Make like Ernest Hemingway and the British royals as you cruise around Lake Maggiore. This scenic part of northern Italy is packed with history and artistic legacy.

Get on and off the boat whenever you like for close-ups of the Borromean Islands and Stresa. 

Explore the monumental Isola Bella and its 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo. See Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) – the only one inhabited all year round, and don't miss Isola Madre, known for its blooming botanical garden.

Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Set sail on a hop-on hop-off boat tour of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. Cruise to Isola Madre and Isola Bella aboard a modern boat from Stresa.

Relax and admire the serene beauty of the lake as the boat sails. Listen to the audio guide, available in English and Italian, for interesting facts about the sights along the way.

Disembark at each island to explore at your own pace, then hop back on the next boat when ready to continue the tour.

Isola Madre and Isola Bella: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on a hop-on hop-off boat tour. Cruise from Stresa to two Borromean Islands, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella, for beautiful views.

Board the boat at the meeting point and appreciate a leisurely trip across Lake Maggiore. Take in the serene beauty of the surroundings as you sail.

First, visit Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island inhabited year-round. Wander through its streets and taste local dishes at one of the cozy eateries.

End your tour at Isola Bella, famous for its palace, scenic caves, and Italian gardens. Explore the terraces, shop at boutique stores, or browse the craft market before returning to Stresa.

Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella: Hop-on Hop-off Boat

Join a hop-on hop-off cruise from Stresa to Isola dei Pescatori for a scenic tour of Lake Maggiore. Explore the Borromean Islands at your own pace, with the option of a private boat for added luxury.

Enjoy the flexible schedule, hopping off at any island that catches your eye and waiting for the next boat to continue. Discover the village on Isola dei Pescatori, browse the craft market, and grab lunch or a drink at a lakeside restaurant.

Treat yourself to a local cuisine featuring lake fish like perch and whitefish, then take a leisurely stroll to soak up the island's allure. Return to Stresa and explore the botanical gardens of Villa Pallavicino.

Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour from Stresa

Go on an exciting voyage with the Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands hop-on hop-off boat tour. Discover the natural beauty and rich history of these iconic islands.

Board the boat at the meeting point and start your adventure. Cruise along the waters of Lake Maggiore while an informative audio guide shares interesting stories about the area, available in both English and Italian.

With the hop-on hop-off feature, you have the freedom to explore each island at your own pace. Begin at the beautiful Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island inhabited year-round. Wander through its streets and try delicious local cuisine at cozy eateries.

End your tour at the incredible Isola Bella, famous for its magnificent palace, fascinating caves, and beautiful Italian garden.

Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Set sail from the charming town of Stresa and journey across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, hopping off at the gorgeous Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. 

With entrance tickets to Isola Madre and Isola Bella included (and zero entry fees for Isola dei Pescatori), there's no excuse not to uncover the hidden treasures of these islands at a leisurely pace.

Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Set sail for a boat trip across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands from Stresa. This boat service allows you to hop on and off at your leisure between Stresa and Isola Bella.

Relax on modern and comfortable boats as you glide through the sights of Lake Maggiore.

Land on Isola Bella and explore its museum and classic Italian gardens (additional fee). Wander through the fishing village located on the other side of this tiny island. Then, return to Stresa, where the beautiful Alpinia Botanical Garden sits atop the hills.

Isola Bella: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour from Stresa

Pack your bag for an adventure across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore with a hop-on, hop-off taxi boat journey. 

Starting from the charming town of Stresa, the journey takes you to the breathtaking views of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. With entrance tickets to Isola Bella included, you can experience the islands' magical views at a pace that suits you.

Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Taxi Boat Tour

Ghiffa

Experience some major house-envy with a visit to the glorious Villa Della Porta Bozzolo. This lavish mansion in the countryside of Varese was once the summer residence of rich Italian aristocrats, who clearly weren't willing to settle for a campervan!

Explore the majestic villa and its monumental gardens on a fascinating guided history tour, and see beautiful fountains, water features, Rococo furnishings, jaw-dropping frescoes, and spellbinding views across the countryside.

Villa Della Porta Bozzolo: Entry Ticket

Navigating Lake Maggiore is a pleasurable experience as it is. When coupled with a good bottle of prosecco, it becomes even more unique and unforgettable!

The boat you use throughout this activity is suitable for small cocktail parties, or as a romantic surprise for your partner. Larger groups can be accommodated inside of the boat, protected from the weather, but at the same time offering wide views of the lake through the boat's large windows and open terrace area.

Enjoy a delicious aperitif in good company as you socialize onboard your comfortable vessel. During your roughly 1-hour cruise, you can relax, take photos, and learn more about this wonderful side of Lake Maggiore.

Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise

Mountains on the horizon, clear water to sail across and an unforgettable destination. The Isola dei Pescatori Boat Tour ticks the boxes for anyone soaking up the atmosphere on Lake Maggiore. 

Once you arrive, you'll immediately be enamored by the island's charm – there's only a population of around 25 people on Isola dei Pescatori, and that character shines through. It shouldn't take long to see the whole island, but stopping by the centuries-old local church is essential.

Isola dei Pescatori Boat Tour

With bella as its namesake, you can be sure that this is the most beautiful of the Borromean islands. After you've been picked up from Stresa, you'll be whisked across the placid waters of Lake Maggiore to an island where ancient gardens and a sumptuous palace await.

When you arrive, the island is yours to explore: visit Palazzo Borromeo and the 17th-century gardens – including the impressive outdoor structure Teatro Massimo; visit grottoes that were made to escape from the heat, admire ancient art, and indulge in life's finer things.

Hop-On Hop-Off à Ghiffa