- Wine Tour Destinations
Our Exclusive Ragusa and Syracuse Wine Tour includes bed and breakfast accommodation at the charming Baglio Occhipinti and the luxurious 5* Ortea Palace Hotel in Syracuse. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or require any further information; we work with a wide range of hotels in all of our featured regions, therefore we are happy to look at alternatives, if there is a hotel that you would prefer.
Baglio Occhipinti – Ragusa Countryside
Baglio Occhipinti is a family-owned wine estate in the Ragusa countryside which has been lovingly transformed into a charming hotel. You will be personally welcomed by the Occhipinti family and enjoy the slow pace of living surrounded by nature and beauty.
Vines and olive trees have covered the Southeast of Sicily for centuries since the Greeks settled in the region. The farmhouse at Baglio Occhipinti dates from the 17th Century and has been transformed into a luxurious guesthouse where visitors are immersed into the beauty of their surroundings and enjoy a refined and romantic setting, excellent wine and healthy locally produced organic food.
Location
The Baglio Occhipinti Estate is spread over ten hectares of Ragusa countryside right in the heart of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wine region. Guests can see the transformation of the Estate over the centuries through the open-air limestone pits which were originally used to collect must and the ancient Palmento building (where the grapes were made into juice).
Facilities
Baglio Occhipinti offers exceptional service and attention to detail. The pool is surrounded by an orange grove and is the perfect spot to relax during the day and enjoy a late afternoon apéritif. The gardens at Baglio Occhipinti are a true delight, enjoy strolling through the rose garden and vegetable gardens and relax under the shade in the citrus grove and olive trees. Dining at the Baglio Occhipinti is designed to be a relaxing experience – expect a 6-course gastronomic journey prepared with only local produce and paired with the estate’s wines. Meals are served outside or in the beautiful, ancient Palmento.
Rooms
With just 12 rooms, the Baglio Occhipinti is the epitome of charm. The rooms are housed inside the Manor House and in the ancient buildings of the Baglio which have been converted and successfully combine respect for the tradition of the estate with a uniquely luxurious focus on quality furniture and precious works of art. The thick stone walls of the buildings keep the rooms cool in the height of summer and the emphasis on the simple pleasures in life is emphasised by the decision to replace televisions and minibars in the rooms with fresh water and a wine cellar stocked with a selection of wines produced on the Baglio Estate and the local area.
Ortea Place Luxury Hotel, Syracuse
The Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel is a magnificent 1920’s Palace, which for many years housed the Syracuse Post Office. Located in the city centre, the hotel overlooks the charming Porto Piccolo of the island of Ortigia. A stay here is more than just a holiday, it is a journey into elegance and history.
Location
Ideally located just steps from the city’s most important historical sights and close to bars, cafés, restaurants and shops with views over Porto Piccolo and the gulf of Ortigia.
Facilities
The Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel is a haven for foodies and wine lovers. The Courtyard Bistro offers traditional cuisine such as Pasta a la Norma or mediterranean tuna that combine the best of Sicilian cuisine with the creativity of the chef. The restaurant is chic and elegant, and the service is excellent.
There are two bars at the hotel, The Champagnette bar serves exclusive cocktails and is the ideal meeting point for early evening aperitifs whilst the La Cantina cellar bar, located a few metres below sea level, is home to over 200 Sicilian, National and International wines. Excellently air-conditioned, it also offers guests the opportunity to take part in small, guided wine and food tastings. Cooking classes are also offered at the hotel.
The Spa at The Ortea Palace is the ideal place for absolute relaxation and features a Finnish sauna, hammam, whirlpool and an indoor saltwater pool. Spa treatments are available upon reservation and there is also a 24-hour fitness centre, hairdressers, makeup room and a fashion boutique.
Rooms
The 75 luxury rooms and suites at the hotel all have views of the Porto Piccolo and the Gulf of Ortigia. The Junior suites and Suites also have private balconies perfect for enjoying beautiful sunsets over the sea of Ortigia. The Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel has a classic appeal and elegance thanks to luxurious furnishings and carpets from Zanaboni Milano, a marble stairway and marble floors, two incredibly impressive chandeliers made of Murano crystal, and numerous priceless antiques.
