REVIEW · CAPRI ISLAND TOURS
Tour of Capri and Anacapri with chairlift
One day, two worlds on Capri. This tour is built for people who want the big hits without doing lots of planning: a port-side start, a guided island boat loop, time in Anacapri and Capri center, and an included ride up to Monte Solaro. I like the tight structure, because it gets you from the coast to the viewpoint without wasting half the day figuring out buses. I also like that Augustus Gardens is part of the deal, giving you a classic Faraglioni view without extra ticket hunting. The main drawback to consider is weather, since the day depends on good conditions for the chairlift and the boat portion.
Guides run this as a small-group experience, up to 20 travelers, and they speak English, Spanish, and Italian. In the best runs, it feels organized and efficient, and you spend more time looking at Capri than waiting around.
Key Points You Should Know Before You Go
- Monte Solaro chairlift is included, so your best viewpoint option is already paid for
- You get both Anacapri and Capri town, instead of only one side of the island
- Augustus Gardens is included, with the iconic Faraglioni viewpoint
- The boat ride and Blue Grotto cost extra, even though the day is designed around them
- Max 20 travelers means the day usually feels manageable
- Weather matters, and plans may shift if conditions are rough
Price and What You Really Get for $115.24
At $115.24 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, the value is mostly about focus. You are paying for guided logistics across the island, plus admission to Augustus Gardens, and the Monte Solaro chairlift ride.
What is not included is important. The day is designed to include a boat experience (often described as caves and bays), but the boat ride itself is listed at €25. The Blue Grotto is also a separate €42 add-on. If you want both, your total day spend will climb. If you only want the chairlift and viewpoints, the cost still makes sense because those are the time-consuming parts to arrange on your own.
The other big value factor is group size. With a maximum of 20 people, you are less likely to feel like you are trapped in a school bus, especially during viewpoint stops where space is limited.
Meeting Point at Capri Marina Grande, 10:30 AM
You meet at Port of Capri Marina Grande, 10:30 AM, at Bar Gabbiano Internet Cafe, Pier 23.
That detail matters more than you might think, because Capri can be confusing when you are trying to locate a specific pier or storefront. I would treat this like an airport meet: show up early, know the exact address details, and have a screenshot of the meeting point saved offline.
One more timing note: the ferry ride between Naples and Capri is about 1 hour each way. If your schedule starts in Naples, plan your morning so you can comfortably reach Capri Marina Grande and still arrive calm at the meeting point.
How the Day Moves: Boat, Anacapri Village, and Back to Capri Town

This tour follows an efficient loop of the island. The idea is simple: start with water views, then head uphill for Anacapri, and finish back in Capri center for the classic promenades and viewpoints.
The flow you can expect is:
1) A boat portion around the island area (boat ride cost is listed separately)
2) Time in Anacapri, including village strolling and the Monte Solaro chairlift
3) Later, a return toward Capri center, with key sights like the Piazzetta area
4) A stop at Augustus Gardens for the Faraglioni view
You get local transport, so you are not responsible for finding the right bus from stop to stop. That is a genuine perk on Capri, where routes are limited and walking up and down the hills can wear you out fast.
The Boat Portion: Caves and Bays, Plus an Add-On Price
The day is built around an island boat ride described as a tour of caves and bays lasting about an hour. However, the boat ride itself is listed as €25, so you should treat it as a planned add-on rather than something automatically included in your base ticket.
If you do buy it, this is the portion that helps you understand Capri’s shape. From the sea, the island is all dramatic rock faces, coves, and the kind of views that flat-land sightseeing cannot replace. Also, if you are coming for one day only, a boat loop is the quickest way to get that “I get Capri” feeling.
Two practical notes. First, boat departures are weather-sensitive. Second, if you are the kind of traveler who hates adding costs, decide in advance if the boat is worth the €25 for you, because the Blue Grotto is another optional €42 later.
Anacapri: Small Village Time and the Monte Solaro Chairlift
Anacapri is where Capri feels more local. You will have time to stroll the small village, slow down, and take in the island from a different angle than Capri center.
The big highlight here is the chairlift to Monte Solaro, which is included. Even if you do not do much hiking, the chairlift gets you quickly to a viewpoint area where the panorama does the talking.
One of the best pieces of feedback I saw emphasized how helpful the guide was during chairlift timing. In one standout experience, the guide adjusted the day because of rain, and still got the group to the summit portion. That tells me the operator pays attention to weather windows, and the day is not just a rigid checklist.
When you are up at Monte Solaro, wear the right shoes. The viewpoint areas can involve short walks on uneven ground, and you will likely want to move around for the best sightlines.
Capri Town, Piazzetta Area, and Augustus Gardens
After Anacapri, you head back toward Capri center, which is where the island’s social heart sits. You will pass through the small alleys with luxury boutiques and make it to the Piazzetta area. This is not for everyone, but if you want to see what everyone means when they talk about Capri’s center, it is a quick, high-impact stop.
Then comes Augustus Gardens, included. This is one of those spots where you do not need a full explanation. You walk the pathways, orient yourself, and suddenly Faraglioni looks like it belongs in a postcard. The gardens are also a smart rest stop because the pace slows down and the view gives you a reason to stop.
A note on expectations: Capri center can be busy, especially in peak season. The upside is that Augustus Gardens gives you a way to see the island at a more scenic angle, not just through crowds and shopfronts.
Included vs Not Included: Plan Your Budget Like a Pro
Here is how I would think about costs before you go:
Included in your tour price:
- Augustus Gardens
- Visit of Anacapri
- Visit of Capri (including the center area you are guided through)
- Local transport
- Guide in English, Spanish, Italian
- Chair lift (Monte Solaro)
Not included:
- Boat ride €25
- Blue Grotto €42
- Lunch
- Tips
What this means for you: your base price buys you the guided island routing and the chairlift plus one key admission stop. If you are a viewpoint-first traveler, you might stop there and still feel like you got your money’s worth. If you want water cave experiences, budget for the boat portion and consider Blue Grotto carefully, because it is a second paid stop.
Also, bring cash or a card for the add-ons, since you cannot count on every expense being handled the same way.
Weather, Scheduling, and Why Timing Can Matter
This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
But even when it is not fully canceled, weather can still change the day. In at least one experience, rain affected plans for the chairlift segment, and the guide worked around it. That is a sign you should be flexible. If you are the type who hates schedule changes, you will want to keep your expectations realistic on Capri, where clouds can roll in fast.
If you want the best day, pick a date with the most stable forecast you can find. Also, dress for cool-to-windy conditions up top near Monte Solaro, because that is where many people feel the temperature difference.
Guides, Group Size, and How the Day Feels
Small group size, up to 20 travelers, can make a big difference in a place like Capri. You are not stuck waiting forever at every stop.
Guides also seem to be a major strength. I saw multiple mentions of guides who were on time and organized. Names like Fabrizio and Dominic show up in feedback, and the consistent theme is confidence moving between ferry, bus, boat, and chairlift connections.
That matters because Capri is all about transitions. If a guide is good at getting you from one mode of transport to the next, you spend your day seeing rather than queuing.
Who This Tour Is Best For
I think this works best if you fit one of these profiles:
- You want to see Capri and Anacapri in one day without renting or driving
- You care about viewpoints, especially the Monte Solaro chairlift and Augustus Gardens
- You like a guided day with enough structure to prevent decision fatigue
- You are comfortable paying for a couple optional extras like the boat and Blue Grotto
It may be less ideal if you want a completely independent day with no set meeting point, or if you hate add-on costs. Since the boat and Blue Grotto are separate, your final spend depends on what you choose.
Should You Book This Capri and Anacapri Tour With Chairlift?
I would book it if you want a well-shaped day that hits the essentials, especially Monte Solaro plus Augustus Gardens, and you do not want to manage inter-island logistics on your own. The $115.24 price is reasonable when you consider the included chairlift and admission, plus the guided transport across two parts of the island.
I would think twice if you are very cost sensitive and know you will skip both optional boat and Blue Grotto, because the remaining day is still worthwhile but the add-ons often shape the overall value. Also, if your travel dates are tight and weather is a big risk for you, keep in mind the day depends on good conditions.
If you do book, do one thing that pays off immediately: confirm your exact start instructions after booking, arrive early at Pier 23 near Bar Gabbiano Internet Cafe, and be ready to adapt if the weather shifts.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point and what time?
You meet at Port of Capri Marina Grande at 10:30 AM at Bar Gabbiano Internet Cafe, Pier 23.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.
What is included?
Included: Augustus Gardens, visits of Anacapri and Capri, local transport, a guide (English, Spanish, Italian), and the Monte Solaro chairlift.
Is the boat ride included?
No. The boat ride is listed as an additional cost of €25.
Is the Blue Grotto included?
No. The Blue Grotto is listed as an additional cost of €42.
Do I get access to the Monte Solaro chairlift?
Yes. The chairlift to Monte Solaro is included.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.
Do I need good weather?
Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
Is there a mobile ticket, and are service animals allowed?
Yes, this experience uses a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed.
More Tour Reviews in Capri
- Capri: Island Boat Trip with Grottos★ 4.3 · 4,923 reviews
- Capri: Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop★ 4.1 · 2,071 reviews
- Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and Limoncello★ 5.0 · 1,114 reviews
- Capri: Island and Grottos Boat Cruise with Snacks and Drinks★ 4.4 · 910 reviews
- From Sorrento: Day Trip to Capri with Blue Grotto★ 4.6 · 886 reviews
The Upper Side of Capri
- From Naples: Capri, Anacapri, and Blue Grotto Full-Day Trip★ 4.8 · 711 reviews
- From Sorrento: Day Trip to Capri & Anacapri with Blue Grotto★ 4.5 · 127 reviews
- Small Group Tour to Blue Grotto, Anacapri and Capri★ 5.0 · 115 reviews
- Capri and Anacapri Guided Tour with Limoncello Tasting from Capri★ 4.0 · 104 reviews
- Capri: Guided Capri and Anacapri Experience★ 4.0 · 93 reviews
Another Capri Day
- Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and Limoncello★ 5.0 · 1,114 reviews
- From Naples: Boat Tour to Capri Island with Aperitiv★ 4.7 · 153 reviews
- From Sorrento: Day Trip to Capri & Anacapri with Blue Grotto★ 4.5 · 127 reviews
- Capri and Anacapri Guided Tour with Limoncello Tasting from Capri★ 4.0 · 104 reviews
- Capri: Guided Capri and Anacapri Experience★ 4.0 · 93 reviews
More ways into Capri Island Tours.
★ 5.0Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and LimoncelloFrom $1071,114 reviews
★ 4.5Small Group Boat Day Excursion to Capri Island from SorrentoFrom $131926 reviews
★ 4.9Capri Island Boat Day Trip With TransferFrom $123762 reviews
★ 4.7Capri Island Day Trip with Boat CruiseFrom $164469 reviews
★ 4.6From Sorrento/Nerano: Capri Island Cruise with Guide OnboardFrom $75439 reviews
★ 5.0Private Capri Island and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or SorrentoFrom $604311 reviews
★ 4.5Full Day Capri Island Cruise from Praiano, Positano or AmalfiFrom $187255 reviews
★ 4.0Shared Capri & Anacapri Full-Day Tour from SorrentoFrom $141206 reviews
Other useful routes from here
