Italy’s Eternal City needs no introduction. Home to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and more fountains than any other city on the planet, we could wax lyrical about Rome’s attractions forever. Surprisingly, though, the countryside in the surrounding region of Lazio often flies under the radar, both as a vacation destination and foodie hotspot.

Roman locals have long been aware of the virtues of the "Roman Castles," the Castelli Romani, as a refreshing yet easy to reach "out-of-town" spot. Located in the picturesque Alban hills, the Castelli Romani are composed of several small villages nestled between two beautiful lakes.