Capri, Anacapri & Blue Grotto: Small-Group Tour from Sorrento

Exploring the island of Capri becomes effortless with this comprehensive small-group tour from Sorrento. Priced at $172.86 per person, it offers a full-day experience that combines land excursions with a shared ferry ride, all led by an expert local guide. The tour covers iconic sights like the Blue Grotto, Anacapri, and Capri’s main square, La Piazzetta, making it a practical choice for those wanting to see the highlights without the hassle of planning logistics. With a duration of approximately 8 hours, this tour is suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of walking, scenic views, and cultural exploration, though it requires moderate physical fitness and is not ideal for those with mobility issues.

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, it’s important to note that food and drinks are not included and tickets for the chairlift to Monte Solaro are an additional cost. The group size maxes out at 22, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere, and the advance booking window of 60 days suggests high demand. This tour stands out for its expert guide, who shares engaging insights, and the inclusion of Blue Grotto tickets, making it both convenient and informative.

Key Points

• Cost and Duration: Priced at $172.86 per person for 8 hours, this tour balances land and sea activities.
• Blue Grotto Experience: Includes tickets for the Blue Grotto visit, with an alternative boat tour if weather prevents entry.
• Landmarks Visited: Stops include Anacapri, Mount Solaro (optional) via chairlift, and the busy Piazzetta di Capri.
• Transport Logistics: Shared ferry roundtrip from Sorrento, shuttle buses around the island, and pick-up/drop-off at Sorrento’s main port.
• Highlights of the Guide: Luigi and other guides are praised for going above and beyond, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness needed; tour not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Start at Marina Piccola and Cross to Capri

The journey begins at Marina Piccola outside Hotel Il Faro in Sorrento, where you board a shared fast ferry to Capri. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Bay of Naples and sets the tone for a day filled with captivating sights. The main port of Capri, Marina Grande, is where your adventure officially starts, providing a lively gateway with plenty of local flavor.

Once on the island, your guide leads you to your first destination, the Blue Grotto. This iconic sea cave is accessed by a shuttle bus to a small boat, which takes visitors through a narrow opening at water level. The Blue Grotto visit lasts about an hour and is included in the tour fee. Weather conditions can affect this stop, but the tour offers a shared boat ride as a backup, ensuring you still experience the island’s stunning coastline.

Exploring Anacapri: Quiet Charm and Panoramic Views

After the Blue Grotto, the tour moves to Anacapri, the quieter western half of Capri. Here, visitors have two hours to explore at leisure, with options to stroll through the charming streets or dine at a local eatery (lunch is not included). The town offers a glimpse into traditional island life away from the crowds of the main square.

A highlight in Anacapri is the chairlift to Mount Solaro. Though tickets are not included, it remains a popular activity for panoramic views of the island and surrounding seas. The chairlift ride takes about an hour and offers breathtaking vistas, weather permitting.

The Vibrant Piazzetta di Capri and Shopping Time

Next, the tour takes you via shuttle bus to Capri’s famous main square, La Piazzetta, where you spend around two hours. This lively square is the heart of Capri, with bustling cafes, high-end boutiques, and a vibrant atmosphere. The guide provides a walking tour, and visitors have time for shopping and soaking in the lively ambiance of Capri’s social hub.

Ending the Day at Marina Grande and Return to Sorrento

After exploring the Piazzetta, you return to Marina Grande by shuttle bus, where you can enjoy some free time or relax before boarding the ferry back to Sorrento. The return ferry ride offers more scenic views, rounding out a full day of exploration.

The tour concludes back at Marina Piccola in Sorrento, with approximately 30 minutes allocated for the final stop before heading back to the starting point. The entire experience wraps up within the 8-hour timeframe and includes all ferry tickets and Blue Grotto admission.

Practical Details and What’s Not Included

The tour includes roundtrip ferry tickets, transportation around the island, and a knowledgeable local guide. Food and drinks, however, are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred lunch spot. The optional chairlift to Mount Solaro requires an extra ticket, which is not part of the standard package.

The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness; it involves walking and some uphill terrain. It is not suitable for visitors with mobility problems. The tour’s small-group size (max 22) ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Luigi and other guides are highly praised for their insightful storytelling and going above and beyond to make the day special. Their knowledge helps visitors understand the significance of each site, from the Blue Grotto to La Piazzetta. While the crowds on the island can be busy, the guide’s expertise helps navigate the sightseeing efficiently.

The pace of the tour balances sightseeing time with moments to relax and soak in the views. The Blue Grotto can occasionally be affected by weather, but the alternative boat ride ensures the coastline is still appreciated.

Suitability and Final Advice

This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy a mix of land and sea activities, scenic vistas, and cultural sights but prefer not to organize transport and tickets themselves. It’s ideal for those seeking a guided experience with local insights.

Because food is not included, consider bringing snacks or planning a meal at leisure in Capri. The moderate walking involved makes it suitable for most visitors in good health, but those with mobility challenges should consider alternative options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include a boat ride around Capri?
This tour does not feature a full boat tour of Capri. It includes a shared boat ride to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), but the overall exploration is land-based with some sea views.

What is the cost for the chairlift to Mount Solaro?
The chairlift tickets are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately if you wish to reach Mount Solaro’s panoramic summit.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. The tour provides sufficient free time in Capri’s main square for you to enjoy a meal or refreshments on your own.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility problems due to walking and uphill terrain involved. Moderate fitness is required.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?
If weather or sea conditions prevent access to the Blue Grotto, the tour offers a shared boat ride around the island as an alternative sightseeing experience.

This small-group tour from Sorrento delivers a well-rounded day exploring Capri’s most famous sights, with the convenience of organized transport and expert guidance. Its blend of sea excursions and land explorations makes it a practical choice for those eager to experience Capri without the hassle of separate bookings or navigation.