Top Lake Maggiore Private Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

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.

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace with a private hop-on and hop-off boat service from Stresa. Admire the beautiful scenery and visit the enchanting islands of Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

Slow your pace and take in the dazzling scenery along Lake Maggiore with this leisurely tour on board a traditional wooden boat. Relax as you slowly motor along the shoreline past highlights like the Borromean Islands of Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola Pescatori, and the Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage. Enjoy an “aperitivo” of wine and snacks during your scenic mini cruise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step into a world where Italian luxury meets the magic of the water. Experience Lake Maggiore's ultimate golden hour aboard Aurum, a premier boutique boat designed for travelers seeking pure elegance, comfort, and authenticity. As the sun dips below the horizon, you will glide across the crystal-clear waters of the Borromean Gulf while relaxing on custom Herno designer seating and cushions—a unique luxury collaboration found nowhere else on the lake. Sip a complimentary glass of fine Italian sparkling wine, breathe in the alpine breeze, and marvel at illuminated historic villas and island palaces on this exclusive, private 1-hour escape.

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.

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.

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.

Book ahead to see the three Borromean Islands by boat, and save yourself the hassle of working out boat cruise tickets at the lakeside. A hop-on hop-off ferry cruise, the experience starts from Stresa and stops at Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella, and Isola Madre: Lake Maggiore’s famous trio of islands. Ferries depart every 30 minutes through the day, leaving you with ample time to explore each island at leisure.

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.

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.

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 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.

Lake Orta is a small, quite unknown pearl, lying a few kilometers westwards of Lake Maggiore. Its chief town, Orta San Giulio and the close by isle of San Giulio create a unique, charming "lounge" on the lake coastline. Starting from this beautiful, small harbor, you will have the chance to experience a romantic cruise around the lake, while the sun will slowly go down on the majestic mountains around. Cradled by the quiet waters of the lake and surrounded by the red light of sunset reflecting on it, you will enjoy an exclusive onboard aperitif, served with rich appetizers.

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.

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.

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.