Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
Lil 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
“Buongiorno, Lil!” said FLOWER. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Lil 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, Lil!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Lil.
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Lil. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Minnie.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Lil, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Lil."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Minnie indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Lil seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Minnie sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
"... 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, Liliana Luna?" remarked Lil.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Liliana Luna.
Lil 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."
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 can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Lil,” mused Choose a name, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Lil. “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 Choose a name.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Lil,” mused Inukshuk, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of his pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Lil. “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 Inukshuk.
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
“Buongiorno, Lil!” said Sea Breeze. "That means 'good morning', you know!"
Lil 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, Lil!"
"Well, buongiorno to you too, then," said Lil.
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Lil?” said Flipper. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Lil. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Snowilicious.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Lil.
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Lil?” said mucki. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Lil.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Pickles 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.'"
Lil settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Pickles!"
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
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Ailfric enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Lil considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Ailfric. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
"The tour guide said we'll be visiting Il Duomo. I asked her what that was and she said it meant 'the cathedral' in Italian. But there are lots of cathedrals in Italy!" remarked Lil.
"When they say Il Duomo they most often mean the one in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It says in our brochure it was first built in the 13th century, with the dome added in the 15th century. It has a pink, white and green exterior in a gothic style with a large dome on top. Sounds beautiful!" remarked Mikey.
Lil mused for a minute. "I guess it's like when we were touring England last spring, everypet in London would talk about 'The Monument'—to the Great Fire of London of 1666—as if there were only one monument in the whole of London, instead of thousands!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"... 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, Dean Winchester?" remarked Lil.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Dean Winchester.
Lil 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."
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through Lil'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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Lil?” said Night Wing. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Lil.
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
"What are you doing, shakur?" asked Lil, coming across her friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, Lil. I don't want to forget anything!" responded shakur. "Oh, and the tour guide taught me a lovely phrase just now—Dall'Italia, con amore!—'From Italy, with love'. I'm going to use it on my postcards home to my Mum."
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
Bluey~* was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Lil unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Bluey~*’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Bluey~*, 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!”
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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Lil to Badger. “It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
"It would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Bentley enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
Lil considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Bentley. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
Lil and Quartzy were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
"Tweety Pi," gulped Lil 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, Lil!" said Tweety Pi 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."
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
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Lil?” said Myngetta. "I think that's an Alpine swift flitting around over there! They spend most of their lives in the air, you know."
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Reese!" announced Lil.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Reese.
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
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Lil!" remarked Catalina. "It says in our brochure it's one of the most recognisable destinations in the world thanks to its unique construction of canals and bridges. It says the main city of Venice is made up of 118 islands connected only by 400 bridges and 170 canals. It’s renowned for its gondolas, flat bottomed Venetian rowing boats that are the equivalent to taxis. Becoming a gondolier is no easy feat as you need a professional licence that’s only granted after 400 hours of training."
"It doesn't sound as bad as London black cab drivers having to take The Knowledge before being granted a licence. That can take three or four years!" remarked Lil.
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
"... 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, Smokey?" remarked Lil.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Smokey.
Lil 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."
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
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, Lil. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked Jewels.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied Lil, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo Lil."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded Jewels indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
Lil seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
Jewels sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Lil,” mused Toto, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of his pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Lil. “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 Toto.
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
"Here's another bit of trivia for you, Cherry!" called out Lil. "The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como has featured in which two well-known films?"
"I don't know, Lil. Which films were they?"
"The James Bond film Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones," responded Lil.
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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