From Milan: Stresa, Alps, & Lake Maggiore Full-Day Tour

Exploring the stunning landscapes surrounding Milan, this full-day tour to Stresa and Lake Maggiore promises an unforgettable adventure. From a scenic bus ride through the Alps to a private boat cruise on the glittering lake, the itinerary offers a diverse range of activities that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re marveling at the ornate Borromeo Palace or taking in panoramic views from Monte Mottarone, this tour provides an immersive experience that’s not to be missed.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Milan to the picturesque town of Stresa, the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella, and scenic boat cruises on Lake Maggiore.
• Priced at €90.47 per person, with a 17% discount from the regular price and flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Includes bus transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a 30-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Maggiore, but excludes entrance fees and other expenses.
• Allows visitors to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region, with an optional cable car ride to the summit of Monte Mottarone.
• Tour has received mixed feedback, with praise for the transportation aspect but concerns about the value for money and accessibility limitations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour from Milan takes visitors to the picturesque town of Stresa, located on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, and explores the stunning Alps region.

The tour price starts from €90.47 per person, offering a saving of up to 17% compared to the regular price of €109.00. It lasts 10 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can also choose the "reserve now & pay later" option. The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation by bus to and from the destinations.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with participants meeting at the Milan Visitor Center located at Largo Cairoli, near Foro Buonaparte 10.

Participants meet at the Milan Visitor Center situated near Foro Buonaparte 10 on Largo Cairoli to begin the tour.

They’ll board a bus and travel to the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, a journey of about 1.5 hours.

After a brief 15-minute break in Stresa, guests will board a ferry for a 30-minute ride to Isola Bella, home to the stunning Borromeo Palace and gardens.

Visitors will have an hour to explore this island gem.

A 30-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Maggiore follows, before returning to Stresa for a final hour-long break.

• Travel by bus to Stresa

• Ferry ride to Isola Bella

• Visit Borromeo Palace and gardens

• Sightseeing cruise on Lake Maggiore

Highlights and Attractions

A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to visit Stresa, a picturesque town situated on the western shores of Lake Maggiore.

Visitors can admire stunning views during the boat cruise on the lake.

Another major attraction is Isola Bella, featuring the grand Palazzo Borromeo and its remarkable gardens.

For those seeking panoramic vistas of the Alps, the tour offers an optional cable car ride to the summit of Monte Mottarone.

Throughout the day, travelers will be immersed in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region, making it a truly memorable experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes bus transfer to Stresa, a private boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, the tour excludes:

• Entrance to Palazzo Borromeo

• Food and drinks

• Tips

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, luggage, or large bags aren’t allowed.

This comprehensive tour provides an efficient way to explore the picturesque Stresa, Lake Maggiore, and the surrounding Alps, but travelers should budget for additional expenses not covered in the tour price.

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Meeting Point and Transportation

Travelers meet at the Milan Visitor Center located at Largo Cairoli, near Foro Buonaparte 10.

This convenient meeting point is accessible via the Cairoli M1 (red line) and Lanza M2 (green line) metro stations.

The bus departs from the stop in front of the Milan Visitor Center.

Participants shouldn’t bring pets, luggage, or large bags, as they’re not allowed on the tour.

With the meeting point details and transportation logistics covered, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable day exploring Stresa, the Alps, and the stunning Lake Maggiore.

Customer Reviews

While the tour’s overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews suggests a generally positive experience, customers highlighted some areas for improvement.

The transportation aspect was particularly well-received, earning a 5/5 rating. However, feedback on value for money was more mixed at 3.9/5.

Customers praised the guide’s expertise but desired more time to explore Isola Bella. Some noted the tour’s limitations, such as its unsuitability for wheelchair users and restrictions on luggage.

The reviews provide helpful insights to enhance the tour experience.

• Well-rated transportation

• Mixed feedback on value for money

• Desire for more time on Isola Bella

• Limitations on accessibility and luggage

Getting to Stresa and Lake Maggiore

To reach the picturesque town of Stresa and the stunning Lake Maggiore, the tour departs from the Milan Visitor Center at Largo Cairoli, near Foro Buonaparte 10.

The nearest metro stations are Cairoli M1 (red line) and Lanza M2 (green line). The bus leaves from the stop in front of the Milan Visitor Center.

The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. Once in Stresa, guests have a 15-minute break before boarding a private boat for the 30-minute cruise to Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace.

The return trip to Milan follows the same route.

Exploring the Borromean Islands

After the bus ride, guests board a private boat for the 30-minute ferry crossing to Isola Bella, one of the famous Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.

Upon arrival, visitors can:

Explore the opulent Borromeo Palace, stroll through the landscaped gardens, and capture the breathtaking scenery of Isola Bella.

• Explore the opulent Borromeo Palace, a 17th-century baroque villa with ornate interiors and sprawling formal gardens.

• Stroll through the meticulously landscaped terraced gardens featuring exotic plants, fountains, and stunning vistas of the lake and Alps.

• Enjoy a leisurely walk around the island, taking in its picturesque village and historic landmarks.

• Capture stunning photos of the palace, gardens, and the breathtaking scenery from various vantage points on the island.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Milan offers an enchanting glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes of Stresa and Lake Maggiore. Guests can experience the stunning Isola Bella, explore the Borromeo Palace and gardens, and enjoy a private boat cruise on the serene lake. With convenient transportation and ample time to soak in the natural beauty, this tour provides a seamless and memorable adventure amidst the Italian Alps.

You can check availability for your dates here: