Capri is a playground for the rich and famous, but that doesnt mean that a holiday here is out of the question for anyone not in possession of a sky-high budget. Affordable, yet opulent, all-inclusive escorted tours, run by internationally respected tour operators, will take you to and through Capri to give you a taste of the celebrity lifestyle.

You too could find yourself sipping cocktails with the glitterati on the sun terrace of the most incredible bars, while you wait for your caviar soaked blinis to be served to your table.You too could enjoy lazing on the deck of a yacht that is taking you to see some of the grottos which have inspired legends, myths and modern films.

Just off the coast of Naples, around the corner from the picturesque Amalfi coast, is where youll find the island of Capri rising majestically from the centre of the aquamarine Mediterranean Sea. This is a rock whose natural beauty, colourful past and historical significance have inspired creativity in every discipline, from the work of poets and artists, to lyricists, novel writers and film makers. Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, German novelist Augustus Kopisch and Russian intellectual Maxim Gorky are just a few of the big names to have been captivated enough by Capri to make it their home.

What makes Capri so special?

Throughout history, from the Stone Age to the modern day, this island has captured peoples imagination enough to make it the location of some of their most exciting architecture. Many ancient sites of worship were discovered in and near the Grotta Della Felci, Grotta del Pisco and Grotta del Castiglione.

These locations have been found to harbour Neolithic tombs, exciting products of the Bronze Age, an Ancient Greek acropolis and even a Roman Nymphaeum, which is a monument that combines springs and natural grottos to honour nymphs. These multiple finds are impressive on so small an island and can still be seen today, all together in one place; in the Capri Ignacio Cerio Museum. You could spend many a happy hour here, wandering among the artefacts.

The golden age of creativity in Capri however, was not in ancient times. It was at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century. This is the point at which poets, writers and artists; the glitterati of their day, began to flock to the island. Providing liberal political refuge from harsher regimes and it being a muse of a place that cant help but deliver literary inspiration, Capri welcomed many of Europes big creative names. Its still the case today. The skill set of its rich and talented visitors may have changed to embrace modern times, but its power to enthral leading artistic lights has not.

Are you an aspiring writer, artist or musician, looking to surround yourself with beautiful shapes, sounds and flavours? Capri could be the muse you need to take you to the next level. Failing that, its certainly an ideal place to rub shoulders with creatives at the tops of their fields, cultured aristocrats and like-minded souls looking for inspiration. The Naples, Sorrento and Capri tour with Cox and Kings is the ideal way to navigate around and through the town of Capri and surrounding areas.

Eating out in Capri

The place to be seen and people watch is, without doubt, the Piazzetta. Here youll marvel at couture fashion worn by other beautiful people as they enjoy a glass of champagne at the table next to yours. Many of them will be regarding you, a fellow Capri visitor, without trying to make it too obvious that theyre assessing whether or not youre the one to watch. (You are, of course!)

The food in Capri is exquisite. Expect high-quality gourmet fare and strikingly impressive dishes; some of them simple, some of them incredibly over the top! Seafood is very popular in Capri, as is the national dish; ravioli capresi, which is a light pasta filled with delicious cheese and spices, served with a tomato sauce. Make sure you try the mussels which are very fresh, the calamari and the shrimp.

The cuisine here is heavily influenced by the Italian food of the mainland and as it is, should be paired with the appropriate wines for the optimum senses explosion! Local wines such as the Lacrima Christi and Falanghina del Sannio are perfect on their own or with a meal, thats once youve tired of the Champers!

As for desserts, those with a sweet tooth are blessed if torta Caprese is on the menu. A cake made from chocolate and almonds, this melt in the mouth dish is best accompanied with a shot of limoncello, ideally prepared using the freshly squeezed lemons which are grown locally!

What is there to do in Capri?

The Capri known and loved by the jetset is limited to Capri town. This is where you need to do some high end boutique shopping and dine out in prestigious eateries, as well as indulge in showing off the best of your wardrobe to others doing the same. The rest of the island can be enjoyed for its rural charms. Cliff top walks will give you a view of the beach below and youll never be far from the sparkling sea, which is pleasantly warm until at least October.

To get a little closer to the water, you might want to take a boat trip around the island, so you can get the best possible view of the limestone arches, stacks and grottos; the most famous of which is The Blue Grotto. This is a natural cave that extends 60 metres back into the cliff and is an impressive 25 metres wide.

The unsuspecting visitor must enter the cavern through its narrow entrance, lying flat in a boat, so as to avoid the low ceiling of the doorway. Once inside the blue glow of the water lights up the cave in a magical way, making it seem surreal; like a beautiful dream. It appears like this as there is a second, hidden entranceway that lets in the sunlight.

Once youve been as low as sea level, the only way to go is up (if youre not diving) and the highest peak on Capri, is also a wonder. You can take a chairlift up to the top of Mount Solaro and from there youll look out across to the mainland, where youll see Mount Vesuvius and Naples.

Travelling to Capri with Aspen Travel

Aspen Travel can help you experience the Capri lifestyle with no hassle at all. We are a booking partner for internationally respected tour operators, like Cox and Kings, who will provide you with a luxury all-inclusive package at a very reasonable price. Youll stay in a great hotel and have food and entertainment included. You should be able to blend seamlessly into the celebrity crowd to enjoy your sundowner on the piazza, just before the dancing starts.

We offer packages that will give you the chance to stay in Capri and explore the island over a few days, or combine a few overnights in Capri with a stay in Sorrento and Naples, or Ravello. Whichever is your preference, please give us a call to book your excitingly glamorous break in Capri and well advise you on the best deals we have at the time.