Capri Excursions with Student Tour Groups
One of Italy's Most Picturesque Islands Offers Many Experiences
Mar 22, 2009
Many tours of Italy, particularly those that center around or end at Rome, include two or more days in Sorrento, located south of Naples. From Sorrento, visitors can spend an afternoon in the Pompeii ruins as well as a full day on the Isle of Capri. Accessible from Sorrento as well as Naples, Capri is one of the best one-day excursions for student tour groups. Spectacular views, affordable dining, shopping, and history make Capri a destination well worth including.
An Itinerary for Student Tours Visiting Capri
In almost every case, local guides will escort student groups through Capri, meeting them at the marina. Arriving in Capri early allows visitors to experience as much of the island as possible. Visitors can take the funicular railway to the Piazzetta to begin a walking tour of Capri or opt for mini buses that will take visitors to the chair lifts that take visitors to the summit of Mount Solaro.
A one-day visit to Capri usually cannot accommodate both a visit to the summit and a brief cruise along the island after lunch. A visit to the summit is best planned when the waters are rough, eliminating the cruise option altogether.
The Piazzetta is the chief focal point of Capri, surrounded by a number of restaurants to fit any budget. It should be noted, however, that restaurants facing the marina below tend to be more moderately priced than those in Capri itself. The walking tour begins at the Piazzetta, which is also the meeting point at the end of the tour.
The winding main street takes visitors past some of the finest shops selling everything from exquisite leather products to Rolex watches and fine jewelry. Bakeries and small restaurants line the street. Within minutes of the Piazzetta, the Carthusia Perfume factory store is a favorite with student groups. Another favorite shop is Canfora, featuring custom-made Capri sandals. A sandal shop is also located across from the marina below. Students can opt to order their sandals before riding up to Capri and picking them up before departure to the mainland.
Cruises and Swimming at Capri
Cruises to the famous Capri “Blue Grotto” must be pre-booked well in advance of the visit. Groups interested in this experience should let their tour providers know long before arriving in Italy. Brief cruises lasting two hours depart from the marina regularly. Guides highlight the history of Capri, including its popularity with ancient Roman aristocracy; Tiberius had a villa in Capri and the island boasts several ruins from the Roman period.
After reaching the famous Faraglioni rocks, ships return to the marina. In most cases, there will be enough time for last minute shopping or enjoying the beach. The Capri beach adjacent to the marina is rocky and students should be prepared for this.
Why Capri is a Good Student-Oriented Excursion
Most students have short attention spans. Whether visiting the Vatican Museums or Pompeii, most students are ready to leave after two hours. The variety of experiences at Capri fits this mentality well. A visit to Capri allows students to move quickly from one experience to another yet all taking place on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. In most cases, students rank Capri as their best experience in Italy.
Note: this writer has led several student tours to Capri.
 |
 |
 |
 |
