Tours & tickets

Borromeo Palace

Spend a full day among the 3 Borromean Islands, the flagship of Lake Maggiore, known all over the world. Discover the flora, fauna, local color, and magnificent architecture of the region. Isola Madre houses one of the most ancient Italian botanical gardens. On Isola Bella you will be able to visit the sumptuous palace – home of the Borromean family, which keeps priceless artworks. On the contrary, Isola Pescatori is the only Borromean Island to be inhabited all the year through; it houses a small village with a small square surrounded by tight and winding alleys. You can admire and photograph the splendid white peacocks, have lunch in one of the many typical restaurants in the fishermen's village, and wonder at the splendid botanical garden of Isola Madre, one of the most famous in the world.

Hop-On Hop-Off Day Ticket for the Borromean Islands Discover the wonders of Lake Maggiore with our daily hop-on hop-off ticket, allowing you to visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori with complete freedom. This exclusive package includes boat transportation between the islands and admission to the museums and gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, giving you a unique experience of art, history and nature. What the package includes. Daily hop-on hop-off boat transportation between Stresa and the three Borromean Islands. Admission to the Borromeo Palace and the baroque gardens of Isola Bella. Admission to the Palace and botanical gardens on Isola Madre. Free time to visit Isola dei Pescatori, the picturesque village with quaint restaurants and stores. Book your hop-on hop-off ticket now and have an unforgettable experience among the Borromean Islands! The tour departs approximately every 30 minutes from 09:45 to 12:15.

Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore on a hop-on hop-off style boat tour from Baveno. Hop between the islands of Madre, Bella, and Pescatori, and have time to spend exploring them. Embark your boat and depart from Baveno, sailing into the lake towards your first island. Arrive at Madre Island where you can admire the famous English botanical gardens and Palazzo Borromeo. Leave Madre for Bella Island. Be in awe of its baroque palace, Italian gardens, and 10 terraces that slope towards the lake. Head for Pescatori Island to feel the charming effects of its picturesque fishing village with meandering alleys and multi-story buildings. From Pescatori, conclude your tour with a return to Baveno.

Discovery of the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the Borromean Islands inhabited all year round. Explore its many charming alleys and stop to taste the typical dishes of the lake at one of the numerous restaurants. Then continue to Isola Bella, the queen of the Borromean Islands, where, in addition to the beautiful ancient village full of typical craft shops, you can decide to visit the Palazzo Borromeo with its wonderful gardens and peacocks ready to be photographed.

Discover Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori with a hop-on hop-off speedboat shuttle from Stresa, Lake Maggiore. Enter the islands with entry included in your shuttle ticket and spend time exploring at your leisure. Choose how many islands you want to visit. Start your day by meeting the skipper and boarding the boat in Stresa. Enjoy scenic mountain panoramas on a short trip across calm waters to the islands. Hop off at your chosen island (entry tickets depend on the option booked) and immediately start exploring. Spend time getting to know the islands at your own pace. See highlights like the Baroque-style Palazzo Borromeo museum and its adjoining grounds with ten terraced gardens. Marvel at the fountains, statues, and architecture of the gardens. Finish your trip with a return boat transfer back to Stresa.

Hop-On Hop-Off Day Ticket for the Borromean Islands Discover the wonders of Lake Maggiore with our daily hop-on hop-off ticket, allowing you to visit Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori with complete freedom. This exclusive package includes boat transportation between the islands and admission to the museums and gardens of Isola Bella, giving you a unique experience of art, history and nature. What does the package include? Daily hop-on hop-off boat transportation between Stresa and the two Borromean Islands. Entrance to Palazzo Borromeo and the baroque gardens of Isola Bella. Free time to visit Isola dei Pescatori, the picturesque village with quaint restaurants and stores. Book your hop-on hop-off ticket now and have an unforgettable experience between the Borromean Islands! Tour departure is approximately every 30 minutes from 09:45 am.

Discover the beautiful Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on this hop-on hop-off boat tour. Cruise from Stresa to 2 of the Borromean Islands, either Isola Madre and Isola Bella, or Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. After making your way to the meeting point, board the modern boat and set off to Lake Maggiore's most characteristic places. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake as you go. As you cruise, hear fascinating facts about the sights with a geolocalized audio guide in English and Italian. When the boat arrives at each island, simply hop off the boat and hop back on the next boat when you want to continue your tour. Explore the islands' attractions and natural beauty at your own pace. Isola Madre and Isola Bella Embark on a boat trip from Stresa Piazza Marconi and discover the two most visited Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa. Explore the island, which is famous for its botanical gardens. See the free-living birdlife and admire the peacocks and pheasants who stroll calmly through the gardens. Discover the unique plants of the island, such as the famous Cashmere tree and Bougainville. You can also visit the villa with its puppet collection. Next, visit Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens, before returning to Stresa. Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella First, visit Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the Borromean Islands inhabited all year round. Explore its many charming alleys and stop to taste the typical dishes of the lake at one of the numerous restaurants. Finish your island tour with a stop at Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens. Admire the views from the famous terraces, enjoy some shopping in the elegant boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market, before returning to Stresa.

Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise on the Borromean Gulf passing by Baveno, Stresa, through the Feriolo Islands to Santa Caterina del Sasso and then back to Feriolo. See the Borromean Islands and enjoy a relaxing evening with this boat trip on Lake Maggiore. Start your cruise with a dedicated exploration of the coast of the Borromean Islands. Sail by the islet of San Giovanni, admire the botanical gardens of Isola Madre from the boat, see the 17th-century palace that sits on Isola Bella, as well as cruise around Isola dei Pescatori ('Fisherman's Island'). As you sail along, admire the elegant villas of Baveno and the gardens of Verbania. Leaving the Piedmont region behind toward Lombardy, marvel at the afternoon light shining on the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Located on top of a cliff, this 14th-century monastery stands out for its 15-meter-high bell tower.

Explore Lake Maggiore and the most charming Borromean Islands at your own pace with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa to Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands. Embark on a boat trip from Stresa Piazza Marconi and discover three Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa. Explore the island, which is famous for its botanical gardens. See the free-living birdlife and admire the peacocks and pheasants who stroll calmly through the gardens. Discover the unique plants of the island, such as the famous Cashmere tree and Bougainville. You can also visit the villa with its puppet collection. Finish your island tour with a stop at Isola Bella most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens. Admire the views from the famous terraces, enjoy some shopping in the elegant boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market, before returning to Stresa.

Step into the timeless beauty of Isola Bella, a jewel of Lake Maggiore. Suspended between antiquity and modernity, this island is a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Once a barren rock, it has been transformed over four centuries into a masterpiece of art, culture, and design by the Borromeo family. From its ship-like silhouette to its lush gardens and grand palace, Isola Bella promises an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey with a visit to Palazzo Borromeo, a monumental residence steeped in history. Marvel at its opulent interiors, including the Salone Nuovo, completed in 1948, and explore rooms that once hosted distinguished guests. The palace is a testament to centuries of architectural evolution, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Baroque era. Next, wander through the Giardino Barocco all'Italiana, a terraced garden designed as a natural complement to the palace. Admire rare and ancient blooms, intricate fountains, and statues that evoke the island’s Baroque character. The Teatro Massimo, a striking feature of the garden, resembles the prow of a ship, adding to the island’s unique charm. Take time to explore the village, with its fishermen’s houses and quaint boutiques along Vicolo del Fornello. Savor breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore, sip a cocktail by the water, or enjoy a romantic dinner as the sun sets. Whether you’re captivated by its history, enchanted by its gardens, or simply seeking relaxation, Isola Bella offers an experience like no other. Your visit ends with the gentle lapping of the lake, leaving you with lasting memories of this magical island.