Luxury two-centre holiday to Capri and Ischia
This eight-night two-centre holiday combining the islands of Capri and Ischia in the Bay of Naples affords the pleasures of southern Italy staying with island-life in the Mediterranean. The island of Capri is a vibrant hub of colourful culture, with all the boutiques, designer shops, and characterful towns of the Amalfi Coast, and the added touch of serenity that comes with being on an island. Take scenic walks along the rocky coastline, stopping at the peaceful villas and gardens, or through Capri town and Anacapri. The Blue and Green Grottoes on the north and south of the island are enchanting sites for kayaking or diving. On Ischia, stay in Lecco Ameno. Relatively undiscovered by international tourists, this island has retained even more of its authentic charm. The Aragonese Castle, one of Ischia’s most important historic sites, makes for an excellent afternoon of culture, as do the lovely gardens La Mortella.
Highlights
Visit the Blue Grotto • Visit Villa San Michele • Visit La Mortella • Visit Lacco Ameno
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 8 nights.
From about
£2,570
Holiday Code FHIT18
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre holiday to Capri and Ischia
Arrive at Naples airport (we recommend taking a morning flight) and then you are transferred by car and hydrofoil to the island of Capri and taken to your hotel. In a central location on Capri, the Hotel Luna offers verdant grounds and brilliant access to Capri and attractions such as Monte Solaro. This makes it a haven in the day for enjoying the bustle of the town and is within easy reach of the main square with its shops and activity.
You have three full days to discover the island of Capri and to relax in the climate of southern Italy. Capri town is the island’s hub and at its heart is the Piazzetta Umberto whose cobbled square comprises the Town Hall and four bars that provide the right place to watch the world go by. Nearby are the chic shopping streets of Via Vittorio Emmanuele and Via Camerelle. Capri town is a treasure trove of art galleries, antique shops and jewellery shops. A short walk from the centre of Capri town or by boat you’ll be able to find secluded beaches such as the Bagni Tiberio, favoured by the Emperior Augustus. At the feet of the famous Faraglioni Rocks, La Fontelina is one of Capri’s most enchanting bathing spots, where you feel a million miles away from the buzz of the Piazzetta. The sea emits a light and reflection seen nowhere else on the island. (Please note, as there is no sand and there are shallow reefs, La Fontelina is not suitable for children). If you do not make it to La Fontelina for bathing, a trip to the Faraglioni should still feature on your list of things to see and do on Capri. This impressive natural sight comprises 3 towering rocks that jut up from the crashing waves. The outer most rock is home to a species of lizard found nowhere else in the world. For a cultural injection between spa treatments, bathing, shopping and haute cuisine, you may like to take an extended walk to the Villa Jovis. Built in the First Century AD, covering 7000m² and serving as the primary residence for Emperor Tiberius, Villa Jovis is the most important of Capri’s 12 imperial villas. It was from here that Tiberius decreed the fate of the Empire from 27 to 37 A.D. Balanced on the summit of Mount Tiberius, the excavated villa offers the intrepid tourist unrivalled views to the mainland Amalfi Coast. From Capri’s Piazzetta, take the via Longano, continue along the via Sopramonte and finally take the via Tiberio in order to reach the villa located on Viale Amedeo Maiuri. The walk should take approximately 45 minutes and the route is signposted, albeit sporadically. Anacapri, Capri town’s more tranquil but equally attractive neighbour sits at 300 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views across the Bay of Naples, stretching as far as Vesuvius and the neighbouring islands of Ischia and Procida. The white washed town is a 10-minute taxi drive from Capri. Anacapri boasts some of Capri’s most famous attractions: The Villa San Michele, once home to the Swedish Doctor Axel Munthe is now a museum renowned for its gardens, with great views over the ocean and the Monte Solare, the highest panoramic vantage point on the island and best reached by an exhilarating chairlift ascent from Anacapri town. A leisurely amble through Anacapri’s quaint streets will bring you to the Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra). This is a must see for any stay on Capri; only accessible by boat, one sails through the 60 metre long and 25 metre wide magical cavity lit by the phosphorescent phenomenon of sunlight reflection.
Today you are transferred by car and sea from Capri to Ischia via Naples. Your hotel on Ischia is the Regina Isabella on the waterfront in the seaside town and picturesque port of Lacco Ameno.
You have three full days to discover the island of Ischia or to relax at your 5-star spa hotel. Ischia’s fame as a spa centre for cosmopolitan high society originated in Lacco Ameno in the 1950’s, thanks to the Italian film producer, Angelo Rizzoli. Although currently the smallest of Ishcia’s towns, the pretty harbour town is still renowned for its thermal waters and bathing areas including: Legni, Capitello, Santa Restituta, Regina Isabella, the thermal sands of Santa Restituta and the steamy cave of San Lorenzo. The town is equally famous for its 10-metre high ‘Fungi’: a large rock shaped like a mushroom, which rises from the sea just off shore from the marina. Legend details that the rock fell during one of Mount Epomeo’s great eruptions. Forio is the second major town on Ischia. Nestled between the two peninsulas of Punta Caruso (at Zaro) and Punta Imperatore, the town is home to two of Ischia’s most beautiful beaches. The inlets along this shoreline allow bathing not just from the beaches but also from other more private spots. It is the only settlement on Ischia that has preserved its entire historical centre. Its tiny streets, churches, lofty towers and monuments all remain as they were originally constructed. Forio is Ischia’s cultural heart. In the 1950s, it became the meeting place for an impressive melange of international show business personalities (Luchino Visconti, Pierpaolo Pasolini, Sir William Walton, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton), writers (Elsa Morante, Alberto Moravia, Auden, Pablo Neruda), politicians (Pietro Nenni) and the jet-set (Jackelin Kennedy, Aristotele Onassis) as well as many others. Ischia prides itself on being the home to 103 hot mineral springs, most of which supply numerous stabilimenti thermali at which to while away a day. The island is recognised for its mild climate and sub-tropical vegetation, which clads its volcanic slopes. Inland from the Mezzatorre, and looming over Forio is the volcano, Monte Epomeo (787m a.s.l.). The hot climb is worth the peak’s marvellous 360º views extending to Mount Vesuvius and Capri. The volcano can be accessed by foot on a track from Forio. Ischia’s best sandy beach is the Spiaggia dei Maronti, on Ischia’s south eastern side. The 3km long beach offers various water sports and stretches as far as the exclusive Sant’Angelo where one can leisurely sip on a local liqueur. You can reach the beach in two ways: either take the island’s main road, the S270 in the opposite direction from Ischia Porto to Ciglio, and then take the right turning to Punta S. Angelo where the beach’s northern tip will coax you towards the crystal sea, or continue through Ciglio to Barano and take the breathtaking hairpin road down to the southern (and quieter) end of the beach.
We need to allow about 3 hours door to door from the hotel in Ischia to Naples airport, so your departure will be timed to coincide with your flight from Naples and the ferry times. You are transferred from the hotel to the airport in Naples for your return flight to London.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 8 nights.
From about
£2,570
Holiday Code FHIT18
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
● Scheduled flights with British Airways London to Naples return, economy
● 4 nights’ dinner, bed, and breakfast at Hotel Luna in a double room with side sea view
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Regina Isabella in a classic room with garden view
● Transfers by car and hydrofoil, then car and boat between airport and hotels
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Call us on 01392 441245
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 8 nights.
From about
£2,570
Holiday Code FHIT18
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Scheduled flights with British Airways London to Naples return, economy
• 4 nights’ dinner, bed, and breakfast at Hotel Luna in a double room with side sea view
• 4 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Regina Isabella in a classic room with garden view
• Transfers by car and hydrofoil, then car and boat between airport and hotels
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there There are scheduled flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Naples three times a day. Capri is reached by hydrofoil from Naples in about 45 minutes. Ischia is reached by high-speed ferry from Naples in about 1 hour and by ferry in about 90 minutes. You are transferred by car from Naples airport to the ferry terminal out and back and then by car to your hotel on each island.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre holiday to Capri and Ischia
Hotel Luna is a boutique hotel in an excellent location with beautiful gardens and sublime coastal views. Part-submerged in the verdant greenery that covers the rocky coastline of Capri, this hotel blends perfectly into the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Double room with side sea view
The Regina Isabella Resort is a luxurious five-star hotel which combines an excellent range of facilities with effortless style.
Garden view double
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 8 nights.
From about
£2,570
Holiday Code FHIT18
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Scheduled flights with British Airways London to Naples return, economy
• 4 nights’ dinner, bed, and breakfast at Hotel Luna in a double room with side sea view
• 4 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Regina Isabella in a classic room with garden view
• Transfers by car and hydrofoil, then car and boat between airport and hotels
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there There are scheduled flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Naples three times a day. Capri is reached by hydrofoil from Naples in about 45 minutes. Ischia is reached by high-speed ferry from Naples in about 1 hour and by ferry in about 90 minutes. You are transferred by car from Naples airport to the ferry terminal out and back and then by car to your hotel on each island.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre holiday to Capri and Ischia
About Amalfi Coast
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Amalfi Coast is perfect for those looking for relaxation as well as sightseeing in coastal towns such as Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast as well as the islands of Capri and Ischia. The Amalfi Coast is best known for its dramatic coastal scenery, deep gorges and violently-shaped rocks that plunge into a deep blue sea, tempered by the luxuriant vegetation that thrives in the favourable climate; lemons, oranges, olives, almonds, vines, camellias and bougainvillaea. Human habitation thrives in the tiny fishing villages in rocky coves and in the pink and white-washed flat-roofed or domed buildings that hug the cliffs in layers. The Amalfi Coast's history of trading throughout the Mediterranean still shows in the Moorish and Byzantine architectural styles; domes and arcades, wrought-iron balconies and colourful ceramic tiles which depict the region. The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast is light and simple, based on local fish and shellfish, lemons and oranges, mozzarella and fresh herbs. Whilst the climate of the Amalfi Coast is particularly appealing too, there are numerous excursion and sightseeing possibilities for your holiday including the islands of Procida, Capri and Ischia, the city of Naples, the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the romance of Ravello, the bustle of Sorrento and the charm of Positano.
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast
A drive along the Amalfi coast from Positano to Amalfi offers stunning and breath-taking scenery. Visit the Emerald Cave near Vettica Minore by boat. Enjoy the superb view of the coast from the 13th Century Gothic Villa Rufolo in Ravello (we offer garden tour holidays of the Amalfi Coast and Capri including a visit to Villa Rufolo). Spend a full day visiting the awe-inspiring site of Pompeii, visiting the remains of the villas containing both vibrant and delicate frescoes. Herculaneum is nearby and also worth visiting. The Greek site of Paestum has outstanding Doric temples. In the resort of Amalfi stroll along the Via Genova and the Via Capuano taking in the typical architecture of Campania with the flower-covered balconies, narrow alleyways leading to fountain-filled little squares. Take the chairlift on Capri to Monte Solaro or walk to the Migliara Belvedere for a view of the lighthouse. On Ischia visit the beaches of Citara and Maronti and enjoy a morning's walk to Monte Epomeo for panoramic views of the coast. Well worth visiting is the often-forgotten island of Procida between Naples and Ischia, with its vines and fishing, flat roofed white houses and atmosphere most characteristic of the region in bygone days. Visit Vietri for ceramics as well as stalls of lemons, garlic and peppers.
Cultural highlights of the Amalfi Coast
The House of the Vettii at Pompeii, the baroque Palazzo Reale at Caserta, Villa Jovis in Capri, the Doric temples of Paestum, Michelozzo`s tomb of Cardinal Rinaldo Brancaccio in the 14th Century church of Sant`Angelo, and in Naples: `Modesty` by Antonio Corradini in the Cappella Sansevero, the Gothic church of San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Majolica tiles in the cloisters of the 14th Century Santa Chiara.
Festivals on the Amalfi Coast
The Ravello music festival June to July, the festival of San Costanzo on 14 May on Capri, the festival of Sant`Antonio in Anacapri on 13 June, the festival of Madonna della Liberta in Marina Grande in September, Lo Sbarco dei Saraceni in Positano on the second Sunday in August.
Gastronomy of the Amalfi Coast
Neapolitan cuisine is now famous the world over for its use of tomatoes, pizza, mozzarella cheese, dried pasta and lemons. Local specialities include Mozzarella in Carrozza, Panzanella alla napoletana, Pasta alla sorrentina (with scamorza cheese and tomatoes), Sartu (an elaborate rice pie stuffed with meats, sausages, mushrooms etc), Timballo di Maccheroni (also elaborate with maccheroni baked in a pie and a sauce of chicken livers, mushrooms and black truffles), Carciofi ripieni alla napoletana (baked stuffed artichokes), Coviglie (a mousse-like dessert), Sproccolati (sun-dried figs on sticks) and Sfogliatelle (breakfast pastries). The region produces a number of excellent red and white wines. The most famous white is called Lacrimi Christi, from vines grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Taurasi from Avellino is a full-bodied red. Capri, Ischia and Sorrento all produce their own local wines.
