FOR YOUR VALENTINE, WHY NOT CAPRI?

LongIsland.com

Valentine's Day is coming, and for a romantic place to spend it, you can't do better than Italy's enchanting Isle of Capri. With transatlantic fares at bargain basement prices, Capri is a great place for ...

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Valentine's Day is coming, and for a romantic place to spend it, you can't do better than Italy's enchanting Isle of Capri.

With transatlantic fares at bargain basement prices, Capri is a great place for escaping Long Island's frigid winter temperatures, and a excellent choice for rekindling the flames of love.

Not for nothing did "Old Blue Eyes"
himself, Frank Sinatra, sing about the joys of Capri. This magical dot in the Bay of Naples has drawn lovers since the days of the Roman Empire, although the carryings-on of the Emperor Tiberious may be a bit much, even for these jaded times.

For modern day lovers, Capri is about a two-hour excursion by train from Rome to Naples, then a short but bumpy ride by hydrofoil from the dock of Molo Beverello. At the Marina Grande on Capri, you can get a bus or taxi to the picture-postcard town, in the heights above the harbor. Though prices in Capri are expensive, the spectacular view from the town plaza is free. So are walking tours to the beautiful public gardens and hikes to such scenic delights as Arco Naturale (The Natural Arch) and the rocks of I Faraglione. There's also Villa Jovis, the playground of the aforementioned Emperor Tiberius, where he's reputed to have discarded used-up lovers from the nearby cliffs. (Not too romantic, that particular Roman.)

Another famous attraction on Capri is the Grotto Azzura (Blue Grotto), whose unusual underground natural lighting is considered one of the wonders of the world. And an advantage of going off-season is avoiding the summer jam-ups for the grotto's boat trip.

If going on your own is too adventurous, you can also arrange group day or overnight trips at the American Express office in Rome or at a local travel agency in the capital. And for further information, you can contact the Italian Government Tourist Board at www.italiantourism.com. Enjoy!