Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Gilbert 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
"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 Shadow from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, Shadow!" responded Gilbert. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked Shadow.
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“Oh hello, Gilbert!” cried Coca. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Nibbles enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Gilbert considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Nibbles. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"... 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, Mystic?" remarked Gilbert.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Mystic.
Gilbert 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."
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Gilbert!" enthused paws.
"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 paws.
Gilbert unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to paws. "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."
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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Gilbert to Princess. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
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 does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Alex?" queried Gilbert, admiring the front of his travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Alex.
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
"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 merlin from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, merlin!" responded Gilbert. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked merlin.
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Gilbert!" enthused Polly.
"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 Polly.
Gilbert unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Polly. "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."
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 practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Gilbert. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Audrey.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Gilbert, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Gilbert."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Audrey indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Gilbert seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", he grumbled.
Audrey sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Gilbert," said Digger, "for this experience alone?"
Gilbert, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Yozaria.
"Me too!" said Gilbert. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, Gilbert," said Miss Mousse 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 Gilbert. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Miss Mousse waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Gilbert'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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Gilbert?” said Batty. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Gilbert.
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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Silky 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.'"
Gilbert settled back in his tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Silky!"
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
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Sozos the Gentle Healer!" called out Gilbert. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Gilbert. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Gilbert.
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
“Buongiorno, Gilbert!” said Audrey. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Gilbert 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, Gilbert!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Gilbert.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Gilbert,” mused Auntie Mame, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Gilbert. “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 Auntie Mame.
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Eevee?" remarked Gilbert.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, Gilbert. 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!"
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Gilbert,” mused Mini, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Gilbert. “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 Mini.
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
“Where are we now, Gilbert?” asked Zoey.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked Gilbert. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Cherry enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Gilbert considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Cherry. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, Gilbert!" enthused Splat.
"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 Splat.
Gilbert unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for himself, popped it in his mouth and offered the packet to Splat. "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."
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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Gilbert!” said Quirky, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Gilbert.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Quirky.
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Gilbert. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Sir Barkey Barksalot.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Gilbert.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Adept Sanitation Juggernaut said, offering Gilbert a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for itself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Adept Sanitation Juggernaut!" said Gilbert.
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 practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said FLEECE.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Gilbert, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied FLEECE. "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 Gilbert, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied FLEECE.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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