The best tour of the Borromean Isles on Lake Maggiore

The Borromeo family has ruled the lands across lake Maggiore for centuries and their descendants still own some of the gorgeous parks and mansions scattered around. The South-Western basin of the lake, named the Borromean gulf, is dotted by some small, charming islands.
This exclusive cruise will lead you to discover the wonders of the three Borromean islands: the amazing botanical garden of Isola Madre, the largest one; the characteristic alleys of Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited one, where you may enjoy a good lunch; finally, the superb baroque palace and garden of Isola Bella, dedicated by Carlo III Borromeo to his wife Isabella d'Adda.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Stresa, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont

This small town, standing on the Western coast of Lake Maggiore in the so-called Borromea Gulf, is one of the most visited touristic sites of entire Piemonte. Its territory includes three of the four Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiora, also named Isola dei Pescatori. The first recorded file about the town is dated 998, but even in the Roman age, the way leading from Milan to the Sempione pass ran by this site.

Stop At: Isola Madre, Italy

The largest among the Borromean Islands was formerly named after San Vittore and then "Isola Maggiore". Its surface is mostly covered by gorgeous botanical gardens, planted between the 16th and the 19th century. A palace, belonged to the Borromeo family, also stands on the island.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Island of the Fishermen (Isola dei Pescatori), Italy

The only one, among the Borromean Islands, to be permanently inhabited, is also called "Isola Superiore" (Upper) due to its position, North of its "twin" Isola Bella. Its iconic skyline is dominated by the bell tower of the Church of San Vittore, mainly built in the 16th and 17th century but based on an 11th century chapel. The 35 inhabitants live on tourism and fishing.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Isola Bella Italy

This small island, formerly inhabited by a few fishermen, was deeply transformed by the Borromeo family, since 1632; in this year, Carlo III Borromeo started the construction of a gorgeous palace, dedicated to his wife Isabella, which was later completed, in 1671, by an amazing Baroque garden. Palazzo Borromeo also hosted Napoleon I with his wife and, later in 1935, the Conference of Stresa, held between the representatives of Italian, British and French government.

Duration: 2 hours



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"



Start Time: 09:30 AM
Duration: 7 Hours
Start location: 1: Piazza Marconi, 16, 28838 Stresa VB, Italy
2: Piazza IV Novembre, 2, 28831 Baveno VB, Italy

Cancellations and refunds: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Included

• Qualified private guide
• Transfer by a public taxi-boat
• Entry/Admission - Isola Bella
• Entry/Admission - Isola Madre
• Entry/Admission - Island of the Fishermen (Isola dei Pescatori)

Not Included

• Gratuities
• Lunch

Facilities