Eating Gelato on Your Italian Vacation

I've just arrived at my Italian house in the Lunigiana region of northern Tuscany. What's one of the first things I do when I get to Italy? Have a gelato, Italian ice cream. So that's just what I did this afternoon - I went to my favorite gelato and pastry shop in the medieval town of Fivizzano, had a cone with two flavors for 1.60 euro, and sat right on the main square where I can take in the fountain, church, and local people.

In the Lunigiana region, you won't be charged extra for sitting at a table in a bar or cafe, but in many big cities, especially in tourist areas, there are different prices for standing, sitting at an inside table, and sitting outside. If you plan to stay awhile and enjoy the atmosphere, it's often worth the extra price for a prime seat outdoors.

In Rome, for example, one of the priciest places to enjoy a coffee drink or the famous tartufo at a table on the square is Piazza Navona. But if you want to experience the smaller, less costly cafes, take a look at Joe Wolff's book, Cafe Life Rome. He's searched out friendly, family-run cafes and tells you about them in his book, along with interesting tidbits about the neighborhoods. And while you're in Rome, be sure to try what many say is the best gelato in Rome.

So wherever you go on your Italian vacation, be sure to have some gelato. More about Gelato - Italian Ice Cream, including where to find gelato and how to order it.