Introduction:
A Voyage of Stories and Wonders
Welcome aboard, dear reader!
You are about to embark on an
extraordinary journey — one that will carry you across the sparkling blue
waters of the Mediterranean Sea and into the heart of ten breathtaking
destinations. But this is no ordinary travel book. Every stop along our way
will be told through the eyes of an animal friend who lives there, knows its
secrets, and can’t wait to show you the most fascinating corners of their
world.
These animal guides are more than
just storytellers — they are your companions, your teachers, and your playmates
on this voyage. They’ll tell you about the people, the history, the food, and
the sights in a way only they can. They see things differently, notice details
we might miss, and have adventures that will make you laugh, wonder, and dream.
This book is inspired by my own
journey — a Viking Cruise that began in the magical floating city of Venice
and ended in the vibrant, sun-kissed streets of Barcelona. Along the
way, we stopped at cities filled with history, culture, and beauty — each more
incredible than the last. As I explored, I imagined what it would be like if
animals told the story instead of me. After all, who better to show us Venice’s
canals than a clever otter who can swim them? Or to guide us through
Marseille’s fish markets than a seagull who knows every stall?
So before we set sail, let’s walk
the gangplank together and peek ahead at each of our stops — and meet the
animal friends who will be waiting for us there.
Venice,
Italy – Where Water Is the Road
Our voyage begins in Venice, a city
unlike any other — no cars, no buses, just canals and boats. Here you’ll meet Ollie
the Otter, a lively fellow who knows every twist and turn of the waterways.
He’ll take you under arched bridges, past palaces with peeling paint that only
make them more beautiful, and into bustling piazzas filled with music and
laughter. You’ll hear the soft splash of gondola oars, smell fresh-baked bread
and coffee drifting from cafés, and maybe even see a masked performer
practicing for the next festival.
Split,
Croatia – Where History Lives in the Walls
In Split, ancient history isn’t just
in museums — it’s everywhere around you. The towering stone walls of
Diocletian’s Palace hide shops, homes, and winding alleyways. Here you’ll meet Clara
the Cat, who slinks effortlessly between Roman columns and modern markets.
She’ll show you where sunlight spills into courtyards, where the smell of
grilled seafood fills the air, and where street musicians play under archways.
Clara knows everyone — and every secret — in this city by the sea.
Dubrovnik,
Croatia – The Pearl of the Adriatic
Next, we’ll sail into Dubrovnik, its
massive stone walls rising proudly from the turquoise water. This is where Gavin
the Gull will greet you from high above, swooping along the city’s famous
walls to give you the best view in town. With Gavin, you’ll hear the sound of
waves crashing against the cliffs, feel the rough stone beneath your
fingertips, and catch the salty breeze on your face. He knows where the
fishermen come in with their morning catch and where the locals gather in
hidden squares for stories and song.
Corfu,
Greece – The Island of Music and Olive Trees
Our ship will then take us to Corfu,
a green jewel of an island where the scent of wildflowers mixes with the briny
sea air. Here you’ll meet Pippa the Parrot, whose bright feathers are as
colorful as the island’s painted houses. Pippa loves music, and she’ll lead you
through cobbled streets where melodies drift from open windows. You’ll pass
ancient forts, sunlit beaches, and groves of silver-leafed olive trees older
than most buildings you’ve ever seen.
Naples,
Italy – The Gateway to Pizza and Pompeii
Ah, Naples — loud, lively, and
delicious! The moment you step ashore, the air is filled with the smell of
baking pizza, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil. Your guide here is Rocco
the Rat, who may be small, but he’s quick, clever, and knows the city’s
kitchens better than any chef. Rocco will take you to the shadow of Mount
Vesuvius, through bustling markets, and even into the ruins of Pompeii to
imagine the city as it was long ago.
Rome,
Italy – The Eternal City
Rome is a place where every step
feels like you’ve walked into a history book. Here you’ll meet Leo the Lion
Cub, proud and curious, who wants to show you the Colosseum, the Roman
Forum, and the Vatican. As you follow him, you’ll hear church bells ringing,
see fountains sparkle in the sun, and taste creamy gelato that melts faster
than you can eat it. Leo will remind you that history isn’t just in the past —
it’s alive all around us.
Florence,
Italy – The City of Art and Light
Florence is like a painting come to
life — grand cathedrals, statues in every square, and soft golden light that
seems to make the whole city glow. Bella the Butterfly will be your
guide here, flitting from the Uffizi Gallery to the Ponte Vecchio, pointing out
both famous masterpieces and hidden gems. Through Bella’s eyes, you’ll see the
way colors blend on an artist’s palette, smell the leather from busy workshops,
and hear the gentle hum of the Arno River.
Monte
Carlo, Monaco – Glamour by the Sea
Monte Carlo sparkles — from the
polished decks of luxury yachts to the glittering lights of the famous casino.
Here you’ll meet Chester the Cheetah, the fastest tour guide you’ve ever
had. He’ll whisk you from the royal palace to the harbor, then up winding roads
with jaw-dropping views of the coastline. Along the way, you’ll hear the purr
of expensive cars, smell flowers blooming in manicured gardens, and maybe spot
a movie star or two.
Marseille,
France – The Gateway to the Mediterranean
In Marseille, life is centered
around the sea. Sophie the Seagull will be waiting for you at the Old
Port, where fishermen unload the day’s catch and market stalls overflow with
bright fruits and vegetables. She’ll take you through the narrow streets of the
Le Panier district, past murals and cafés, and out to the wind-swept cliffs of
Calanques National Park. Here, the air smells of salt and rosemary, and the
sound of waves is never far away.
Barcelona,
Spain – A City of Color and Creativity
Our final stop is Barcelona, a city
that feels like it was built by a dreamer. Here you’ll meet Diego the Dog,
who will guide you through the swirling shapes of Antoni Gaudí’s buildings,
along the lively Rambla, and into quiet courtyards filled with orange trees.
Diego loves to chase after music — from flamenco dancers’ quick steps to street
guitarists strumming in the shade. The city hums with life, and Diego will make
sure you feel it too.
Why
These Stories Matter
These aren’t just travel stories.
They are adventures filled with friendship, courage, curiosity, and respect for
the people and places we meet. Every animal guide you meet has something to
teach you — about history, about culture, and about the joy of seeing the world
with open eyes.
As you read, imagine yourself
stepping into their paws, wings, or fins. Feel the cobblestones under your
feet, taste the fresh bread or gelato, and smell the sea air or blooming
flowers. Let each story remind you that the world is big, beautiful, and full
of wonders waiting to be explored.
So pack your imagination, keep your
curiosity close, and get ready. By the time you turn the last page, you’ll feel
as though you’ve sailed the Mediterranean yourself — and maybe, just maybe,
you’ll start dreaming about your own big adventure.
All aboard! Let’s meet our animal
friends and set sail for the journey of a lifetime.
Conclusion:
Thank You for Sailing Along
Dear Readers,
As we bring our magical voyage to a
close, I want to take a moment to thank you for coming along on this incredible
adventure. From the moment we set sail in Venice to our final steps ashore in
Barcelona, we’ve traveled through history, explored breathtaking places, and
met unforgettable animal friends who told their stories in ways only they
could.
These were not just tales about
ports of call. Each story was written to open your heart and mind to the wonder
of the world, to teach you something meaningful, and to inspire you to dream
bigger and bolder. Every page has been a little passport stamp for your
imagination—a reminder that adventure can happen anywhere, whether you’re
crossing the Adriatic Sea or just turning the page of a book.
Our journey began in Venice,
where canals became highways, gondolas glided like gentle swans, and history
whispered through every narrow street. We met animal storytellers who saw the
city in ways we might not have imagined—through their eyes, we could feel the
magic of a place built on water.
From there, we traveled to Split,
Croatia, with its ancient Roman palace walls and lively harbor. Our animal
friends showed us the beauty of blending old with new, how history and modern
life can live side by side in harmony.
In Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of
the Adriatic,” we learned about resilience, beauty, and strength. With its
stone walls and stunning sea views, Dubrovnik taught us that even places
battered by time and change can stand tall and proud.
Then we leapt across the Ionian Sea
to Corfu, Greece, where olive groves, beaches, and colorful villages
came alive through playful characters eager to share their traditions, flavors,
and music.
In Naples, Italy, our journey
was as much about flavors as it was about sights. The animals told us of
pizza’s birthplace, bustling markets, and the energy of a city that thrives on
passion and pride.
Rome, the Eternal City, gave us lessons in grandeur, legacy, and
endurance. The Colosseum, the Vatican, the cobblestone streets—every part of
the city echoed with stories centuries in the making, and our animal guides
reminded us that even the mightiest places are built one stone at a time.
We wandered into Florence,
the cradle of the Renaissance, where art and beauty seemed to live in the air
itself. From Michelangelo to the Duomo, every story invited us to see the world
with the eyes of an artist, to notice the little details that make life rich.
Monaco and Monte Carlo dazzled us with elegance and speed, from the glimmer of the
harbor to the famous Grand Prix track. The animals here reminded us that even
in a place of glitz and glamour, there are stories of humility, friendship, and
adventure to be found.
In Marseille, France, we felt
the warmth of a port city that has welcomed travelers for centuries. The
markets, the sea air, and the mingling of cultures gave us lessons in
hospitality, diversity, and the beauty of blending worlds together.
Finally, we reached Barcelona,
Spain, where color bursts from every corner—whether it’s Gaudí’s playful
architecture, the lively plazas, or the rhythms of Flamenco. Here, our journey
came full circle, reminding us that every ending is also a new beginning.
Why
These Stories Matter
I could have written these tales
from my own point of view as an adult traveler. But instead, I chose to tell
them through the eyes of animal characters—because animals have a way of
speaking to children (and adults, if we’re honest) in a language that feels
safe, fun, and filled with wonder.
When children meet these characters,
they aren’t just hearing about cities and ports—they’re hearing about courage,
kindness, patience, curiosity, and teamwork. They’re learning that the world is
full of new experiences, but also that the values we carry inside—respect,
gratitude, honesty—are what truly guide us through every adventure.
The Viking Cruise itself provided
the map, but the lessons? They came from the heart.
Taking
the Adventure Home
Now that you’ve read all these
stories, my hope is that you carry them with you—whether you’re traveling to
the other side of the world or just to your own backyard.
You don’t have to be on a ship to
explore. You can “travel” by reading more books, talking to new people, trying
new foods, learning new skills, or simply noticing something you’ve never paid
attention to before.
Maybe you’ll start your own travel
journal. Maybe you’ll draw pictures of places you’d like to visit. Maybe you’ll
look at a map and dream up an imaginary voyage of your own.
And perhaps most importantly—you can
practice the values in these stories every day. Be curious like the animals in
Venice. Be resilient like those in Dubrovnik. Be welcoming like the ones in
Marseille. And always remember the lesson from every port: the world is wide,
but your actions make it better.
A
Personal Thank You
Thank you for trusting me to take
you on this journey. Thank you for turning the pages, meeting the characters,
and letting your imagination set sail with mine.
It has been my joy to share not just
the beauty of each destination, but also the kindness, courage, and hope that
can be found everywhere—if only we take the time to look.
Wherever you go next, may your
journey be filled with discovery, friendship, and joy.
Until we sail again,
Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
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