Boat tour to the Borromean Islands from Stresa

A princely excursion awaits you off the coast of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Set sail for a tour among the Borromean Islands and discover corners of wonderment frozen in time.

Choose whether to visit all three islands- Madre, Bella andIsola dei Pescatori - or explore just two or one of them and prepare for a tour... regal!

What we will do

The appointment will take place at the meeting point in Stresa (VCO), 10 minutes before the time selected at the time of booking. Amidst elegant villas and hotels, we will glimpse the embarkation points of our tour, where we will receive a practical map to orient us during our excursion.

We will board one of the available boats and, depending on the option selected at the time of booking, head for one or more of the Borromean Islands. The boats will set sail every half hour from the different embarkation points on the various islands, offering the possibility of customising the duration and organisation of the excursion according to our wishes.

Each leg will last approximately 10 minutes of navigation. The last departure from Stresa will take place at approximately 13.00 hours, while the last return from Isola Bella will be at 18.00 hours. During the transfers, a live audio commentary on what we will be admiring will be available on board.

• Tour of the 3 Borromean Islands

Selecting this option, we will set sail from Stresa in the direction ofIsola Madre, where we will be able to freely visit the Botanical Garden; the second stop will beIsola dei Pescatori with its typical markets (and unmissable restaurants) and, finally,Isola Bella and its Italian-style gardens. This tour will last approximately 5 hours.

• Isola Madre and Isola Bella Tour

Selecting this option, we will head from Stresa to two islands of the Borromeo archipelago.Isola Bella, inhabited by white peacocks and adorned with statues and colourful flowers, andIsola Madre, with its botanical garden full of exotic plants. This tour will last approximately 3 hours.

• Tour of Isola Bella

Selecting this option, we will set off from Stresa to visit just one island of the Borromeo archipelago,Isola Bella. This tour will last approximately 1½ hours.

• Tour of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella

Selecting this option, we will leave Stresa to reach two islands of the Borromeo archipelago,Isola Bella andIsola dei Pescatori: the latter is the smallest of the three islands and the only one still permanently inhabited. This tour will last approximately 3 hours.

• Fishermen's Island Tour

Selecting this option, we will depart from Stresa in the direction of a single island of the Borromeo archipelago, Isola dei Pescatori. This tour will last approximately 1½ hours.

At the end of our excursions to the islands, we will go to the embarkation points to go to the next stop or to conclude our tour by returning to the starting point in Stresa.

Who it is aimed at

The activity is suitable for everyone, with no age limit.

Persons with reduced mobility are welcome on board; the boat is not wheelchair-accessible.

Other information

The activity is available every day from mid-March to the end of November.

The boat is a taxi boat equipped with all comforts, stereo, awning and teak deck; live commentary of the sights we encounter along the way will be available on board.

The organiser has five boats that can accommodate from 38 to 61 people. On boarding you will be directed to the first available boat.

Tickets for the attractions on the islands are not included in the cost of the experience and will be payable locally.

There is a disembarkation fee of 0.50€ per person per island to be paid on site in cash.

Dogs of all sizes are welcome on board.

The meeting point can be reached by public transport; parking is available on site.

Recommended clothing

Clothing suitable for the season