Episodio 1/30

@ Venice Lido
BB 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
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Pandette 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.'"
BB settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Pandette!"
Venetian Gondolas at Dawn
Gondolas waiting in readiness for another busy day on the canals of Venice.

Episodio 3/30

@ Canal Locale
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Flitter. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled BB. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Canal Locale
This quaint little bridge is typical of the backwaters of Venice's watery streets.

Episodio 4/30

@ Grand Old Opera
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused BB, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Adriana. "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."
BB considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, BB," said Chrysomelidae ♡ 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 BB. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Chrysomelidae ♡ waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said.
Bridge of Mystery
A beautiful old bridge in such a romantic city as Venice...

Episodio 6/30

@ Gondolas in the Misty Dawn
"What are you doing, FLEECE?" asked BB, coming across her friend in the hotel lounge, clutching a notebook and pen.
"I'm keeping a diary of our experiences on this trip, BB. I don't want to forget anything!" responded FLEECE. "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."
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
"Italy—the perfect choice for our travels this summer, BB!" enthused Inukshuk.
"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 Inukshuk.
BB unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Inukshuk. "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."
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, BB?” said Archie. "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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, BB!” said Wuzzy, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked BB.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Wuzzy.
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
"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 PluttiPott from the itinerary.
"We'll have to take care not to go too mad there, PluttiPott!" responded BB. "Perhaps a designer T-shirt!"
"Hmm—I think a designer bath cube will be more within my budget!" remarked PluttiPott.
Orange and Lemon
These magnificent buildings on Venice's Grand Canal are in gorgeous shades of amber and apricot.

Episodio 11/30

@ Water Taxi
“Where are we now, BB?” asked Rosie.
"If it's Tuesday this must be Tuscany!" joked BB. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
BB and Flatts were entranced on reaching this Mediterranean viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
"We'll be seeing a bit of everything here in Italy," remarked Lilly. "You could say, from Giotto to gelato!"
"That pistachio gelato we had last night was superb!" marvelled BB. "You can certainly tell the difference between Italian ice cream and the mass produced stuff we have at home!"
Serene Venice
Venice at night—serene and romantic ...

Episodio 14/30

@ Gothic Windows
"Schnupfen," gulped BB 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, BB!" said Schnupfen 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."
Gothic Windows
Gondolas wait moored outside these architectural wonders.

Episodio 15/30

@ Venetian Nights
Half way through BB'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
"What does Benvenuti a tutti! mean, Lunaray?" queried BB, admiring the front of her travel itinerary.
"It means 'Welcome, everypet!" replied Lunaray.
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 would be great to live on a houseboat in Italy!" said Roskaizan enthusiastically. "You can sail round most of the country, and when you get tired, just moor the boat and hop in a bunk!"
BB considered this carefully. "I don’t think houseboats are designed to go on the sea, Roskaizan. You’d have to get a proper yacht, or something.”
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, BB?” suggested Tigger, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
BB agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
"It must be so romantic working on a vineyard, BB," said Gulliver 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 BB. “Then more work throughout spring, leaf pruning later in the year, followed by grape pruning. It doesn’t stop.”
Gulliver waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he said.
Lagoon Boat Trip
All over Venice, small boats are at hand to ferry passengers hither and thither.

Episodio 20/30

@ Dreamy Venice Sunset
BB was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Sweetums!” she exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
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
“Oh hello, BB!” cried Flitter. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scotland back in the spring? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Burano, Italy
This colourful little town is near Venice.

Episodio 22/30

@ Venetian Memories
“Let's practise some of these Italian phrases in our brochure, BB. I'll ask you what your name is! Come si chiama, Lei?” asked FLOWER.
“No, my name isn't 'Lei'," replied BB, somewhat irritated. "Why are you asking that? Anyway—Mi chiamo BB."
"It doesn't mean, 'What's your name, Lei?'" responded FLOWER indignantly. "The whole thing means 'What is your name?'"
BB seized the phrasebook. "Doesn't make sense, going round asking pets if they're called 'Lei'", she grumbled.
FLOWER sighed heavily. "Let's try another one instead."
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
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Dusty.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said BB, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Dusty. "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 BB, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Dusty.
Ornate Italian Ironwork
A fine example of wrought ironwork guarding this Italian house.

Episodio 24/30

@ Tyrolean Peaks
"That was a lovely risotto we had for supper last night, wasn't it, Inga?" remarked BB.
"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 Inga.
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, BB!" enthused Chesterfield.
"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 Chesterfield.
BB unwrapped a torta al cioccolato pastiglia for herself, popped it in her mouth and offered the packet to Chesterfield. "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
"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."
BB thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
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
"I'm going to have me a hazelnut gelato at the hotel tonight, Unigy!" announced BB.
"I can never decide what my favourite flavour is! I love the pistachio, also the chocolate mint, and the vanilla is fabulous, too!" responded Unigy.
Mountain Skiing
The Dolomites in Italy waking up to another day's skiing opportunities.

Episodio 28/30

@ Skiing Paradise
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this region here, BB!” said Velcro.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied BB.
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
"Italian pets talk with their paws an awful lot, don't they, Polly?" remarked BB.
"You know, I was talking to the tour guide about that, BB. 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!"
Dolomite Songster
A lone songbird greets the dawn in the Italian Dolomtes.

Episodio 30/30

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