village lanes, eating delicious meals made from local produce as well as sampling the sweet Malvasia wine.
Speedy Gonzalez has completed their tour of "Islands of Italy"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!