Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Isola Madre Private Tour

Tucked away in the serene northern reaches of Italy, Lake Maggiore beckons travelers with its enchanting charm. Stresa, a picturesque town on the lake’s shores, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and natural beauty. Venture across the tranquil waters to Isola Madre, where the Borromeo family’s grand palazzo and lush botanical gardens await, promising an immersive journey through Italy’s rich cultural tapestry. Explore this captivating destination, where the past and present converge in a captivating display of natural and architectural splendor.

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Key Points

Explore the picturesque landscapes and charming town of Stresa on a private tour of Lake Maggiore.
Discover the lush botanical gardens and opulent Borromeo Palace on Isola Madre, the largest Borromean Island.
Enjoy a guided stroll along Stresa’s lakefront, admiring historic residences and noble villas.
Immerse in the region’s rich culture and natural beauty with a scenic boat ride to Isola Madre.
Includes a licensed guide, round-trip boat tickets, and access to Borromeo Palace and its gardens.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

Offering a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes of Italy’s Lake Maggiore, this private tour invites travelers to discover the charming town of Stresa and the enchanting Isola Madre.

Beginning with a guided stroll along Stresa’s lakefront, the tour showcases the area’s historic residences and noble villas.

Next, visitors board a scenic boat to the largest Borromean Island, Isola Madre, renowned for its opulent Borromeo Palace and vibrant botanical gardens teeming with exotic birds.

From the oldest Cashmir cypress in Europe to the splendid Venetian living room, this immersive experience immerses guests in the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.

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Discovering Stresa

What better way to begin this captivating tour than by strolling along Stresa’s picturesque lakefront? Admire the historic residences and noble villas lining the shore, exuding an elegant, timeless charm. As you wander, take in the stunning panoramic views stretching across the glistening waters of Lake Maggiore.

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The lakefront sets the stage for this unforgettable journey, inviting you to soak in the beauty and ambiance of this charming Piedmont town before continuing on to the magnificent Borromean Islands.

Visiting Isola Madre

After admiring the elegant charm of Stresa’s lakefront, the tour now heads to the magnificent Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands.

Visitors will enjoy the lush botanical gardens of Palazzo Borromeo, spotting colorful birds like pheasants and white peacocks.

The grand palace showcases opulent rooms filled with historic tapestries, furniture, and paintings. The Venetian living room’s splendor, with its magnificent paintings, mirrors, and Murano chandeliers, is a highlight.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Borromeo family’s sepulchral chapel and the serene water lily pond, creating an unforgettable experience.

Exploring Borromeo Palace

Visitors to Isola Madre are met with the grand splendor of Borromeo Palace, a testament to the island’s rich history and architectural brilliance.

The elegant rooms are filled with captivating tapestries, antique furniture, and stunning paintings from historic Lombardy homes. The Venetian living room dazzles with its opulent paintings, mirrors, and Murano chandeliers.

Guests can also admire the sepulchral chapel of the Borromeo family and the serene water lily pond.

The serene water lily pond and the sepulchral chapel of the Borromeo family await visitors to Isola Madre.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares fascinating insights into the palace’s exquisite design and the influential Borromeo family who once called this island home.

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Admiring the Botanical Garden

The botanical garden on Isola Madre captivates visitors with its lush greenery and diverse array of exotic flora.

Towering Cashmir cypress trees, some over 200 years old, stand as silent sentinels among vibrant flower beds and manicured hedges.

Strolling through the garden’s winding paths, one encounters:

Colorful peacocks gracefully strutting, their iridescent feathers on dazzling display
Fragrant blooms of azaleas, wisteria, and camellias filling the air with their sweet perfumes
A serene water lily pond, its placid surface reflecting the ornate palace above

This botanical oasis is a true feast for the senses.

There's plenty more to explore in Stresa

Scenic Boat Ride to Isola Madre

Departing from Stresa’s picturesque lakefront, the boat glides across the calm, glistening waters of Lake Maggiore.

Passengers marvel at the stunning views of the Borromean Islands, a cluster of tiny islets dotting the lake. The boat smoothly navigates through the archipelago, offering a unique perspective of the grand Borromeo Palace on Isola Madre.

As the boat approaches the island, the lush, verdant gardens come into view, enticing visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty and historic landmarks.

The serene boat ride sets the stage for a captivating tour of Isola Madre, the largest and most enchanting of the Borromean Islands.

Highlights of the Detailed Itinerary

Strolling along Stresa’s picturesque lakefront, visitors admire the historic residences and noble villas that line the promenade.

Upon arriving at Isola Madre, they enjoy the lush gardens of Palazzo Borromeo.

The itinerary highlights include:

Observing the oldest and largest Cashmir cypress tree in Europe, a botanical marvel.
Touring the elegant rooms filled with tapestries, furniture, and paintings from historic Lombardy homes.
Admiring the Venetian living room’s splendor, with its captivating paintings, mirrors, and Murano chandeliers.

The tour culminates with a visit to the sepulchral chapel of the Borromeo family and the tranquil water lily pond, offering a serene conclusion to the day’s explorations.

Inclusions and Meeting Point

The tour includes a licensed guide fluent in both Italian and English, who’ll lead the walking tour of Stresa.

Guests will also receive round-trip boat tickets to Isola Madre, where they’ll explore the opulent Borromeo Palace and enjoy the lush botanical gardens.

The meeting point is Piazza Giacomo Matteotti square, next to the Pasticceria Bolongaro pastry shop, where the local guide with a visible license badge will be waiting.

Meet your local guide with a visible license badge at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti square, next to the Pasticceria Bolongaro pastry shop.

This private tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the picturesque town of Stresa and the enchanting Borromean Islands.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating beauty of Lake Maggiore with this private tour. Stroll along Stresa’s picturesque lakefront, explore the enchanting Isola Madre, and discover the opulent grandeur of Borromeo Palace. This immersive experience promises a perfect blend of natural splendor and cultural richness, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. Set out on a journey that will leave you enchanted by the enchanting allure of this breathtaking region.