Borromean Islands

Private tours

Discover the beautiful Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on this hop-on hop-off boat tour. Cruise from Stresa to the 3 Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, and choose to include stops at 2 or all 3 of the islands. After making your way to the meeting point, board the modern boat and set off to Lake Maggiore's most characteristic places. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake as you go. As you cruise, hear fascinating facts about the sights with a geolocalized audio guide in English and Italian. Embark on a boat trip from Stresa Piazza Marconi and discover three Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa. Explore the island, which is famous for its botanical gardens. See the free-living birdlife and admire the peacocks and pheasants who stroll calmly through the gardens. Discover the unique plants of the island, such as the famous Cashmere tree and Bougainville. You can also visit the villa with its puppet collection. Next, visit Isola dei Pescatori the only one of the Borromean Islands inhabited all year round. Explore its many charming alleys and stop to taste the typical dishes of the lake at one of the numerous restaurants. Finish your island tour with a stop at Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens. Admire the views from the famous terraces, enjoy some shopping in the elegant boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market, before returning to Stresa.. Explore the islands' attractions and natural beauty at your own pace.

Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore on a hop-on hop-off style boat tour from Baveno. Hop between the islands of Madre, Bella, and Pescatori, and have time to spend exploring them. Embark your boat and depart from Baveno, sailing into the lake towards your first island. Arrive at Madre Island where you can admire the famous English botanical gardens and Palazzo Borromeo. Leave Madre for Bella Island. Be in awe of its baroque palace, Italian gardens, and 10 terraces that slope towards the lake. Head for Pescatori Island to feel the charming effects of its picturesque fishing village with meandering alleys and multi-story buildings. From Pescatori, conclude your tour with a return to Baveno.

Discovery of the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the Borromean Islands inhabited all year round. Explore its many charming alleys and stop to taste the typical dishes of the lake at one of the numerous restaurants. Then continue to Isola Bella, the queen of the Borromean Islands, where, in addition to the beautiful ancient village full of typical craft shops, you can decide to visit the Palazzo Borromeo with its wonderful gardens and peacocks ready to be photographed.

Spend a full day among the 3 Borromean Islands, the flagship of Lake Maggiore, known all over the world. Discover the flora, fauna, local color, and magnificent architecture of the region. Isola Madre houses one of the most ancient Italian botanical gardens. On Isola Bella you will be able to visit the sumptuous palace – home of the Borromean family, which keeps priceless artworks. On the contrary, Isola Pescatori is the only Borromean Island to be inhabited all the year through; it houses a small village with a small square surrounded by tight and winding alleys. You can admire and photograph the splendid white peacocks, have lunch in one of the many typical restaurants in the fishermen's village, and wonder at the splendid botanical garden of Isola Madre, one of the most famous in the world.

Discover Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori with a hop-on hop-off speedboat shuttle from Stresa, Lake Maggiore. Enter the islands with entry included in your shuttle ticket and spend time exploring at your leisure. Choose how many islands you want to visit. Start your day by meeting the skipper and boarding the boat in Stresa. Enjoy scenic mountain panoramas on a short trip across calm waters to the islands. Hop off at your chosen island (entry tickets depend on the option booked) and immediately start exploring. Spend time getting to know the islands at your own pace. See highlights like the Baroque-style Palazzo Borromeo museum and its adjoining grounds with ten terraced gardens. Marvel at the fountains, statues, and architecture of the gardens. Finish your trip with a return boat transfer back to Stresa.

Get stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the small islands and islets of the Borromean Islands on an exclusive boat service between Stresa and Isola Bella. Travel at your own pace and according to your preferred schedule. Leave the boat at any of the islands and hop back on the next boat when you want to continue. Relax aboard the modern vessels as they ferry you between the most characteristic places on Lake Maggiore. Hop-off at the romantic island of Isola Bella to visit the Palace Museum and its Italianate gardens at your own expense. Go for a stroll around the fishing village on the other side of the tiny island. Cross back to Stresa, where you can journey up into the hills to visit the botanical gardens of the Giardino Botanico Alpinia at leisure. 

Discover the beautiful Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on this hop-on hop-off boat tour. Cruise from Stresa to 2 of the Borromean Islands, either Isola Madre and Isola Bella, or Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. After making your way to the meeting point, board the modern boat and set off to Lake Maggiore's most characteristic places. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake as you go. As you cruise, hear fascinating facts about the sights with a geolocalized audio guide in English and Italian. When the boat arrives at each island, simply hop off the boat and hop back on the next boat when you want to continue your tour. Explore the islands' attractions and natural beauty at your own pace. Isola Madre and Isola Bella Embark on a boat trip from Stresa Piazza Marconi and discover the two most visited Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa. Explore the island, which is famous for its botanical gardens. See the free-living birdlife and admire the peacocks and pheasants who stroll calmly through the gardens. Discover the unique plants of the island, such as the famous Cashmere tree and Bougainville. You can also visit the villa with its puppet collection. Next, visit Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens, before returning to Stresa. Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella First, visit Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the Borromean Islands inhabited all year round. Explore its many charming alleys and stop to taste the typical dishes of the lake at one of the numerous restaurants. Finish your island tour with a stop at Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens. Admire the views from the famous terraces, enjoy some shopping in the elegant boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market, before returning to Stresa.

Embark on a boat trip from Stresa and discover two of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa. Explore the island which is famous for its botanical gardens. See the free-living birdlife and admire the peacocks and pheasants who stroll calmly through the gardens. Discover the unique plants of the island, such as the famous Cashmere tree. You can also visit the villa with its puppet collection. Next, continue the tour to Isola Bella, most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens. Admire the views from the famous terraces, enjoy some shopping in the elegant boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market, before returning to Stresa.

Embark on a captivating journey across the enchanting waters of Lake Maggiore and see two Italian regions, Lombardy and Piedmont, on a day trip from Milan. After departure, start your adventure in Stresa, a town where the grandeur of the Alps blends with the allure of the Borromean Islands. Take a leisurely stroll on the lakeside promenade, offering panoramic views. Step aboard an exclusive boat and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. See Isola Bella, a masterpiece of art and nature, cradling the Borromeo Palace amid cascading gardens. Disembark at Isola dei Pescatori, the "Fishermen's Island," to experience the charm of a traditional fishing village and savor authentic regional flavors at one of the island's restaurants. Continue to the cliffside Santa Caterina Monastery. Opt for a self-guided tour or simply unwind, soaking in the views of the lake and its surroundings. End your day in Arona, a town adorned with historical charm and characteristic cafes, as your guide regales you with captivating stories.

Navigate the waters of Lake Maggiore with your group of family or friends on a sunset cruise from Stresa. Explore the Borromean Gulf admire the sights and scenery from the water as you pass by Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. The boat you use throughout this activity is suitable for small groups of people for parties or a romantic getaway with your partner. Larger groups can also be accommodated inside of the boat, protected from the weather while still being able to enjoy wide views of the lake through the boat's large windows and open terrace area. Finish off your cruise with a tour of the most famous Island, Isola Bella from the lake view. Sail around the Borromeo Palace and see the Italian gardens and terraces, where, if you are lucky, you will be able to see some white peacocks peeking out.