Top Lake Maggiore Cultural Tours

Discover the Borromean Islands in style with this private tour from Stresa created just for you and your group. Your guide will whisk you away to explore the three iconic Lake Maggiore islands—Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. Stroll through the lush gardens of Isola Madre and soak in the history of the baroque Palazzo Borromeo. This private tour offers a personalized experience of Italian charm.

The Borromean Islands are one of the highlights of Lake Maggiore, but the logistics of visiting all three in one day can be complicated. On this private tour, visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori with a boat and guide to admire their historic villas, lush gardens, and charming lanes. Stop for lunch (at your own expense) on Fisherman's Island before the boat trip back to Stresa.

Every Sunday and Monday Leave urban Milan for the day and spend some time at picturesque Lake Maggiore, located in Italy's Lake District. Explore the chic town of Stresa, learning about the area's history from your guide and perusing the shops. Then hop on a boat for a cruise around the lake, and take in the scenery of the water and surrounding mountains. Visit Isola dei Pescatori, where you have free time to explore, and then explore Borromeo Palace in Isola Bella, before making the return trip to Milan.

Island-hop at Lake Maggiore and discover the tiny Borromean Islands with this hop-on, hop-off ferry ticket. Use the 1-day pass to venture out from Stresa, and spend your day sightseeing as you wish. Step onto the shores of Isola Bella, home to the Borromeo family ‘palazzo’; wander amid the houses of pocket-sized Isola dei Pescatori; and admire the greenery of Isola Madre where botanical gardens beckon.

Experience the beauty of Italy’s Lake Maggiore during this half-day private tour to Isola Bella and Fisherman’s Island. This private excursion leaves from the villages of Stresa where you board a boat to Isola Bella. Explore the island’s Italian-style garden before heading to Fisherman’s Island for a walking tour of the quaint village. This tour is inclusive of a private tour guide, all entrance fees are to be paid on site.

Discover the romantic Piedmont village of Orta and the nearby lake island of San Giulio on a private tour with a local guide. You’ll hear the history of the bustling little town that sits on the shore of Lake Orta, discover the must-see sights around Piazza Motta, and enjoy a walking tour around the island. Just note that boat crossing is payable on the day.

Spend the day exploring Isola Bella's palace and gardens without any distractions during this private tour. Embark on a journey to discover the jewel of Lake Maggiore in the afternoon or morning. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel in Stresa or the pier to whisk you away on a private boat to Isola Bella. Enjoy getting an exclusive view of the 17th-century gardens and palace from the water, away from the usual crowds.

Savor the beauty of Lake Maggiore during the golden hour with this private sunset cruise. Set off from Stresa just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon and admire the picturesque towns, historic villas, and sumptuous gardens dotting the shore as you slowly cruise past. Sip prosecco and snap photos of the lush Borromean Islands and soaring Alpine peaks on the horizon before heading back to the harbor.

Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands are particularly captivating in the quiet off-season months without the summer heat and crowds. Take in the three islands in a few hours with this guided tour from Stresa. Hop on a private water taxi to Isola Bella for a stroll through the village and a glimpse of Palazzo Borromeo. Then stop to explore Isola dei Pescatori on land before passing Isola Madre on the return cruise.

Experience the most that Isola Bella has to offer with this private tour of two of Italy's most famous islands. Visit the aptly-named Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) and Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman's Island). This private tour offers a morning or afternoon departure to best suit your personal needs.

Experience Bellagio, a setting known as the most beautiful of Lake Como’s clutch of shoreline towns, on a day trip from a neighboring lake. With pickups from hotels in Stresa and Baveno on Lake Maggiore or Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta included, the day trip offers ultimate convenience for a lazy day out on the glamorous Italian lake. You’ll have free time to wander the narrow streets of Bellagio, followed by a visit to Como town where shops, cafes, and impressive architecture await.

Explore the tiny Borromean islands in the late afternoon, long after the crowds have dispersed. Travel by private boat from Stresa with your private local guide and head to Isola Bella for a tour of its grand Baroque palace and lush Italian gardens inhabited by peacocks. Onto the Isola dei Pescatori, the charming Fisherman's Island, for a stroll through its picturesque streets.

Spend a morning or afternoon at Lake Orta, and see the highlights of its charming village and lake island with your own private guide. After you hear the history of Orta San Giulio’s medieval houses on a stroll, you will take a shuttle boat for a short ride to Isola di San Giulio. Wander the cobblestone streets to the Roman Catholic basilica, then choose to stay on the island to explore more at your own pace or return to Orta San Giulio with your guide.