REVIEW · CAPRI
Capri: DIY Day Trip with Blue Grotto, Funicular & Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Capri Day Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Capri is best when you control the pace. This DIY Capri Day Tour Gold package gives you locked-in tickets and vouchers so you can move independently while still covering the big hits like a Blue Grotto boat stop. You pick your own flow instead of marching to a guide’s clock.
I especially like the combination of the chairlift to Mount Solaro with the free time to roam Capri and Anacapri. And the included 3-course lunch at La Giara Restaurant in Anacapri is the kind of sit-down break that makes the whole day feel doable, not just scenic.
One thing to keep in mind: parts of the day can get slower than planned due to lines and weather, including potential delays around peak transit points like the funicular and possible Blue Grotto cancellations when seas are rough.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- How this DIY Capri Day Tour Gold plan works (and why it feels easier)
- Starting at Motoscafisti Capri Pier: where your day begins
- The boat tour around Capri plus the Blue Grotto stop
- Anacapri by bus: lunch at La Giara and how to use the break
- Mount Solaro by chairlift from Piazza Vittoria: the view payoff
- Capri town free time, then the funicular back to Marina Grande
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for
- Weather, crowds, and the one thing you should plan for
- Who this works for, and who might want a different approach
- Should you book Capri Day Tour Gold?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start?
- Where does the tour end?
- Is the ferry to and from Capri included?
- Is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket included?
- What’s included in the package?
- How do I get from Marina Grande to Anacapri?
- Where do I take the chairlift to Mount Solaro?
- How do I get back down to the port?
- What should I wear or bring?
- Is cancellation possible, and can I pay later?
Key things to know before you go

- DIY timing that still covers the classics: boat stop, Anacapri bus, chairlift, lunch, and funicular.
- Blue Grotto is handled via the boat plan so you can enjoy it as part of a longer coastal loop.
- Mount Solaro chairlift views are the day’s big payoff, with a ride that feels like an event.
- La Giara lunch in Anacapri gives you a real break away from the busiest Capri streets.
- You’ll still navigate transport yourself, so build in buffer time.
How this DIY Capri Day Tour Gold plan works (and why it feels easier)

This is not a guided tour where you’re herded from point to point. It’s a self-guided day that hands you vouchers and tickets so you don’t have to solve ticket queues on your own. The trade-off is simple: you’ll be responsible for timing between pieces, like catching the right bus and planning your transitions between Capri town, Anacapri, and the port.
That independence is exactly what makes Capri more enjoyable. Capri can be crowded, and lines can multiply quickly once tour groups arrive. With this setup, you can adjust your pace on the fly: linger for photos, pause for espresso, or speed up if you’re already close to the next stop.
It’s also built around a smart rhythm: coast views by boat, altitude views by chairlift, then back down for town wandering and an easy return to the harbor via the funicular.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Capri.
Starting at Motoscafisti Capri Pier: where your day begins

Your day begins at Motoscafisti Capri Pier (Dock n. 0), Marina Grande, at Piazza Marinai D’italia 1. The key practical move here is straightforward: go there to claim your package tickets and vouchers. Once you’ve got them in hand, the rest of the day becomes much easier to manage because you’re no longer figuring out what to buy and where.
From this pier area, you’ll board a boat tour of the island with a stop by the Blue Grotto. The practical perk: the waiting is concentrated at the start. You’re not juggling ticket booths later while you’re already stressed and hungry.
Tip that helps: arrive with enough time to get oriented at Marina Grande. If you can, plan your morning so you’re not rushing through the first handoff. That makes the rest of the day feel calm instead of chaotic.
The boat tour around Capri plus the Blue Grotto stop

The highlight on paper is a relaxing boat circuit around Capri with a stop at the world-famous Blue Grotto. In practice, think of this as your best “big views early” move. You’re getting the coastline view while you’re fresh, and you’re ticking off one of Capri’s most recognizable sights without building a whole separate plan around it.
Several details matter:
- The boat ride is reported as about 90 minutes to around 1.2 hours, which is long enough to enjoy the trip but short enough to keep you flexible for the rest of the day.
- Some people note the boat is smaller than expected, which can make the experience feel more personal and less like a cattle drive.
- The skipper experience can make a difference. One captain was praised for navigating conditions during rough surf and wind, which matters because Capri weather isn’t always polite.
About the Blue Grotto itself: the package includes a Blue Grotto stop by boat, but the Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not listed as included. That means your day can include a “see it from the water” moment even if you later decide not to do the interior. Also, if seas are rough or conditions aren’t ideal, the stop can shift or the Blue Grotto may be skipped entirely.
Realistic takeaway: treat the Blue Grotto as a conditional bonus. When conditions cooperate, you’ll likely feel like you nailed a top Capri moment. When they don’t, you won’t be stuck doing nothing—you’ll still have the coastal boat time.
Anacapri by bus: lunch at La Giara and how to use the break

After the boat, the plan takes you to Anacapri by bus from Marina Grande, a few meters after Pier 23. This is one of those Capri logistics you’ll be glad you didn’t have to research. You’re basically swapping the sea ride for mountain town views, and Anacapri feels like the “breathing space” side of the island.
Next up is lunch at La Giara Restaurant in Anacapri. The lunch is described as a traditional 3-course Italian meal and is included in the package. People specifically mention the lunch being plentiful and good value. Some also note drinks were included with the meal (like water/soft drink, plus wine or beer), so you’re not forced into constant add-on spending mid-day.
Why this stop is worth centering in your day: Capri town can tempt you into snack-only grazing while walking. A real lunch resets your energy. It also gives you a change of pace after the boat.
How long to linger after lunch? You’ll feel the difference depending on your style. If you love wandering, you’ll probably want time to stroll Anacapri’s quieter streets before moving on to the chairlift. If you’re more “views first, photos, then move,” you can keep the transition tight.
Mount Solaro by chairlift from Piazza Vittoria: the view payoff

Now comes the big altitude moment: Mount Solaro by chairlift, with departure from Piazza Vittoria. This is one of those Capri experiences that feels different from just walking—because you’re literally lifted above the island’s rooftops and curves.
The chairlift ride is consistently described as a highlight, and the view at the top gets called breathtaking. That’s the real reason to include it: Capri is famous for angles—sea, cliffs, and the way the island folds into itself—and the chairlift is your easiest way to see those angles without spending the whole day hiking.
Timing matters here. The chairlift can have waiting, especially if you arrive later in the morning or around peak departure waves. If you want the smoothest experience, aim to start this section with a calm buffer. If you arrive and there’s a line, use that time wisely—don’t sprint your way from other parts of the day, or you’ll be rushing when you’re already at the fun part.
Also note: the chairlift is only one portion of the Solaro experience. You’ll still need time on top for photos and simply looking. Don’t treat it like a quick elevator moment.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Capri
Capri town free time, then the funicular back to Marina Grande

After Mount Solaro, the day returns to Capri in a couple steps. You take a bus back down from Piazza della Pace in Anacapri to Capri center. Then you take the funicolare down to the Marina Grande port, where ferries depart.
This part of the day is where you’ll feel the island’s “vertical math.” Capri is built on grades and levels, so the funicular makes the return easier. People also report that funicular time can include a short wait—one mention puts it around 15 minutes. It’s not usually a disaster, but it’s a reason to avoid scheduling your last activity to the minute.
Once you’re back near Capri town, you’ll have free time in the historic center. This is where Capri rewards you for not trying to do everything at breakneck speed. Spend your time where you naturally pause—viewpoints, small lanes, and that slow drift between photo spots.
Practical strategy for this final stretch: don’t plan it like a checklist. Plan it like a wander with boundaries. Use the funicular ride and your ferry timing as your anchor points, and let the center fill in the gaps.
One tip that came up clearly in pacing advice: if you start early, you can often get all pieces in and still have time to wander before your return transport. A commonly suggested goal is finishing around 5pm if you begin early enough.
Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $152.93 per person, the value comes from bundling several high-demand Capri elements that are annoying to stitch together yourself: boat time with the Blue Grotto stop, bus transfers between Marina Grande and Anacapri, chairlift to Mount Solaro, and a sit-down 3-course lunch at La Giara.
Here’s how to think about your money:
- You’re paying for convenience on logistics. Getting the right transport at the right time in Capri isn’t hard once you follow instructions, but it can be confusing if you’re tired or arriving late.
- You’re paying for reduced decision fatigue. You don’t need to compare multiple ticket windows or plan around separate ticket entry moments.
- The lunch is a meaningful value component. Capri pricing can add up fast for quick meals. A full meal with courses helps keep your day from turning into constant snack spending.
What’s not included matters too: ferry to/from Capri is not included, and Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not listed as included. Also, “skip the ticket line” is stated as part of the experience, but you may still encounter some waiting at transport choke points like the chairlift or funicular when it’s busy.
So the best-fit value is for you if you want independence without the headache of piecing together every ticket and transfer. If you’re already comfortable building your own plan and you enjoy ticket scouting, you might find cheaper DIY options. If you’d rather spend energy on Capri itself, this package tends to feel worth it.
Weather, crowds, and the one thing you should plan for

Capri has a reputation for being stunning, but it can also be moody. The most direct weather risk in your day is the sea conditions tied to the Blue Grotto. Rough weather can lead to cancellations or changes, meaning the day shifts from “Blue Grotto focus” to “boat views and coastal highlights.”
Crowds are the other reality. Even with a DIY schedule, Capri’s transport hubs can get busy. One practical example: getting onto the bus segments can sometimes feel chaotic if larger groups are prioritized. Another example: the funicular may involve a short wait.
Your best protection is simple: give yourself margin. Don’t stack every activity with zero breathing room. If you do, a 10–20 minute delay can make the rest feel stressful.
Who this works for, and who might want a different approach

This tour fits you if:
- You want a full Capri highlights day but with independence.
- You like the idea of covering the big icons: coast by boat, altitude by chairlift, and town wandering at the end.
- You want a guaranteed meal break with La Giara so your budget stays predictable.
You might consider a different approach if:
- You hate any element of self-navigation and prefer a fully guided day with no timing responsibilities.
- You’re trying to do everything right away after arrival and you dislike waiting in lines.
- You’re hoping for a guaranteed Blue Grotto interior visit regardless of sea conditions, since the stop is included via boat but the entrance ticket isn’t listed as included.
Should you book Capri Day Tour Gold?
Yes, if you want a smart, mostly stress-free way to get the core Capri experiences in one day while still enjoying freedom to roam. The combination of boat time, Mount Solaro by chairlift, and a sit-down 3-course lunch at La Giara is a strong value mix, especially because Capri logistics can be the part that drains you.
Book it with one mindset: plan for independence, but don’t plan for perfection. Build in buffers for chairlift and funicular waits, and treat the Blue Grotto interior as a bonus when conditions cooperate.
If you like Capri best at your own pace, this DIY structure gives you that while still keeping your day from becoming a ticket hunt.
FAQ
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Motoscafisti Capri Pier (Dock n. 0), Marina Grande, at Piazza Marinai D’italia, 1, 80076 Capri (NA), Italy.
Where does the tour end?
The activity ends back at the meeting point area.
Is the ferry to and from Capri included?
No. Ferry to/from Capri is not included.
Is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket included?
No. The Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not included.
What’s included in the package?
It includes: boat tour with a stop by Blue Grotto, bus transfer to Anacapri, 3-course lunch at a local restaurant, chairlift to Mount Solaro, bus ride to Capri Center, and funicolare ticket to Marina Grande.
How do I get from Marina Grande to Anacapri?
You take the private bus from Marina Grande, a few meters after Pier 23.
Where do I take the chairlift to Mount Solaro?
The chairlift boards from Piazza Vittoria.
How do I get back down to the port?
You take the bus back to Capri center and then use the funicolare ticket to get to Marina Grande.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.
Is cancellation possible, and can I pay later?
Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now & pay later.





















