Full Day Tour from Sorrento to Capri and Anacapri

If you’re eyeing a day trip from Sorrento to explore the stunning islands of Capri and Anacapri, this full-day tour might catch your eye. It promises a mix of guided sightseeing, scenic views, and some free time to soak in the island’s beauty. As someone who’s spent a lot of time traveling around Italy’s coastlines, I think these tours are a fantastic way to get a taste of Capri without the hassle of planning every detail yourself—though, like anything, they come with their quirks.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it combines organized guided visits—like the historic sites in Anacapri and the Piazzetta in Capri—with ample free time for you to explore or relax. The scenic boat ride on the hydrofoil really sets the tone for a day filled with stunning vistas, and the included transportation makes navigating the busy ports a breeze. That said, a potential snag is that the tour doesn’t include entrance fees for some key attractions, so you’ll be prepared for extra costs if you want to visit sites like Villa San Michele or Mount Solaro.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want to see the highlights without spending too much time organizing logistics or spending a fortune on private arrangements. If you’re okay with a jam-packed schedule and the possibility of paying extra for some experiences, this tour offers a solid way to experience Capri’s famed beauty and charm.

Key Points

• Scenic hydrofoil ride to Capri sets a memorable tone for the day.
• Guided tours of Anacapri’s historic sites and Capri’s main attractions.
• Free time in both Anacapri and Capri to explore independently.
• Price point is reasonable compared to private excursions, but some extras are paid locally.
• Group size is capped at 30 travelers, which balances camaraderie and comfort.
• Not included are entrance fees and meals, so budget accordingly.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a balanced mixture of guided sightseeing and leisure, ideal if you want a taste of Capri’s highlights without the need to navigate public transport or book multiple tickets. Starting early from Sorrento, you’ll hop on a hydrofoil for a quick 40-minute ride across the water—an experience that’s often as scenic as the island itself. The excitement of setting sail early in the morning helps you beat the crowds and makes the most of your day.

Once arriving in Marina Grande, the main port of Capri, you’ll hop onto a shuttle bus that whisks you off to Anacapri. The short 20-minute ride sets the stage for exploring a quieter, more rural side of the island. This part of the trip is heavily centered around the historic and tranquil town of Anacapri, where you’ll get to walk through charming streets, visit the Church of San Michele, and see Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele if you choose to pay the entrance fee. Many travelers mention the guided tour here as a highlight, with some feeling the guide’s knowledge really made the experience more meaningful.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include entrance fees—so if the Villa San Michele or the chairlift to Mount Solaro appeal to you, expect to pay extra on the spot. The trip’s reviews reflect mixed experiences here. For example, one reviewer from September 2024 called the Anacapri and chairlift experience “awesome,” praising the guide and the scenery, but also mentioned how lines can cut into your time.

Exploring Anacapri

The short stay in Anacapri is an excellent opportunity to see a different side of the island—more peaceful and traditional than the bustling Capri town. Many travelers enjoy wandering the streets, shopping for local crafts, or grabbing a bite at a local café with views of the surrounding hills. If you’re interested in taking the Seggiovia (chairlift), this can be an exciting addition, offering sweeping vistas from Mount Solaro—though again, that’s an extra cost. Be prepared for possible queues, as some reviews mention long lines and limited time at the top.

The guided walk here is likely to include key historic sites and a chance to appreciate the rural landscape, which feels worlds away from the glamour of Capri’s main town. We loved the way the guide in one review was described as “excellent,” adding depth and context that you might not get exploring alone.

Capri’s Highlights

After leaving Anacapri, you’ll head to Capri itself, the star of this trip. The guide will take you on a walk through the famous Piazzetta, a vibrant hub full of cafes and lively chatter, perfect for people-watching. From there, visits to the Gardens of Augustus or the Saint James’ Charterhouse are optional, depending on your interest and timing. The walk up Via Camerelle to Belvedere Tragara offers some of the most iconic views—think dramatic Faraglioni rocks towering out of the sea—perfect for photos.

The free time in Capri is a true highlight, allowing you to explore on your own. Whether you want to window-shop in luxury boutiques, enjoy an espresso in a piazza, or just soak up the scenery, you’ll have around two hours here. Many reviews note how the stunning views and photo ops make this part of the tour worthwhile, even if the time is somewhat limited.

One reviewer from September 2024 mentioned that the long lines and limited time at the top of Mount Solaro meant they didn’t get as much out of their visit as they hoped. This highlights that, while the tour covers the main sights, it’s still a quick glimpse rather than an in-depth exploration.

Returning to Sorrento

As the day winds down, you’ll meet back at Marina Grande for your ferry ride back to Sorrento. The return trip offers one last chance to enjoy the sea breeze and views, rounding out a day packed with scenery and sightseeing. The last ferry typically returns in the late afternoon, so be prepared for a full but satisfying day.

The tour ends back at the starting point in Sorrento, making logistics straightforward. The entire experience lasts around 8 hours—an energetic day, but manageable if you’re prepared for the schedule.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a lot of what most travelers want: scenic boat rides, guided visits to key sites, and free time to explore. The price—about $137 per person—compares favorably to private options, though some reviewers say it can feel a bit rushed, especially at popular spots. Entrance fees for attractions like Villa San Michele or Mount Solaro are extra, so budget for those if they interest you.

The boat ride, combined with guided tours, tends to be a crowd-pleaser, and many travelers rave about their guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Still, some mention that the itinerary doesn’t always follow the schedule perfectly, with extra activities at additional costs and limited time at certain stops.

For those who value flexibility, scenic beauty, and a well-organized day that covers the main highlights, this trip could work well. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or detailed exploration, you might want to consider other options or add some extra time on your own.

Practicalities and Tips

• Book early: The tour is quite popular and often booked 2+ months in advance.
• Bring cash: Entrance fees and optional activities like Mount Solaro are paid locally.
• Be prepared for walking: Some sites involve walking or standing for extended periods, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
• Pack light: You’ll be carrying only essentials during free time, and the ferry ride can be windy.
• Timing is tight: Expect a busy schedule—if you prefer a slower pace, plan additional days in Capri independently.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Sorrento is a reliable choice for travelers who want a snapshot of Capri’s best sights without the fuss of independent planning. It’s especially good if you enjoy guided walks and scenic boat rides, and if you’re okay with extra costs for certain attractions.

While the itinerary is quite packed and some reviewers find the time at key sites limited, most agree that the highlights—like the views from Belvedere Tragara and the charm of Capri’s Piazzetta—make the day worthwhile. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, adding value through their commentary and local insights.

If your goal is to see the iconic spots of Capri and Anacapri in one manageable day, this tour could be a solid fit. Just go in with flexible expectations about timing and extras, and you’re likely to come away with some lovely memories of your Italian island adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with walking issues? Some parts of the tour involve walking and standing, and the itinerary is quite tight. It might be challenging for those with mobility issues, especially at sites like Mount Solaro or when waiting in lines.

Are entrance fees included? No, most entrance fees—like Villa San Michele, Mount Solaro, or the Augustus Gardens—are paid separately at the site.

How long is the ferry ride? The hydrofoil ride from Sorrento to Capri takes about 40 minutes each way, offering a scenic start and finish to the day.

What should I bring? Carry a small bag with essentials, money for extras, sunscreen, water, and perhaps a hat for sun protection.

Can I visit the Blue Grotto? Not on this tour. The Blue Grotto isn’t included in the itinerary, but you might find time to visit during your free time.

Is the tour family-friendly? While not specifically designed for children, it can work for families with older kids comfortable with walking and busy schedules.

What is the group size? The tour typically limits groups to 30 travelers, balancing group cohesion with comfort.