Lake Maggiore Gourmet: Gardens, Lake Cruise, & Food Tasting

Exploring the picturesque Lake Maggiore has never been easier. The Gourmet activity offers a seamless blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and culinary delights. Travelers can embark on a scenic lake cruise, enjoy the stunning Villa Taranto botanical gardens, and indulge in a delightful food and wine tasting – all for a reasonable price. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you craving…

Key Points

• The Lake Maggiore Gourmet activity is priced at $85.19 per person and includes a 1-day hop-on hop-off ferry ticket, a lake cruise, and a visit to Villa Taranto botanical gardens.

• The 1.5-hour food tasting experience at La Casera in Verbania Intra focuses on regional cheeses, cold cuts, and quality wines, complementing the tour’s sights and activities.

• The tour offers seven pickup locations and is wheelchair accessible, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 18 positive customer reviews.

• The 45-minute ferry ride to Villa Taranto and the 10-minute trip to Intra provide efficient transportation for seamless exploration of the gardens and scenic views.

• The tour includes an optional 1.5-hour visit to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands, with entrance tickets not included in the package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Lake Maggiore Gourmet activity offers a day of exploration and culinary delights, priced from $85.19 per person.

Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The activity provides a 1-day hop-on hop-off ticket, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace.

With seven pickup locations, the itinerary includes a lake cruise, a visit to the Villa Taranto botanical gardens, and a lunch and food tasting experience in Verbania Intra, showcasing the region’s cheeses, wines, and cold cuts.

Itinerary and Highlights

Included in the itinerary are seven pickup locations, allowing visitors to embark on their Lake Maggiore Gourmet adventure from Stresa, Isola Bella, Carciano, Isola Pescatori, Baveno, Pallanza, Villa Taranto, or Intra.

The activities include a lake cruise, visiting the Villa Taranto botanical gardens for 1.5 hours, and enjoying a 1.5-hour lunch and food tasting. An optional 1.5-hour visit to Isola Bella is also available.

The main sites passed during the tour are the Borromean Islands, though entrance tickets aren’t included. Highlights include the Villa Taranto gardens and a cheese, wine, and cold cuts tasting at La Casera in Verbania Intra.

Ferry and Accessibility

Visitors can hop on and off ferries with a 1-day ticket, traveling between Stresa, Villa Taranto, and Verbania Intra.

The ferry ride to Villa Taranto takes 45 minutes, while the trip to Intra is just 10 minutes. Those wishing to visit the Isola dei Pescatori can expect a 45-minute ferry journey.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient option for travelers with mobility needs.

With efficient transportation and accessibility, visitors can seamlessly explore the gardens, indulge in the food tasting, and enjoy the scenic lake views throughout the day.

Food and Wine Tasting

At La Casera in Verbania Intra, visitors can savor a delightful food and wine tasting experience from 11am to 4pm.

The tasting includes a selection of regional cheeses, cold cuts, and quality wines.

Visitors should book the food tasting during restaurant hours and check ferry return times to ensure they don’t miss their transportation.

The tasting provides a chance to indulge in the flavors of the region and complement the sights and activities of the Lake Maggiore Gourmet experience.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Lake Maggiore Gourmet activity has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.

Guests have shared positive experiences with the beautiful gardens, enjoyable food tasting, and overall organization of the tour. Reviewers commented on the ease of booking and the helpfulness of the customer service team.

A few noted the convenience of the hop-on hop-off ferry service, allowing them to explore the area at their own pace.

Exploring the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens

While exploring the Lake Maggiore region, one can’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens.

Covering over 16 hectares, the gardens showcase an incredible collection of over 20,000 plant species from around the world.

Wander through the perfectly manicured pathways, admiring the colorful flower beds, tranquil ponds, and captivating water features.

Discover rare plants, exotic trees, and serene vistas overlooking the picturesque lake.

With knowledgeable guides available, visitors can learn about the history and significance of this botanical wonderland.

An unmissable highlight of any Lake Maggiore itinerary.

Discovering the Charm of the Borromean Islands

Beyond the stunning Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, the jewels of Lake Maggiore lie in the captivating Borromean Islands.

These picturesque isles offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Highlights include:

1. Isola Bella, home to the magnificent Borromeo Palace and terraced gardens.

2. Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village with its quaint narrow streets and local delicacies.

3. Isola Madre, boasting lush botanical gardens and historic villas.

4. Isola San Giovanni, a tranquil retreat with its Romanesque church and panoramic views.

A visit to the Borromean Islands promises an unforgettable experience on the serene waters of Lake Maggiore.

Planning Your Day on Lake Maggiore

When planning your day on Lake Maggiore, start by considering the various pickup locations and activities offered by the Lake Maggiore Gourmet tour.

With 7 convenient stops, you can easily hop on and off the ferries to explore the region. Highlights include a visit to the magnificent Villa Taranto botanical gardens, and a delightful food and wine tasting at La Casera in Verbania Intra.

The 1-day hop-on hop-off ticket provides flexibility, and the wheelchair-accessible ferries ensure accessibility for all.

With rave reviews and a seamless booking process, this tour is a fantastic way to discover the charm of Lake Maggiore.

Ask Away

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on all days of the week, with multiple pickup locations along Lake Maggiore. Travelers can enjoy a lake cruise, visit Villa Taranto, and sample local food and wine during the 1-day hop-on hop-off tour.

Is a Guided Tour of the Gardens Included in the Activity?

The tour doesn’t include a guided garden tour. Visitors can explore the Villa Taranto botanical gardens independently during the 1.5-hour visit, but there’s no guide provided.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Food Tasting Location?

Visitors can’t purchase souvenirs at the La Casera food tasting location. The experience focuses on sampling regional cheeses, cold cuts, and wines. Any souvenir shopping would need to be done separately from the food and wine tasting.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer specific child-friendly activities. However, the lake cruise and visit to the botanical gardens could be enjoyed by families. Parents should check for any age restrictions or special considerations for children.

What Should I Bring for the Lake Cruise and Food Tasting?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket for the lake cruise. For the food tasting, bring an appetite to enjoy the local cheeses, cold cuts, and wines. Stay hydrated and dress in layers for the day’s activities.

Final Words

This Lake Maggiore Gourmet tour offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. With a scenic lake cruise, a visit to the stunning Villa Taranto gardens, and a food and wine tasting, it’s an ideal way to experience the region’s charms. The convenient ferry access and positive reviews make this tour a must-do for those seeking an immersive and memorable experience on Lake Maggiore.

You can check availability for your dates here: