Tag: adventure

All you need to know about Capri

By Shobita Louis 

The Island of Capri has long been a popular day trip for travellers visiting Naples or the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano  & Ravello). The island can also be considered an excellent alternative to stay on as well.

Location:

Capri is a pretty island in the Bay of Naples and has two towns – Capri and Ana Capri. The historical city centre (Piazzetta) is located in Capri.

How do I get there:

Ferries or speedboats, if however, you want, a helicopter transfer can be arranged

Getting around the Island:

The city centre of Capri and other parts are car free. However, public transport is very efficient and taxis are available 24 hours. The easiest ways of travelling whilst on the islands are,

  1. Buses (they are actually minibuses)
  2. Taxis
  3. The Funicular railway
  4. Walking – for those inclined, you can actually walk from Capri to Anacapri (It is about an hour uphill)

 

When to go or not to go:

PEAK SEASON (July & August) – It is crowded and expensive and is better to avoid

HIGH SEASON (June – September) – Rates are lower than the peak season, however, can be a bit crowded

LOW SEASON (April, May & October) – This is a good time to visit as the rates are better and crowds less

REMEMBER – Most hotels are closed from November to about mid or end March. Many shops and restaurants are also shut. There are about two restaurants open during this time, mainly for day trippers. Ferries will have less service and the funicular is also closed usually in November and December for maintenance.

The Wanderers’ Take

  • Hire a ‘Gozzo’, a traditional Sorrentine wooden boat to take you around the island for the day. This allows you to swim at various locations and explore the rugged coastline, hidden caves and secluded beaches.
  • The island is a ‘walker’s hikers paradise’ and there are several amazing walks and hikes around the island. Even if you are not an enthusiastic walkers, this would be a unique and once in a life time experience because of the views!
  • A visit to the iconic Blue Grotto is a bonus for those staying on the island. Once the day trippers with their boats are gone, you may be allowed actually swim around the Blue Grotto cave!
  • If you are more adventurous, you could explore the coast on a canoeing trip
  • In the evening, once the day trippers are gone, the island is less manic and becomes a different place. Add a touch of pizazz to your holiday; dress up and relax in the glamorous and charming main square, in one of several cafes and bars, listening to the live bands that sometimes play there while you sip on a glass of wine.

 Who should go there:

– Someone looking for something different!
– Excellent for couples, honeymooners or someone celebrating an anniversary
– Families with teens – there’s history and also some fun outdoorsy things to do!

Check out our latest package in Italy. 

Insiders View on London

The Wanderers in conversation with Minaxi Mistry

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to London

That the London Underground Tube service is excellent, efficient, and the fastest and easiest way to get around the City

What is a must buy when in London?

English Tea!

One take-away after a visit to London? 

British pomp and pageantry – no one does it quite like the British.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Purchase an Oyster Card, it’s the fastest, smartest and most cost effective way to pay for travel around the City.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to London

Jumper / Umbrella as you can never predict the down-turn in temperature

One activity anyone travelling to London should not miss.

Hop On / Hop Off Red Bus – excellent way to see all the amazing sights properly with guided information

Where should anyone, travelling to London, definitely get their picture taken?

Buckingham Palace

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

By Big Ben / Westminster Abbey

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

London Bridge

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

Duck & Waffle located on the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower – the highest restaurant in the UK !

Best place to have local food?

Any good old fashioned London Pub

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend?

Traditional Fish & Chips served in newspaper and a refreshing Gin & Tonic

One place only the locals would know?

Camden Lock Market for it’s sheer funkiness and eccentricity……you will see sights here of the wackiest people that you will only ever see in London

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink?

The Royal Standard of England – 900 years old making it the oldest Freehouse in England.  Wonderful food, dog friendly and very cosy.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see?

Trooping Of  the Colour Parade is the celebration of the Queen’s official birthday in June. You can watch it for free as it marches past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall, but the real spectacle takes place on Horse Guards Parade, where the Queen will take the salute from one of her Household regiments

The things guide books will not tell anyone about London?

How Expensive just about Everything is in London from Food to Accommodation to Travel Expenses

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to London and what would that reason be?

January / February as it can be quite depressing – dark, dismal days

In one sentence,  London is innovative, dynamic, and outrageous, with history and culture leaking from every brick and individual style around every corner.

It’s a supremely cosmopolitan city , with excellent restaurants, quirky pubs, avant-garde shops, unparalleled museums – most of which are now free – superb theatre and attractions and a blitzing nightlife.

Born in Lancaster in the North of England (near the Lake District) in the UK, Minaxi Mistry moved to London when she was 6 years old.  All her education and working life has been in London so she is definitely a Londoner through and through – accent and all.  For the last 25 years, she has worked in a sales capacity and always in the Travel Industry which she absolutely adores. Minaxi  has travelled extensively and her aim is to still travel lots more as nothing makes a person richer and wiser and gives more of a thrill than Travel!