Stresa: Isola Madre and Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

The Stresa: Isola Madre and Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour is a captivating way to explore two of Lake Maggiore’s most enchanting islands. Visitors can marvel at the lush botanical gardens and historic villa on Isola Madre, then enjoy the grandeur of Isola Bella’s stunning palace and Italian gardens. With convenient schedules and a friendly multilingual crew, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. But what secrets might these islands hold?

Key Points

• A 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa to Isola Madre and Isola Bella, with prices starting at £10.94 per person.
• Explore the botanical gardens, villa, and birdlife on Isola Madre, and visit the palace, gardens, and local handicraft market on Isola Bella.
• Includes entrance fees to the villa and palace, with a multilingual captain and crew.
• Tour operates from approximately 10:00 AM to 13:15 PM, with the last departure from Isola Madre at 14:50, between 16 March 2024 and 3 November 2024.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews, with positive feedback on the shuttle service, staff friendliness, and exploration effectiveness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa takes visitors to the enchanting Isola Madre and Isola Bella.

Priced from £10.94 per person, the tour is valid for a full day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can explore the botanical gardens, villa, and free-living birdlife on Isola Madre, as well as the palace, Italian-style gardens, and local handicraft market on Isola Bella.

The tour includes entrance fees to the villa and palace, and features unique sights like the famous Cashmere tree, peacocks, and pheasants.

Availability and departure times should be checked in advance.

Tour Itinerary and Highlights

The Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour departs from the Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C. starting location.

The tour stops at two picturesque islands – Isola Madre and Isola Bella.

At Isola Madre, visitors can explore the botanical gardens, the villa with its puppet collection, and observe the free-living birdlife.

On Isola Bella, the tour offers a chance to visit the palace, stroll through the Italian-style gardens, browse the local handicraft market, and enjoy some shopping.

The tour provides break time, photo stops, sightseeing, and a boat cruise along with the hop-on hop-off stops.

Included and Excluded

The Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour includes the stops at Isola Madre and Isola Bella, as well as the entrance fees to the villa on Isola Madre and the palace on Isola Bella. However, food, drinks, and the entrance ticket to the palace and garden of Isola Bella and Isola Madre are not included. Plus, visitors will need to pay a landing tax of €0.50 per person for each island, which must be paid in cash.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Stops at Isola Madre and Isola Bella | Food and drinks |

| Entrance fees to the villa on Isola Madre and the palace on Isola Bella | Entrance ticket to the palace and garden of Isola Bella and Isola Madre |

| Multilingual captain and crew | Landing tax of €0.50 per person for each island (cash only) |

Departure Times and Operating Dates

Departures for the Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour operate from approximately 10:00 AM to 13:15 PM, with the last departure from Isola Madre at 14:50.

The tour operates during the high season, with the palaces and gardens open from 16 March 2024 to 3 November 2024. This ensures visitors can fully experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Isola Madre and Isola Bella.

It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, and certain restrictions apply, such as no bikes, alcohol, drugs, or large bags allowed.

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Accessibility and Restrictions

While the Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offers a wonderful way to explore the enchanting islands of Lago Maggiore, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

The Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments as it lacks accessibility features.

Certain restrictions are in place:

1. Pets are allowed on the boat but not in the museums and gardens.

2. Prohibited items include bikes, alcohol, drugs, and large bags.

3. The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, and visitors with mobility challenges may find navigation around the islands challenging.

4. The tour isn’t recommended for anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the frequent and punctual shuttle service, friendly staff, and the tour’s effectiveness in exploring the islands.

One customer remarked it’s a "great way to see Isola Madre and Isola Bella," while another praised the "beautiful scenery and interesting information from the crew."

Booking and Availability

Visitors can check the availability of the Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour and book their tickets directly on the tour provider’s website.

The tour operates from approximately 10:00 AM to 13:15 PM, with the last departure from Isola Madre at 14:50. The palaces and gardens are open from 16 March 2024 to 3 November 2024.

The Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour operates from 10:00 AM to 13:15 PM, with the last departure from Isola Madre at 14:50. The palaces and gardens are open from 16 March 2024 to 3 November 2024.

Booking options include:

1. Purchasing tickets online in advance for a guaranteed spot.

2. Checking availability for starting times on the tour provider’s website.

3. Paying a landing tax of €0.50 per person for each island (cash only).

4. Cancelling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Getting There and Practical Information

The Stresa Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour departs from the Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C. in Stresa. Tours operate daily from approximately 10:00 AM to 13:15 PM, with the last departure from Isola Madre at 14:50. The palaces and gardens are open from 16 March 2024 to 3 November 2024.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Stops at Isola Madre and Isola Bella | Food and drinks |

| Entrance fees to the villa on Isola Madre and the palace on Isola Bella | Entrance ticket to the palace and garden of Isola Bella and Isola Madre |

| Multilingual captain and crew | Landing tax of €0.50 per person for each island (cash only) |

| | Pets allowed on the boat but not in museums and gardens |

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Islands?

The best time to visit the islands is from mid-March to early November when the palaces and gardens are open. This ensures visitors can fully experience the botanical wonders and architectural attractions.

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

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat, but they can enjoy a break and purchase refreshments at the stops on the islands.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tours?

The tour doesn’t provide an audio guide, but visitors can explore the islands at their own pace. Tour staff are available to answer questions and provide information about the key sights along the way.

Are the Islands Wheelchair Accessible?

The islands are not fully wheelchair accessible. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Visitors may encounter steps, uneven terrain, and limited accessibility in the gardens and museums on the islands.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Stresa?

Yes, the tour can be combined with other activities in Stresa. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or visit other attractions like the Borromean Palace after finishing the boat tour.

The Sum Up

The Stresa: Isola Madre and Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offers a delightful way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Lake Maggiore. With a convenient and affordable price, flexible departure times, and multilingual staff, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to take in the stunning botanical gardens, historical villas, and Italian landscapes of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: