From Stresa: 2 Borromean Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Exploring the stunning Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore is a must-do experience for visitors to the Stresa region. This hop-on hop-off boat tour provides a flexible and personalized way to discover the enchanting Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori at your own pace. With stunning scenery, unique botanical gardens, and delectable local cuisine, the tour offers a truly immersive and memorable experience. Whether you’re interested in wildlife photography or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the lake, this tour is sure to captivate your senses and leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa visiting two of the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
• Tour duration is one day with the flexibility to explore the islands at your own pace.
• Highlights include the botanical gardens of Isola Madre and the palace and gardens of Isola Bella.
• Audio guides available in Italian and English to enhance your experience.
• Inclusions cover the boat ticket, multilingual captain, and access to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The activity offered is a hop-on hop-off boat tour of the Borromean Islands from Stresa.

A hop-on hop-off boat tour of the Borromean Islands from Stresa, allowing visitors to explore the islands at their own pace.

Priced from $13.06 per person, the tour lasts one day and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Audio guides are available in Italian and English. Guests can explore the islands at their own pace, with speedboat transfers taking 5-15 minutes between them.

Highlights include the botanical gardens and birdlife of Isola Madre, the palace and gardens of Isola Bella, and the charming alleys of Isola dei Pescatori.

The tour includes boat tickets and access to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens.

Itinerary Details

Two starting locations are available for the Borromean Islands boat tour – Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C. The tour stops at three picturesque islands:

| Destination | Travel Time |

| — | — |

| Isola dei Pescatori | 15 minutes |

| Isola Bella | 10 minutes |

| Isola Madre | 5 minutes |

Isola Madre is famous for its botanical gardens, free-living birdlife, and unique plants like the Cashmere tree. Isola Bella is known for its palace, caves, and Italian-style gardens. Isola dei Pescatori is inhabited year-round, with charming alleys and local cuisine. Guests can explore the islands at their own pace with the hop-on, hop-off boat service.

Tour Highlights

One of the key highlights of the Borromean Islands boat tour is the flexibility it offers. Passengers can explore the islands at their own pace by hopping on and off the boat as they please.

The scenic views of Lake Maggiore from the modern boat are also a major draw, allowing visitors to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region. Plus, the tour provides opportunities to photograph the unique wildlife, such as the white peacocks and diverse botanical species found on the islands.

The hop-on hop-off format ensures a personalized and enjoyable experience for all.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the hop-on hop-off boat ticket to two islands, a multilingual captain, and pre-recorded commentary.

The hop-on hop-off boat ticket, multilingual captain, and pre-recorded commentary are included in this Borromean Islands tour.

Visitors can enjoy free time on each island and have access to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens.

However, the following are excluded:

1. Landing fee of €0.50 per island (paid locally).

2. Entrance fees, food, drinks, and tour guide.

3. Not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

4. Pets are allowed on the boat but not in museums or gardens.

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Important Information

Visitors must meet at the designated meeting point, which varies depending on the option booked.

Guests should bring a camera, but large bags and bikes aren’t allowed.

Pets are permitted on the boat but not in the museums or gardens.

The tour may be canceled due to poor weather, and refunds will be issued in such cases.

Boat departures run from 9:30 AM to 2:15 PM, with the last departure to Isola Madre.

Travelers must respect their booked time slot to ensure the smooth operation of the service.

Starting Locations

There are two starting location options for the Borromean Islands boat tour – Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C.

The two options allow visitors flexibility in choosing the most convenient departure point:

The two options allow visitors flexibility in choosing the most convenient departure point for the Borromean Islands boat tour.

1. Stresa – The main departure location, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

2. Pallanza – An alternate starting point, also located on the lake’s banks.

Both starting points provide quick access to the Borromean Islands, ensuring a seamless and efficient start to the tour.

Guests can simply arrive at their preferred location and board the awaiting boats to begin their Borromean Islands adventure.

Destinations

From the starting locations on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands boat tour takes visitors to three distinct destinations – Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori.

Isola Madre is famous for its botanical gardens, free-living birdlife, and the unique Cashmere tree.

Isola Bella is known for its palace, caves, and Italian-style gardens.

Isola dei Pescatori is an inhabited island with charming alleys and local cuisine.

The speedboat journeys range from 5 minutes to Isola Madre, 10 minutes to Isola Bella, and 15 minutes to Isola dei Pescatori, allowing visitors to explore each island at their own pace.

Travel Time

The speedboat journeys range from 5 minutes to Isola Madre, 10 minutes to Isola Bella, and 15 minutes to Isola dei Pescatori, allowing visitors to explore each island at their own pace.

The brief travel times between the islands offer several benefits:

1. Maximizes sightseeing efficiency by minimizing transit time.

2. Provides flexibility to hop on and off at each destination.

3. Maintains a leisurely pace for a relaxing experience.

4. Enables visitors to fully enjoy the unique character of each island.

This efficient transportation network ensures an enriching and well-paced tour of the captivating Borromean Islands.

Common Questions

How Often Do the Boats Depart From the Starting Locations?

The boats depart from the starting locations every 1-2 hours, with the last departure to Isola Madre at 2:15 PM. Customers should respect their booked time slot for optimal service operation.

Are Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The regular adult ticket price of $13.06 applies to all passengers regardless of age. There are no special rates available for this hop-on hop-off boat tour of the Borromean Islands.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the boat, but it’s important to note that entrance fees, food, and drinks are not included in the tour price. Enjoy your snacks while taking in the scenic views.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Restrictions for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress comfortably. Large bags and bikes aren’t allowed on the boat. Pets are permitted on the boat, but not in the museums or gardens.

What Happens if It Rains During the Tour?

If it rains during the tour, the tour may be canceled due to poor weather. Refunds will be issued in this case. Guests should check the weather policy and be prepared for possible tour cancellation in inclement conditions.

The Sum Up

This hop-on hop-off boat tour of the Borromean Islands offers a flexible and scenic way to explore the picturesque Lake Maggiore. Visitors can discover the charming islands, stroll through botanical gardens, and savor local cuisine at their own pace. With audio guides and stunning views, this tour provides a personalized and leisurely experience for a great value starting at just $13.06 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: