Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
3518 reviews
Activity provider:
Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c.
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Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
3518 reviews

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa. Admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Host or greeter
English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
Audio guide included
English, Italian

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Madelyn – United States

The capitano of the boats were courteous, respectful, and very helpful. Great experience!

5
5 out of 5 stars
P
Patti – United States

Don’t miss the gardens or the first floor of the palace on Isola Bella truly unique!

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C.

  • Speedboat

    (15 minutes)

  • Isola Madre

    Free time, Hop-on Hop-off stop

    Extra fee

  • Speedboat

    (10 minutes)

  • Isola dei Pescatori

    Free time, Hop-on Hop-off stop

    Extra fee

  • Speedboat

    (5 minutes)

  • Isola Bella

    Free time, Hop-on Hop-off stop

    Extra fee

  • Speedboat

    (5 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C.

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Have lunch on one of the terraces on the lake at typical restaurants
  • Visit the famous botanical garden of Isola Madre
  • Enjoy traveling at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off tour
  • Admire the Borromean palace and gardens of Isola Bella
  • Sail on the waters of Lake Maggiore

Full description

Discover the beautiful Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on this hop-on hop-off boat tour. Cruise from Stresa to the 3 Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, and choose to include stops at 2 or all 3 of the islands. 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.
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. Next, 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..
Explore the islands' attractions and natural beauty at your own pace.

Includes

  • Hop-on hop-off boat tour
  • Stops at the 3 Borromean Islands
  • Multilingual Captain and crew
  • Free time on each island
  • Multilingual pre-recorded commentary on board
  • Entrance to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens
  • Food and drinks
  • Tour guide
  • Landing fee of €0.50 for each island to be paid locally (cash only)
  • Island entry fees

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Upon your arrival at Stresa Piazza Marconi, you can contact one of the representatives at the ticket office or go directly to the pier of Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c. to find the boat, recognizable by a large tricolor sail with the Italian flag. Please exchange your voucher at the ticket office to join the tour and make the landing fee payment. There is no set arrival time, as this is not a timed service.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Bikes
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Walking frames

Know before you go

  • To ensure the smooth operation of the service, please respect the tour departure
  • Tour departure takes place from about 09.45 AM until 13:15 AM
  • The departure times of the tour start from 09.45 AM until about 13:15 PM (last departure to 3 islands of the day) and the last departure time from Isola Madre (first stop) to other islands at 14.50
  • From 15 March 2025 to 2 November 2025 the palaces and gardens will be open
  • The entrance ticket to the palace and garden of Isola Bella and Isola Madre is not included
  • Pets are allowed on the boat but not inside the museum and garden
  • The 3 boat tour stops are Stresa, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella
  • A landing tax of €0.50 needs to be paid per person for each island at the ticket office (cash only)
  • This tour may be canceled for poor weather, and a refund will be issued
  • Since this is a non-scheduled public service, the departure, transfer, and return times are at the complete discretion of the customer.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5
4.3 out of 5 stars

based on 3518 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.2/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

+115
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5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Madelyn – United StatesJuly 2, 2025 – Verified booking
The capitano of the boats were courteous, respectful, and very helpful. Great experience!
5
5 out of 5 stars
P
Patti – United StatesJune 12, 2025 – Verified booking
Don’t miss the gardens or the first floor of the palace on Isola Bella truly unique!
5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Mohammad – United KingdomMay 9, 2025 – Verified booking
The whole experience is very good. there were so much fascinating arts, spexially painting, its mesmarizimg I wish every aetwork has a miseum loke details. who, when and mentionable featirw. An itemised aidio guide woild have been very food. At least a printed catalovue. The gaedens are kept very well hence its so mixh enjoyable. Thanks

Product ID: 26194

Activity provider:
Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c.

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