A dreamy visit to Capri

MAR

A dreamy visit to Capri

By Dana McMahan
If your travel plans include a visit to idyllic Capri, you may be considering a trip to the Blue Grotto. Rather than loading yourself onto a tourist-laden boat, why not try a half-day private boat trip around the entire island? You can stop and swim at any of the innumerable grottos around the island and avoid the crush at the most famous one.

Last summer my husband and I, along with another couple, did just that. We booked a three-hour tour through CapriTime -- the package, priced at 175 euros, included a boat captain/guide, snacks and drinks (Coke and wine).

Though it would have cost less to see the Blue Grotto (about 16 euros each) we would have been herded in and out in minutes.

The Blue Grotto is one of the best-known natural sights of the region, although the way passengers are hustled in and out of it makes it a tourist trap. --Frommers

Our relaxing tour took in several grottos, each more spectacular than the last. These sea caves with partially submerged openings feature brilliantly hued water in shades of emerald, turquise and and amethyst. Some are large enough to swim in and if you're lucky your boat captain will instruct you to jump out of the boat then pick you up on the other side. Don't bother asking for life jackets -- you'll get a laugh in return. Cruising past the crowds bobbing up and down as they waited to pile into smaller boats for the minute in the Blue Grotto we congratulated ourselves for avoiding the hassle.

Plan to pick up some panini ahead of time in the village. Three euros gets you a monstrous Caprese sandwich bursting with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. Drifting along in your own wooden boat under the Mediterranean sun as you sip wine and munch this summery sandwich is about as close to heaven as it gets.

Find out about CapriTime Tours or Capri Relax, another group offering Capri boat tours.

Learn about the Blue Grotto.

TAGS: boat capri grotto italy mediterranean

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

Gunner and Bud's Mom said:

Chas was JUST saying the other day that this 'tour' was probably the best memory he has of our trip. It was absolutely spectacular and if you think about it's just under 90 Euros per couple - and 45Euros per person. So you're really only spending about another 30 Euros for an unprecedented lifetime memory. OH - and BTW - I was just thinking the other day that this was the BEST Caprese sandwich EVER!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! And Luigi was the absolute best!

Posted at 12:31 AM, on April 4 2008

A dreamy visit to Capri

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