Capri Deluxe Tour: Private Boat, Mt. Solaro & Piazzetta

Summary

Capri’s grottos, secret gardens and sunlit piazzas by sea and land

You’ll circle Capri by private boat past glowing grottos and limestone arches before exploring on land with a local guide. Ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro for sweeping views, wander Villa San Michele’s gardens, and snack on a caprese sandwich in La Piazzetta. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter and real island flavor.

What’s the experience like?

I almost lost my hat to the wind as our boat zipped away from Sorrento — should’ve listened to Paola, our guide, when she said to hold on tight. There’s this salty tang in the air that hits you before you even see Capri’s cliffs. I’d heard about the Blue Grotto but didn’t expect the water inside to glow like that — it’s almost fake-looking, but then you hear everyone go quiet and it feels real again. We drifted through the Faraglioni arch (the “Arch of Love,” Paola winked), which made me laugh because my partner nearly ducked for no reason at all.

Once we landed, there was this sudden switch from sea breeze to warm stone underfoot. The private van took us winding up towards Villa San Michele — Axel Munthe’s old place — where the gardens smelled like lemon leaves and something floral I couldn’t name. The view from there just sort of empties your mind for a minute; you can see all the way back toward Naples if it’s clear. The chairlift up Monte Solaro is slow and creaky in a comforting way. I tried not to drop my camera while looking down at tiny roofs and bright blue patches of sea.

Lunch wasn’t included but Paola insisted we grab a caprese sandwich from this grocery near La Piazzetta (“fresh mozzarella or nothing,” she said). She was right — still thinking about that first bite, tomato juice running down my wrist while people-watching in the square. The Gardens of Augustus were crowded but somehow peaceful too; everyone just sort of pauses at those cliff-edge views. By late afternoon, my feet hurt but I didn’t really want to leave Capri yet — maybe because it felt like we’d seen so many sides of it in one day trip from Sorrento.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Capri by sea and land

• Boat ride through sea grottos
• Pass Faraglioni Rocks and Arch of Love
• Visit Villa San Michele and gardens
• Ride chairlift to Mt. Solaro
• Walk through Caesar Augustus Gardens
• Stroll La Piazzetta square
• Enjoy free time shopping and exploring

Top questions

How long does the Capri Deluxe Tour take from Sorrento?

The tour is a full-day experience including round-trip transport by hydrofoil and guided activities on Capri.

Is hotel pickup included for this Capri day trip?

The tour includes round-trip transportation to Capri by hydrofoil; check with your provider for specific pickup details.

Are entrance fees included at Villa San Michele or Mt. Solaro?

Entry and chairlift are included as part of your guided itinerary once on Capri.

Is lunch provided during the Capri Deluxe Tour?

No formal lunch is included; guides recommend grabbing a caprese sandwich locally to maximize exploration time.

What language does the guide speak on this tour?

A personal English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the day.

Can infants join this Capri tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this tour visit both land and sea attractions on Capri?

Yes, you’ll explore by private boat (grottos, Faraglioni) and visit major sights on land (Villa San Michele, Monte Solaro).

How big are groups on this deluxe Capri day trip?

The group size is small and intimate; minimum numbers apply for shared tours.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hydrofoil transport from Sorrento (or Positano/Amalfi), an English-speaking local guide throughout, a private vehicle for getting around Capri itself, plus your own private boat for exploring sea caves and coastline highlights before returning in the evening.