Baveno: Madre Island & Bella Island Tour Hop-on Hop-off

The Baveno: Madre Island & Bella Island Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning islands of Lago Maggiore. With a flexible hop-on hop-off format and affordable pricing, this tour promises an immersive experience for nature and culture enthusiasts. Travelers can discover the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo, stroll through charming alleys, and indulge in the beauty of botanical gardens. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the lake or a deeper dive into the region’s history and attractions, this tour may be just the ticket.

Key Points

• The tour offers a hop-on hop-off boat experience to explore Lago Maggiore’s Bella Island and Madre Island, with flexible starting times and free cancellation.
• Highlights include the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo, traditional fishing village of Pescatori Island, and immersion in the botanical gardens surrounding Palazzo Borromeo.
• Prices range from €12.60 to €14.00 per person with a 10% discount, and additional entry fees apply for palace and garden admissions.
• The tour operates from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM, with last boarding at 17:00/18:00 PM, and a landing fee of €0.50 per person per island.
• Boarding takes place at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, and printed coupons are required for exchange to Summer Boats sailing tickets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Baveno: Madre Island & Bella Island Tour is a hop-on hop-off boat tour that offers visitors a chance to explore the picturesque islands of Lago Maggiore.

A hop-on hop-off boat tour offering visitors a chance to explore the picturesque islands of Lago Maggiore.

Priced from €12.60 to €14.00 per person, the tour provides great value with a 10% discount. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying today.

The tour is valid for 1 day, with flexibility in starting times. Highlights include the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo, charming fishing villages, and tranquil sailing between the islands.

Additional entry fees apply for palace and garden admissions.

Tour Highlights

This exciting tour offers visitors a chance to explore the highlights of Bella Island and Pescatori Island. Guests can wander the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and its terraced gardens on Bella Island. They’ll then discover the charming alleys of the traditional fishing village on Pescatori Island. Throughout the journey, travelers can relax on Lake Maggiore, enjoying the tranquility while sailing between the islands. Free time is provided on each island for independent exploration, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning botanical gardens surrounding Palazzo Borromeo.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Bella Island | Explore the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and terraced gardens |

| Pescatori Island | Discover the charming alleys of a traditional fishing village |

| Lake Maggiore | Relax and enjoy the tranquility while sailing between islands |

| Free Time | Explore the islands independently, including the botanical gardens |

| Tour Style | Hop-on hop-off boat tour

Tour Details

This hop-on hop-off boat tour operates from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM, with the last boarding at 17:00/18:00 PM.

The tour visits Isola Madre first, then Isola Bella. A landing fee of €0.50 per person per island applies, with children under 4 sailing for free.

Small dogs sail for free, while medium dogs incur a €3 supplement. Printed coupons are required, which will be exchanged for Summer Boats sailing tickets.

Bad weather may cancel the trip, but the coupon can be used on another date. Entry fees to attractions like the palaces and gardens aren’t included.

Important Information

Boarding for the tour takes place at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno.

Visitors must present a printed coupon, which will be exchanged for the Summer Boats sailing ticket.

Travelers should note that entry fees to the island attractions aren’t included.

Plus, bad weather may cancel the trip, but the coupon can be used on another date.

• Printed coupon required

• Entry fees not included

• Bad weather may cancel

• Coupon usable on another date

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

Based on the 3 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 5/5 stars.

Customers praised the cleanliness and timeliness of the boats. However, they noted that the entry fees for the islands’ palaces and gardens aren’t included, so travelers should budget accordingly.

The tour is recommended for first-time visitors to Lake Maggiore, who can enjoy the charming fishing village of Pescatori Island and the beautiful Baroque Palazzo Borromeo on Bella Island.

The hop-on, hop-off format allows for flexibility to explore the islands at one’s own pace.

Exploring Bella Island

As visitors step onto the picturesque Bella Island, they’re greeted by the grand, Baroque-style Palazzo Borromeo, the centerpiece of this charming destination.

They can explore the opulent palace‘s lavish interiors and marvel at its ornate architecture. The surrounding terraced gardens offer a serene escape, with verdant landscapes, fragrant blooms, and stunning views of Lake Maggiore.

Guests can:

• Stroll through the tranquil pathways

• Admire the intricate fountains and sculptures

• Soak in the lake vistas from the hillside terraces

• Discover hidden alcoves and picturesque corners

This island oasis provides a delightful respite from the mainland, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty and history of the Borromean archipelago.

Discovering Pescatori Island

After exploring the grandeur of Bella Island, the tour moves on to the charming Pescatori Island.

Visitors can wander through the peaceful alleys of this traditional fishing village, taking in the quaint architecture and local character. The island’s name, which means "fishermen" in Italian, reflects its historic roots as a hub for the region’s fishing industry.

Guests have free time to stroll at their own pace, discovering hidden corners and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. The tour provides a chance to experience the authentic culture and timeless charm of this picturesque Lake Maggiore destination.

Relaxing on Lake Maggiore

The tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore provide a serene backdrop as the boat sails between the islands.

Passengers can sit back, breathe deeply, and take in the stunning panoramic views. The gentle rocking of the vessel and the peaceful ambiance allow for true relaxation.

Among the highlights:

• Gazing upon the majestic mountains that frame the lake

• Listening to the lapping of the waves against the shore

• Spotting wildlife like swans and herons in the distance

• Feeling the light breeze caress one’s face

This calming interlude is the perfect respite between exploring the charming islands.

Common Questions

Is Food and Drink Available on the Boat Tour?

The tour information does not mention any food or drink being available on the boats. Passengers will need to bring their own refreshments if they wish to consume anything during the hop-on hop-off tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on board the tour boats. However, there are no catering services provided, so guests must bring their own supplies if they want snacks or beverages during the trip.

Are There Any Discounts for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students. However, they provide an overall 10% discount on the standard ticket price, which applies to all customers. Booking in advance also allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront.

How Long Does the Full Round-Trip Tour Take?

The full round-trip tour takes approximately 4 hours. The service operates from 9:40 AM to 5:00/6:00 PM, with the last boarding at 5:00/6:00 PM, allowing ample time to explore the islands independently.

Are There Any Recommended Restaurants or Cafes on the Islands?

There are cafes and restaurants on the islands, but specific recommendations are not provided. Visitors can explore the islands’ charming alleys and scenery during their free time to discover local dining options that suit their preferences.

The Sum Up

The Baveno: Madre Island & Bella Island Tour offers a delightful way to explore the stunning islands of Lago Maggiore. With flexible hop-on hop-off options, travelers can enjoy the Baroque grandeur of Bella Island and the charming alleys of Pescatori Island, all while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lake. It’s a perfect outing for nature and culture enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: