Stresa: 1-Day 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
3.7
175 Ratings
Stresa
Experience the beauty of Italy's Lake Maggiore with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour around the Borromean Islands. Explore stunning palaces, gardens, and charming promenades at your own pace.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Isola Madre - 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.
What's Included
  • GPS commentary on board
  • Multilingual captains
  • VAT included
  • Shared transfer to the Borromean Islands
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • On-board restrooms
  • Entrance ticket to the palaces and gardens of Isola Madre and Isola Bella (combi ticket euro 28)
  • Landing fee of €0.50 for each island to be paid locally
Additional Information

Embark on a full-day adventure around the Borromean Islands with a one-day flexible boat pass on Italy’s Lake Maggiore. Setting off from the lakeside village of Stresa Piazza Marconi, design your own exploration itinerary using the boat as transportation. Discover the grand island mansion and structured landscapes of Isola Bella, appreciate the vibrant flora on Isola Madre, and meander along the enchanting promenade of the small Isola dei Pescatori. Revel in the sweeping lake scenery as you navigate between the islands, and decide the duration of your stay at each location. We reserve the right to cancel a client’s reservation with complete reimbursement in case of inclement weather conditions.

  • 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
Location
Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C.
Piazza Marconi
Departure from Ticket Office Servizio pubblico non di linea Every day from 9.30 to 18.00
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.7
(175 Ratings)
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Ellen_t
May 23, 2024
Great day - The islands themselves fantastic - taxi boats provide regular pickup an stay minimum an hour suggest catch on the hour to allow time on the islands makes it easier
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie
May 21, 2024
Lake Maggiore visit - We thought Lake Maggiore was the loveliest of the 3 lakes we visited - old world charm, less tourist crowds and the island tours were really enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beatrice_c
May 17, 2024
Great timing. - This worked out well for us. The captain was clear about what time he would be back and it was great.
Review provided by Viator
Sandra_b
May 8, 2024
Ferry ride - Hop on hop off ferry allowed us to take our time in visiting all 3 islands. The service was efficient and timely.
Review provided by Viator
Wendy_h
May 8, 2024
Beautiful island hopping. - Easy to book. Confirmed time of departure from each island by the captain prior to disembarking. Punctual & clean vessel. FYI Would have spent more time on Isola Bella as the palace & gardens are amazing. Lunch at Pescatori was lovely.
Review provided by Viator
Katherinest9366dq
May 4, 2024
Boat - The boat was always on time and the employees were really nice and helpful! We had a wonderful time and we made amazing pictures of the view.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pftss
Apr 23, 2024
Must do excursion - THE must do excursion when in Stresa. Take the whole day to take in all the Islands & saunter at your leisure through the gardens houses whilst absorbing the views about you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tedosborn
Sep 11, 2023
Great day out - Great day out visiting 3 islands all with great things to do on them, from historic buildings to markets and great restaurants
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arnaudver
May 25, 2024
Very convenient - Several departure possibilities. The ticket costs 21€ for the day and is very practical and allows you to travel all the way from the Borromean Islands to Stresa. Plan the day to do everything.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Giampo58
Sep 23, 2023
Good - Certainly a fantastic trip fills the whole day by visiting the Borromean islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori or Superiore) All very particular and characteristic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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