Top Lake Maggiore How to Get Around

Explore the ‘Beautiful Island’ of Isola Bella at your leisure with a hop-on hop-off ferry ticket departing from Stresa. Glide across Lake Maggiore to this most renowned of the Borromean Islands, where you can visit the Palace Museum and Gardens, grab a bite to eat or simply stroll around the palazzos and villas that decorate the port. Ferries run every 30 minutes, so you can customize your day.

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.

There’s no better way to see Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands than by private boat. This 1-hour tour allows you to travel in true Italian style around Isola Bella, Isola Madre and more. As you bask in the sun, your captain navigates the boat on a route that takes in sights of the islands’ lakeside gardens, palazzos and private villas. If you want to learn about the area as you cruise, upgrade to include a guide.

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.

Admire the wonderful gardens of Isola Madre, an ancient hunting reserve of the Borromeo family. Sail to Isola Bella for the elegant Borromean Palace, Italian garden terraces, and boutique shops. Explore Lake Maggiore, Isola Madre, and Isola Bella on a hop-on hop-off cruise from Stresa. Admire the gardens of Isola Madre and see the fantastic palace and Italian terraces.

Two of the top sights on Lake Maggiore are its jewel-like islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella. With this hop-on-hop-off boat tour, set your own schedule and pace to cover both islands in a single day. Set off from Stresa to Isola Pescatori at the time you prefer, and disembark to explore the island at your own pace. Then catch the next passing boat to Isola Bella for more independent sightseeing before the return trip.

Depart from Stresa by Vespa and experience a panoramic tour between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, two jewels of northern Italy. After the Vespa pick-up, you will cross the elegant Stresa, famous for its historic villas and breathtaking views, and then reach Levo, a picturesque hilltop village overlooking the lake. The route continues towards Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings and the picturesque Island of San Giulio. Here you can enjoy a lunch break at Filo e Fieno restaurant, where you can taste local specialties prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. In the afternoon you will continue through villages surrounded by greenery such as Crabbia and Sovazza, breathing the authentic atmosphere of the Piedmont countryside, before returning to Stresa. A perfect experience for those seeking nature, culture, relaxation and local flavors in one unforgettable day.

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.

Lake Maggiore is famous for its lakeside towns, villas, and gardens, but these headliners are best seen from the water. With this boat tour, cruise along the shoreline to admire the fishing villages and aristocratic estates backed by rolling hills and snow-capped Alpine peaks. Take in the lake’s jewel-like islands and opt to dock and explore on land or spend your entire mini cruise savoring the views from on board.

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.

The experience of stopping in one of the most evocative places of Lake Maggiore listening to the live notes of an accordion while enjoying a "special" aperitif, the result of a sophisticated search for local products.

If Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s hidden gems, the rolling hills behind Stresa offer some of its most breathtaking views. In this exclusive experience, a private driver will meet you in Stresa and accompany you to a charming location nestled in the hills. Here, a local chef will welcome you with a glass of wine or a refreshing aperitif, setting the tone for a relaxed and convivial experience. Step into a fully equipped kitchen and immerse yourself in the art of Italian cooking: you will learn how to prepare two traditional pasta dishes inspired by the flavors of the lake, followed by a delicious dessert. Guided step-by-step, you will enjoy the hands-on experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere. After the lesson, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor: sit down for a leisurely lunch or dinner paired with a curated selection of local wines, making the most of the stunning views and authentic flavors. At the end of this unforgettable culinary journey, return transfer to Stresa.

Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore with your own private guide, and enjoy transport by private motorboat just for your group plus a tour of Isola Bella’s 17th-century palace. Perfect if you want to understand the lake’s history and avoid the tourist crowds, the experience offers everything you need to explore the islands with ease. The standard tour includes stops at Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, but you can upgrade to visit also the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, if you wish.

Arona, a beautiful town laying on the South-Western coast of lake Maggiore, gave birth in the 16th century to the future saint and bishop of Milan Carlo Borromeo. After a few decades from his death, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the memory of the revered citizen was built close to Arona and acted as an inspiration and a technical instruction for Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This exclusive tour will lead you from the charming centre of Arona to the hill where you will be able to visit the statue and enjoy a view of the lake, definitely from its "point of view". Later on, you will be guided to a local seasoning cellar, where a full tasting of wine and local, delicious varieties of cheese will be served. A day between amazing art and taste.

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.

Discover the beautiful landscapes around Stresa with guided e-bike tours. Ride through lush forests and charming villages, admiring postcard views of Lake Maggiore and the picturesque Borromean Islands. Enjoy pleasant excursions suitable for all levels, from beginners to nature lovers, with stops at local farmhouses to taste regional specialties such as cheeses, cold cuts and wines. Whether you prefer a half-day adventure or a full-day excursion, tours offer a unique mix of culture, gastronomy and stunning scenery. - Guided e-bike tours from Stresa, suitable for all levels - Explore the beautiful Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands - Tasting of cheeses, cold cuts and local wines - Flexible tour options : half-day or full-day experiences available

Experience the charm of Fishermen's Island on a private walking tour where you can explore its quaint village with local fishermen's houses. As the crowds fade, enjoy the serene atmosphere before boarding a private boat to witness the magic of Lake Maggiore at golden hour. Relax in comfort while your personal guide and captain reveal the lake’s stunning beauty.

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.

If you are looking for a charming and welcoming place to savor excellent wines and food and enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by greenery, the Fontechiara winery is what's right for you. Come and visit us, you can visit the cellar and savor the magic and charm of the process of transforming grapes into wine. We will tell you the history of our company, illustrating the vineyard cultivation techniques and the winemaking and aging methods. In an evocative and familiar setting, you will then taste our wines, Nebbiolo DOC and Vespolina DOC, served in combination with typical local, fresh, artisanal and zero km products such as local cured meats and cheeses, specially selected to best enhance aromas, tastes and organoleptic characteristics of each wine.

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.

Experience the best of Lake Maggiore’s culture and cuisine in a single day with this private tour that pairs visits to Stresa and Isola Bella with a wine tasting. Meet your guide for a stroll through Stresa’s old town before a private water taxi ride to Isola Bella to marvel at its villa and gardens. End with a stop at a local wine shop for a tasting paired with local specialties.

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.

Experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore on a private boat tour that blends history, culture, and relaxation. Cruise past Isola Madre, admiring its lush botanical gardens and the elegant Palazzo Borromeo from the water. Continue to the breathtaking Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, perfect for stunning photos. Your first stop is Isola Pescatori, a charming fishing village with narrow streets, quaint shops, and lakeside cafés. Take a leisurely stroll, browse for handmade souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the authentic atmosphere. Afterward, dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim in one of the lake’s best spots. Finally, visit Isola Bella, where you can explore the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular gardens at your own pace. Choose to stay on the island and return by ferry or enjoy a quick visit before we bring you back to Stresa by boat, completing a memorable day on the lake.