Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Islands Boat Tour From Feriolo

Set out on a captivating boat tour of Lake Maggiore, departing from Feriolo. Explore the picturesque town of Stresa and the enchanting Borromean Islands. Experience the unique charm of Isola dei Pescatori and marvel at the grandeur of Isola Bella. With hop-on hop-off travel and free time, this guided tour promises a delightful immersion in the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Discover why this is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Italian lakes.

Key Points

• 7-hour guided boat tour of Lake Maggiore, Stresa, and Borromean Islands, with departure from Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 3 at 9:30 am.
• Opportunity to explore Stresa’s traditional street market and visit Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella, with hop-on hop-off options.
• Experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Lake Maggiore, including the stunning architecture of the Borromean Islands.
• Tour includes multilingual captain, hop-on hop-off transportation, and landing tax, with a duration of around 7 hours.
• Cancellation with full refund available up to 24 hours in advance, subject to a minimum of 10 adults and weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 7-hour activity is a guided boat tour that allows visitors to discover the enchanting Lake Maggiore, including the picturesque town of Stresa and the captivating Borromean Islands.

Priced at €20 per adult and €5 for children, the tour departs from Stresa’s Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 3 at around 9:30 am, returning around 4:00 pm.

Guests can explore the traditional street market of Stresa, hop on and off the boats to visit Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella, and enjoy free time to explore Stresa at their own pace.

Children under 2 can join for just €40 with two adults.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a range of captivating experiences.

Guests will discover the traditional street market of Stresa, then explore the Borromean Islands by boat. They’ll stroll the narrow streets of Isola Pescatori, enjoying free time to explore Stresa at their own pace.

Along the way, they’ll admire the stunning architecture of the Borromean Islands. Private boats depart every 30 minutes from Piazza Marconi, allowing flexibility.

With a hop-on hop-off option, travelers can customize their experience on the islands. This comprehensive tour immerses visitors in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Lake Maggiore.

Itinerary Details

The tour offers a hop-on hop-off experience at two of the Borromean Islands – Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

Guests will have 2 hours to explore Isola dei Pescatori’s narrow streets. The tour then moves to Isola Bella, where guests can disembark and visit on their own.

Private boats depart every 30 minutes from Piazza Marconi. The return from Isola Bella is at 3:50 pm, arriving back at Feriolo Pier around 4:00 pm.

A €0.50 per person landing tax (from age 6) must be paid in cash on board each island visited.

Exploring Stresa and the Borromean Islands

Although the tour begins in the charming town of Stresa, the real highlight of the experience is the opportunity to explore the captivating Borromean Islands by boat. Visitors can hop on and off the private boats, which depart every 30 minutes from Piazza Marconi, to discover the unique character of each island. From the quaint fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori to the ornate Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, the boat tour offers a chance to take in the islands’ history and natural beauty.

| Island | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Isola dei Pescatori | Narrow streets, traditional fishing village |

| Isola Bella | Palazzo Borromeo, manicured Italian gardens |

| Isola Madre | Botanical gardens, historic villa |

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Discovering the Unique Charm of Isola Dei Pescatori

As the boat glides across the serene waters of Lake Maggiore, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the quaint charm of Isola dei Pescatori. Disembarking, they’re greeted by narrow alleyways lined with colorful houses, local fisherman’s cottages, and charming piazzas.

Highlights include:

1. Wandering through the charming fishing village, with its traditional architecture and glimpses of daily life.

2. Visiting the Church of San Vittore, a 16th-century edifice featuring a unique bell tower.

3. Savoring fresh seafood dishes at the island’s cozy trattorias and cafes.

4. Browsing the local artisan shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Marveling at the Grandeur of Isola Bella

Travelers departing from Isola dei Pescatori soon find themselves in awe of Isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromean Islands. This grand 17th-century palace and gardens, built on an island, showcase the wealth and power of the Borromeo family. Visitors can explore the ornate Baroque interiors, stroll through the terraced gardens, and marvel at the stunning lake views. A stop at Isola Bella is a highlight of the tour, allowing guests to enjoy the opulence and grandeur of this unique island destination.

| Highlights | Included | Not Included |

| — | — | — |

| Explore Baroque Palace | Multilingual Captain | Entrance Fees to Palaces |

| Stroll Terraced Gardens | Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour | – |

| Admire Lake Maggiore Views | Private Boat Transportation | – |

Practical Information for the Tour

The tour departs from Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 3 in Stresa, with boats leaving approximately every 30 minutes from Piazza Marconi.

The tour lasts around 7 hours, with a return to the starting point around 4:00 pm. Participants can freely explore the Borromean Islands, with stops at Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

The tour includes:

1. Multilingual captain and hop-on hop-off boat transportation

2. Landing tax of €0.50 per person (from 6 years) per island, paid on board

3. Cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours in advance

4. Minimum of 10 adults required for the excursion, subject to weather conditions.

Making the Most of Your Lake Maggiore Experience

When exploring Lake Maggiore, visitors can maximize their experience by taking advantage of the hop-on hop-off boat service. This allows them to discover the charming towns and islands at their own pace. The key highlights include:

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Strolling the streets of Isola dei Pescatori | 2 hours |

| Touring the Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella | Flexible |

| Admiring the neo-classical architecture | As desired |

| Shopping for local crafts and souvenirs | 1-2 hours |

| Enjoying a lakeside lunch or gelato | 1 hour |

Prioritizing these activities ensures visitors make the most of their day on the lake.

Common Questions

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

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour prohibits alcohol and drugs, so outside beverages and snacks are not permitted. Passengers should plan to purchase any refreshments on board or in Stresa.

Is There an Option for a Guided Tour of the Islands?

The tour offers hop-on hop-off boat service to explore the Borromean Islands, but there’s no option for a guided tour. Visitors can explore the islands at their own pace and discover the architecture and narrow streets on their own.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There aren’t any specific senior or student discounts listed for this tour. The standard pricing includes a reduced rate for children under 12, and a family package for 2 adults and 2 young children.

Can I Rent a Bicycle to Explore the Islands on My Own?

No, the tour doesn’t offer bicycle rentals. Guests must explore the islands on foot during the hop-on hop-off boat tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended to fully experience the narrow streets and architecture of the Borromean Islands.

Is There a Dress Code I Need to Follow for This Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Avoid overly formal or revealing attire. Just dress for a day of exploring by boat and on the islands.

The Sum Up

The Lake Maggiore boat tour from Feriolo offers a captivating exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. With the flexibility of hop-on hop-off travel and ample free time, visitors can enjoy the charming towns of Stresa and the Borromean Islands, marveling at the stunning architecture and soaking up the unique local atmosphere. This guided excursion promises a delightful and enriching experience for anyone seeking to discover the enchanting wonders of Lake Maggiore.

You can check availability for your dates here: