Stresa: 1-Day 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
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About This Tour in Lake Maggiore
Why Visit Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore, Italy offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Lake Maggiore provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Lake Maggiore
You can reach Lake Maggiore, Italy by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city is well-connected by public transportation, including trains, buses, and metro systems. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available. Train connections from major European cities make Lake Maggiore easily accessible by rail as well.
What's Included
- GPS commentary on board
- Multilingual captains
- VAT included
- Non-scheduled public service: shared transfer to the Borromean Islands
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Restroom on board
- Entrance ticket to the palaces and gardens of Isola Madre and Isola Bella (combi ticket euro 28)
- Musei e giardini Botanici dell'Isola Madre e isola bella
- Landing fee for each island
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We recommend visiting this stop order first stop Isola Madre, second Isola Pescatori at the end Isola Bella.
- Animals are allowed on board the boats, it is not allowed to enter the Borromean properties.
- In the 14th century the Borromeo, powerful feudal lords of the area but originally from San Miniato, became owners of the islands and thus began their transformation. Even today the family still owns Isola Bella and Isola Madre, in addition to the three rocks that emerged known as Castles of Cannero due to the ruins of medieval fortifications. Isola dei Pescatori is the only one permanently inhabited, albeit by a small community, while the two "sister" islands are coveted by tourists who admire the two splendid palaces and their gardens, famous throughout Europe for the quality of the landscape. and for the care and variety of plant architectures, made up of over 2000 varieties of different species. In Isola Madre there is also a large fauna of oriental birds, such as white peacocks, golden pheasants and parrots, free in the splendid garden. Isola Bella, on the other hand, has a garden that, skilfully designed over the centuries, has multicolored blooms throughout the year, in rotation among the various floral species (roses, orchids, bulbous plants, magnolias, orchards, azaleas, gardenias, wisteria).
- Upon your arrival at Stresa Piazza Marconi you can contact one of the representatives at the ticket office or go directly to the pier of Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c. to find the boat, recognizable by a large tricolor sail with the Italian flag. Please exchange your voucher at the ticket office to join the tour and make the payment of the landing fee.
- Palace and garden are not included
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Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Explore Lake Maggiore and the BorromeanDeparture from Ticket Office Servizio pubblico non di linea Every day from 9.30 to 18.00
End Point
Explore Lake Maggiore and the BorromeanDeparture from Ticket Office Servizio pubblico non di linea Every day from 9.30 to 18.00
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at... 2 hours
Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa. Get on and off the boats as often as you like as you admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands. Starting season from March 19 st 2022, the date on which museums and gardens of Isola Bella and Madre will be opend, until November 1th 2022, the stop on the mother island will be guarenteed. Outside these dates the tour does not include a stop on the isola madre because museums and gardens will be closed (replaced by a brief circumnavigation of the island).Embark on our boats to begin the visit of the Borromean Islands and reach the first island: Isola Madre Isola Madre is the first stop, it rises in the middle of the gulf and presents itself with a magnificent Renaissance palace, surrounded by one of the oldest and most important gardens in Italy.
Isola Superiore dei Pescatori is the second stop,... 2 hours
Isola Superiore dei Pescatori is the second stop, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, but owes its name to the activity of its inhabitants.The only one among the Borromean islands to be inhabited during all months of the year, it hosts a small village of fifty inhabitants characterized by a small square enclosed by narrow and sinuous alleys that lead to the promenade on the northern tip of the island.As clearly indicated by the name, fishing is still very popular, and it is possible to taste the fresh fruits in one of the numerous restaurants overlooking the lake. At the end of the visit of the Fishermen's Island you can take back the boats to reach Isola Bella.
Isola Bella is the third stop of our... 2 hours
Isola Bella is the third stop of our boats, the most famous of the three islands, it hosts the princely Borromeo palace surrounded by an Italian garden, built on ten terraces. But what really strikes and leaves you speechless is the famous park: an Italian garden consisting of ten terraces overlapping in a cut pyramid, embellished with statues, fountains, rare shrubs, exotic plants and flowers with delicate scents such as magnolia and camellias. . The upper part of the gardens, nicknamed "amphitheater" for the performances that were held here, is surmounted by the unicorn, the emblem of the Borromeo family. Get on and off the boat as often as you like as you admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands.The return takes place in Stresa Piazza Marconi, the headquarters of our boats.
Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at... 24 hours
Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa. Get on and off the boat as often as you like as you admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.