You may be wondering why Gelato gets so much space in on our web travel scrapbook? Well,the answer is simple – it is so darn good and something not to be missed while visiting Italy. In our tour planning, gelato gets its own line in the budget.

We try to enjoy at least one gelato a day, and some days even warrant two visits to a gelateria. When ordering our first gelato, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that you get not just one favor of gelato, but up to three different favors at most gelaterias and sometimes even whipped cream on top – all in one cup or cone – what's not to like?

For us, the search for the “perfect” gelato starts before we leave home. We search web sites and guidebooks looking for people's comments and recommendations on the various gelaterias and gelato favors in the places we will be visiting. Rick Steves’ guides are also a great source of local knowledge when it comes to gelato. A useful tip when looking for a good gelateria is to check for a sign that reads Artiginale, Nostra Produzione, and Produzione Propria, it means that the gelato is made right on the premises.

Officially gelato is not really ice cream, because it is made with milk rather than cream. However, something about the way the gelato machine freezes the mixture results in a product that seems just as rich as American ice cream, and the flavors are more intense. Gelato is available in familiar flavors that you would see back home (strawberry, chocolate chip, etc.), but for the adventurous there are also very unusual flavors that you will never see in the states (pine nut, fig, rice –tastes like rice pudding).

Old Bridge Gelateria near the Vatican in Rome was our favorite and it was obviously popular with locals. You know that you have found something great when people double park, or park on the opposite side of an extremely busy four-lane street and jaywalk to wait in long lines. You name it and they were there: city workers, Nuns, tourists, and locals – young and old. Whenever we went by the Old Bridge Gelateria, people were in line waiting to get their own special combination of favors.

Our second favorite gelateria was Gelateria dei Neri in Florence. Karin, our guide, said it was her favorite and invited those who were interested to join her for a gelato. The favors there were unique and delicious, and the servings were extremely generous. Brian was daring and tried the ricotta and fighio (cheese and fig) and riso (rice), at Karin's urging. He really enjoyed it. I stuck to my favorites – coconut and coffee.

When in Italy be sure to experience gelato; it may look like ice cream but it is a different taste treat.