AN EMPEROR’S HIDEAWAY

Discover the dream island of Capri and soak up its magical atmosphere on a full-day excursion from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

Ravishing landscapes, limpid waters, glorious sunshine and tempting cuisine have long attracted writers, artists, philosophers and rulers to this Mediterranean haven. For over 2,000 years Capri has mesmerized travellers with its extraordinary allure. Indeed the island’s first tourists were the ancient Romans, drawn to its shores in search of beauty and tranquillity. Roman aristocrats and emperors would reach Sorrento on horseback or by carriage, then sail nine miles to Capri to escape the summer heat and relax away from the pressing demands and duties of the Caput Mundi. After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Capri was gradually abandoned and repeatedly sacked by the Arabs and corsairs throughout the Middle Ages. It was only in the mid-1700s that the island began to regain its well-deserved fame thanks to the renewed interest in the region of Campania aroused by the fascinating findings unearthed in Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1826 the rediscovery of a natural wonder, the Blue Grotto, enhanced the island’s appeal leading Capri to become one of the most sought after destinations for generations of Grand Tour travellers in the 19th century. Capri’s popularity as a peaceful Mediterranean retreat and glamorous meeting spot is still unrivalled today. Discover why on this treasure island spree.

You will meet your private guide and chauffeur at your accommodation, drive to the harbour and catch the ferry to Capri. Upon arrival take the funicular up to the tiny world-famous Piazzetta which is surrounded by busy cafes and overlooked by its characteristic clock tower. From the square, enjoy an uphill walk to the island’s most striking archaeological site. Here, atop a cliff, lie the crumbling ruins of Villa Jovis, the palace once occupied by Roman Emperor Tiberius. For ten years, from 27 to 37 AD, the fate of the empire was decided on this very spot. Today the impressive remains of stone walls, arches and cisterns still stand as evidence of the former magnificence of this residence and attest to the ingenuity and remarkable engineering skills of yesteryear’s builders. Your guide will lead you through the excavations, pointing out the most noteworthy features of the remains, and explain how Tiberius spent his time in this luxury hideaway. Among other pursuits, he is said to have cleared the stage of dissenters by hurling them from the top of the cliff into the swirling rocky waters below.

After some time at leisure for lunch, rejoin your guide and reach the island’s upper village, Anacapri. Here enjoy an exhilarating chairlift ride up to the summit of Mount Solaro, soaring 589 meters above the sea, and feast your eyes on the spellbinding panorama stretching all the way to the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Before returning to Marina Grande, depending on queues, sea and weather conditions, you might want to take a peek inside the Blue Grotto, the island’s best-known natural attraction, named after the blue light that reverberates inside this splendid sea cave. Sunlight filters through an underwater cavity creating a dazzling azure glow that must have enchanted early Roman visitors just as it still does today. In ancient times this was one of Emperor Tiberius’ favourite haunts. He chose the Blue Grotto as his private swimming pool and turned it into a marine temple, embellishing the cave with several statues of sea gods. For centuries the grotto was thought to be inhabited by evil spirits and all in the area steered well clear of it whereas now it is a marvel in which everyone delights – high tides permitting. Jump aboard a small rowing boat, duck your head, glide through the low cave opening and you will find yourself in another world.

Catch the return ferry to Naples or the Amalfi Coast in the afternoon. Your private chauffeur will be waiting at the port ready to drive you back to your accommodation after a day packed with such unbelievably fantastic sights you might find yourself wondering if it really happened.