Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour of Borromean Islands

Routes & Schedule

If you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the beautiful Borromean Islands, choose this round-trip hop-on hop-off boat tour starting from Stresa. Enjoy a full day of unlimited travel on Lake Maggiore, and visit 3 picturesque islands – Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre – at your own pace.

More About the Islands

Make your way to Isola Bella, a place of surprising splendor with flower gardens in continuous bloom and priceless architectural treasures. It has a beautiful villa and terraced garden.

Did you know that Isola Madre is the largest of the three islands? It has been maintained since about 1823 in an English style. Explore its own villa and an English-style garden.

Isola Superior is the smallest of the three and nicknamed Isola Pescatori or Fisherman’s Island. Make sure to explore some fresh seafood hear! Being only one of the 3 islands to be inhabited all year round, with a population of 25 (as of 2018), take this chance to get up and close with the locals.

Schedule

• First boat: 9:15am

• Last boat: 3:15pm

• Frequency: Every 30 mins

Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour of Borromean Islands

Delve into the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore as you cruise through its waters, discovering enchanting islands that whisper tales of opulence and nature’s majesty. This tour is crafted for explorers of Italy's hidden gems, devotees of Renaissance elegance, and seekers of tranquil retreats where time slows down to a soothing pace. Did you know? Isola Madre houses a Kashmir cypress tree over 200 years old, standing as a testament to the islands' enduring charm. With boats running every 30 minutes from Stresa, this journey weaves together history and nature, offering memorable encounters to forge lifelong connections while understanding that each island tells its own unique story within the tapestry of Lake Maggiore.

Discovering Isola Bella's Flower Gardens

Visit Isola Bella during your tour’s highlight segment where a labyrinthine garden awaits, inviting you to wander through its manicured pathways and marvel at the vibrant array of blooms that decorate this island. The gardens of Isola Bella are renowned for their exquisite symmetry and architectural elegance, featuring sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini among other notable artists. Each flower bed is meticulously designed to reflect different periods in Italian horticulture history, from Baroque splendor to contemporary trends, making the island a living museum of floral artistry. Beyond its gardens, Isola Bella boasts beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, offering visitors a chance to bask in the sun-drenched tranquility that defines this Mediterranean oasis.

Exploring the Fishing Village of Isola Pescatori

Access Isola Pescatori as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring a charming fishing village where time feels suspended and life revolves around the rhythms of the sea. This picturesque island is home to narrow streets lined with colorful houses, traditional boats docked along its shore, and an air rich in the scent of fresh seafood. The village’s culinary offerings are renowned across Italy for their authenticity and simplicity—dishes like grilled fish and mussels cooked in wine provide a taste of true local flavor that enchants every visitor. Isola Pescatori is not just about food; it's also about experiencing a way of life where the past seamlessly blends with present-day traditions.

Marveling at Isola Madre's Botanical Beauty

Explore Isola Madre representing the tour’s centerpiece where rare plants and exotic flowers thrive in an environment designed to mimic their natural habitats. This botanical paradise is home to a vast collection of flora from around the world, including species that are critically endangered elsewhere. One of its most notable features includes the Kashmir cypress tree, which stands as a living relic dating back over two centuries, bearing witness to the island's transformation and conservation efforts. The serene atmosphere combined with the natural splendor creates an immersive experience where visitors can lose themselves in the lush greenery and listen to nature’s subtle symphony.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Isola Bella observation deck highest viewpoint
• Experience Isola Pescatori fishing village authentic charm
• Explore Isola Madre botanical gardens second-largest
• Discover rare Kashmir cypress tree over 200 years old on Isola Madre
• Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in local restaurants included in tour package
• Access crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches optional for swimming

Savor the essence of Italy’s lakeside splendor through this [hop-on hop-off boat tour] that weaves history, nature, and culture into a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Join us to uncover the hidden treasures of Lake Maggiore, crafting memories that linger like the sweet fragrance of Isola Bella's gardens or the taste of fresh seafood on Isola Pescatori’s shores.