Top Tours & Activities in Lake Maggiore

Lake Orta is a fascinating corner of Italy and Piedmont. Often unheard of, lake Orta is a true gem which is worth discovering accompanied by a local who is a licensed and experienced tourist guide. This private guided tour includes an English-speaking professional guide at your disposal for the visit to the ancient village of Orta San Giulio and a guided tour on the island of San Giulio.

Immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a local's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from Stresa treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. Enjoy a 4-course menu including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

If you are looking for a charming and welcoming place to savor excellent wines and food and enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by greenery, the Fontechiara winery is what's right for you. Come and visit us, you can visit the cellar and savor the magic and charm of the process of transforming grapes into wine. We will tell you the history of our company, illustrating the vineyard cultivation techniques and the winemaking and aging methods. In an evocative and familiar setting, you will then taste our wines, Nebbiolo DOC, Vespolina DOC and Rosato DOC, served in combination with typical local, fresh, artisanal and zero km products such as local cured meats and cheeses, specially selected to best enhance aromas, tastes and organoleptic characteristics of each wine.

Dear customer please get in touch if interested in this tour. Online bookings for 2024 are not available at the moment, but get in touch if interested. This is a day trip to Bellagio and Como from Stresa, Baveno or lake Orta. Just choose a day and book a private driver for your tour to Bellagio and lake Como!

Whether you are a small party, a family or a couple, a private boat tour cruising lake Maggiore can be a unique way to discover this lovely lake and its enchanting scenery: green hills, snow-capped mountains, beautiful islands, elegant villas with stunning gardens, villages and pretty towns, gorgeous views....all this while sitting in a safe and comfortable private motorboat accompanied by a licensed local guide and captain. This stress-free tour will enable you to discover lake Maggiore's beauties wihout any effort, away from the crowds, in a relaxed atmosphere. Just you and your party cruising for the length of time you will choose ( 1 hour or 90 minutes). You can decide to have a stop or more stops during the cruise at one of the picturesque towns on lake Maggiore to enjoy a gelato ( ice cream) or a coffee! IMPORTANT NOTES: private boat skipper is certified, fully insured and has a regular license issued by the local authority that entitles him to transport tourists on board.

Cool, slow and delicious appetize on Lake Maggiore with fantastic and unique panorama for small groups

Immerse yourself in a small group dining experience at a local's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from the Lake Maggiore area treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. Enjoy a 3-course menu including starter, pasta and dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

The gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania, between Intra and Pallanza, are known the world over for their great beauty and the huge number of plant species they contain. The result of a labour of love on the part of the Scottish Captain McEacharn in 1931, the myriad of colours and scents the marvellously landscaped garden offers continues to enchant visitors from March to October. From spring to autumn there are always flowers in bloom, with “special events” for certain species which are particularly spectacular in their season: the tulip week is in April, dahlias are at their best between July and October. We will discover together this beautiful garden and we will focus on particular botanical species. From Stresa, the gardens are reachable by boat: the shipping company “Navigazione Lago Maggiore” has a landing stage called “Villa Taranto” right in front of the Gardens entrance.

Hello, I am Micaela, an expert licensed tour guide who has been guiding travellers for 27 years! This product is bookable for ready-made groups and small parties searching a private guide to visit the Borromean islands. By booking this product, you are booking for your ready-made group or for your smaller party my services as a local licensed and experienced tour guide that will provide a guided tour of isola Bella with its 17th-century palace and gardens and isola Pescatori taking care of your group / party from the port or your hotel lobby up to the end of the tour. Micaela will also take care of the logistics for your group, providing useful information and all costs to be considered such as admission tickets and logistics/boat transport just for your group. IF YOU WISH TO VISIT ALSO ISOLA MADRE, please get in touch directly with Micaela to plan a different itinerary and a different length of the tour!

A unique visiting experience! immersed in the silence of the island, it is not for nothing that only 70 Benedictine cloistered nuns and an English poetess live there permanently, but someone enlivens the place in their own way ... I will tell you every anecdote

Experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore on a private boat tour that blends history, culture, and relaxation. Cruise past Isola Madre, admiring its lush botanical gardens and the elegant Palazzo Borromeo from the water. Continue to the breathtaking Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, perfect for stunning photos. Your first stop is Isola Pescatori, a charming fishing village with narrow streets, quaint shops, and lakeside cafés. Take a leisurely stroll, browse for handmade souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the authentic atmosphere. Afterward, dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim in one of the lake’s best spots. Finally, visit Isola Bella, where you can explore the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular gardens at your own pace. Choose to stay on the island and return by ferry or enjoy a quick visit before we bring you back to Stresa by boat, completing a memorable day on the lake.

If you are looking for a tour that introduces you to the unique beauty of the Borromean Islands, its palaces and Lake Maggiore in a relaxed and fun atmosphere .. This is the best tour! We will talk about history and art but without forgetting to introduce you to the true and authentic atmosphere of this beautiful region. It is at the end of the tour, an aperitif is what will make the experience even more genuine, relaxed and friendly Join us!!

Visiting lake Maggiore and the famous islands: isola Bella and Fishermen's Island with a tour guide. Admiring the scenery of the lake and the beautiful gardens. Wandering around the narrow streets of the Fisherman's Island.

Hello, I am Micaela, an official local guide. This is a very special tour that will enable you to visit isola Bella accompanied by your expert private tour guide that will show you the sumptuous Borromeo palace with its treasures and isola Bella's amazing gardens. The private cruise around isola Madre and Fishermen's islands at the end of the private guided tour to enjoy the views will make this tour even more exclusive, something that you will be able to cherish for long!

An English-speaking driver will be waiting for you outside baggage claim at Linate airport to drive you to Stresa or Baveno on lake Maggiore. The journey will take place in a comfortable 8-seater Mercedes minivan.

Immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a local's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from Varese treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. Enjoy a 4-course menu including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Visit all three Borromean Islands with a hop-on hop-off boat from Stresa. Explore Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella at your own pace. Entry tickets for Isola Madre and Isola Bella are included.

Discover this enchantment island still belonging to a noble family, with a private tour guide. Admire the fantastic halls still all furnished and cross the rooms of the grottoes until you get to the Italian gardens. Reach the highest part of the garden and admire the view of Stresa and the lake. Relax on a beautiful 30-minute lake cruise.

Explore Lake Maggiore with a hop-on hop-off taxi boat from Stresa to Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. Isola Bella entry ticket is included; Pescatori requires no ticket. Note: Land taxes to be paid in cash on site.

Stresa, known as the pearl of lake Maggiore, stands in front of the Borromean Islands, which got their name by the ancient family who owned them since the 16th century. One one of these, Isola Bella, Carlo III Borromeo built a gorgeous baroque mansion, dedicated to his wife Isabella. This private guided tour will allow you to explore Isola Bella and the splendor of the palace and its garden; once back in Stresa, you'll have a walk on the cosy small streets of the town centre, until you'll reach a local winery for a mouth-watering aperitif, based on local wines, cold cuts and cheese.

After your flight has landed at Malpensa airport, you will be welcomed by an Englsih-speaking driver outside baggage claim ( he will have a sign with your name) to enjoy your private transfer in a comfortable vehicle to your destination in Verbania Intra or Verbania Pallanza. Transportation is possible from 1 to 8 passengers + luggage

This is a nice tour to discover the famous Borromean islands off season, when they are like Sleeping Beauty. The Borromeo's properties - palaces and gardens - are closed to the public, but the two picturesque villages on isola Bella and Fishermen's island can be discovered. Being accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be able to enjoy your visit, learning more about the area, the islands' old history, the aristocrats who ruled over the area, local life in the past times as well as nowadays.

Book your Departure Private Transfer from Stresa, Lake Maggiore to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) from any hotel or address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttle queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. We will contact you immediately after your booking to confirm it and will request any missed details of your trip if any. One day before the trip, you will receive the phone number of your driver for your convenience. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • No Hidden Charges • Door-to-door Service • We track your Flight

Enjoy an unforgettable experience aboard a private boat on Lake Maggiore! Our tour gives you the opportunity to explore the wonders of the lake, admiring the breathtaking views of its crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains. During the cruise, you will be served a delicious picnic on board, with a rich platter of cold cuts and mixed cheeses, accompanied by fresh bread and crispy breadsticks. To toast this wonderful day, you will have water and selected wine at your disposal. Relax and let the tranquility of the lake envelop you, while you live an exclusive and regenerating experience.

Hello, my name's Micaela Lucini and I'm a private local guide in Stresa. Get in touch with me if a date is not available! Please read carefully what is included and what is not. This is a classic itinerary option to explore the fabulous Borromeo islands but please get in touch with me should you wish a customized tour tailored to your needs and time. I can design a special tour if you prefer to spend a longer time on the islands or wish to combine the visit to one or more islands to a sightseeing boat tour for a stress-free trip! Get in touch before booking also if you have walking problems, so that I can suggest the best option to visit. Enjoy a tour of the Borromean islands to discover the real beauty of lake Maggiore. A private sightseeing tour suitable for couples, families, individuals, small groups to explore the famous islands of magical lake Maggiore accompanied by Micaela, a qualified experienced local tour guide. Private boat transfers are not included, to be paid on the day

Discovering the three Borromean Islands: isola Bella, Fishermen's Island and isola Madre with a tour guide. Admiring the scenery of the lake and the beautiful gardens. Wandering around the narrow streets of the Fisherman's Island.

A tour to magnificent lake Orta from Stresa, Baveno or Verbania on lake Maggiore! An English-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel and will drive you to the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio on lake Orta that you will be able to explore on your own, strolling through its narrow cobblestone alleys, century-old buildings and special atmosphere. A stop at the Unesco heritage site - the Sacro Monte, Sacred Mount - built on top of a promontory is included with your driver waiting for you while you are strolling around. You can then enjoy a snack / lunch in one of the little town's cafés and restaurants, before being pick up by your driver to go back by a different route enjoying the southern end of lake Maggiore with a stop to see the big statue of Saint Charles Borromeo from the outside, 35 metres high! A tour at your own pace to discover magica lake Orta!

Discovering a treasure in lake Maggiore: the three beautiful Borromean islands with their stunning palaces and gardens with a qualied local guide who will take you on a special tour! Step back in time: paintings, tapestries, Murano glass chandeliers, portraits, period furniture, beatifully maintained gardens will surprise you on these fabulous islands: isola Bella and isola Madre.Your guide will meet you at the pier in Stresa to take a boat and reach isola Madre, a little paradise on earth. Walking in the peaceful English-style garden you will admire exotic plants and flowers in a very special setting. The villa on this island is part of the guided tour and offers nice rooms in a country-style building dating back to the 16th century. The tour will continue to isola Bella where you will be able to enjoy some free time for lunch before visiting another extraordinary palace, opulent and impressive, that will surprise you with its beautiful collections and the talianate gardens.

Discover the unique flavors of Valli Ossolane, a hidden gem in the Piedmont wine scene, recognized with DOC status in 2009. Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of northern Piedmont, this experience offers a true taste of the region’s winemaking heritage. At our winery, you will enjoy a tasting of three different wines, each paired with carefully selected local delicacies such as artisan bread, regional cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal pairings. While there is no guided tour, you are free to stroll through the vineyard and explore the winery at your own pace, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding Alps and the stunning view over Domodossola. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for an authentic taste of Italian culture, this experience promises a warm welcome, great wines, and a deep connection to the traditions of Ossola. Book your tasting and savor the essence of Piedmont’s northernmost vineyards!

Visiting the most romantic village in Piemont. Wandering  in the narrow streets. Sailing on the lake to the Island of the silence and the meditation.

Please get in touch if a date is not available to tailor make the trip! Visit when most travelers have left the Borromean islands and feel the unique atmosphere of a baroque palace with its art pieces! Explore all the treasures hidden in a 17th-century palace on isola Bella and the quaint village on Fishermen's island with an experienced tour guide of lake Maggiore! You will be guided through the historic rooms of an amazing palace and will be shown spectacular gardens built on levels strolling through species of flowers and plants from all continents, surrounded by friendly peacocks. This will be a private tour just for you and your party at the best time of the day.

Embark on Italy’s Ultimate Underground Cheese Experience at Guffanti Fiori near Lake Maggiore. Delve into a cool, 10°C (50°F) cellar stocked with over 200 varieties of Italian and international cheeses. Learn expert cheese-handling techniques and enjoy a guided tasting of six seasonal artisan cheeses paired with bread, breadsticks, water, and a glass of wine. A light jacket or fleece is recommended to stay comfortable in the cellar’s cool climate.

If you are looking for a charming and welcoming place to savor excellent wines and food and enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by greenery, the Fontechiara winery is what's right for you. Come and visit us, you can visit the cellar and savor the magic and charm of the process of transforming grapes into wine. We will tell you the history of our company, illustrating the vineyard cultivation techniques and the winemaking and aging methods. In a suggestive and familiar setting, you will then taste our wines, Nebbiolo DOC, Vespolina DOC, Rosato DOC and Rosso DOC served in combination with typical local, fresh, artisanal and zero km products such as local cured meats and cheeses, specially selected to enhance best aromas, tastes and organoleptic characteristics of each wine.

The experience of stopping in one of the most evocative places of Lake Maggiore listening to the live notes of an accordion while enjoying a "special" aperitif, the result of a sophisticated search for local products.

Immerse yourself in a private cooking class at the Cesarina's home, learn the secrets of the most famous dishes of the Italian cuisine and taste the fruit of your labour accompanied by a glass of local wine. During the lesson the Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade of 3 authentic regional recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. Each participant will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

Step back in time and explore an old castle in Angera - the Rocca or Borromeo fortress - on lake Maggiore, still beautifully preserved, also housing an interesting antique dolls' museum.  Enjoy a stroll and free time in the pretty lakeside town of Arona and see the colossal statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, one of the highest in the world. A private tour to discover lovely corners of lake Maggiore!

Explore scenic Lake Maggiore in Italy's beautiful Lake District on a day trip from Milan. The fashionable lakeside town of Stresa is an approximate 1.5-hour drive from Milan and is surrounded by majestic snowcapped mountains. After spending some free time in Stresa, shopping or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery, you'll take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

If you are looking for a charming and welcoming place to savor excellent wines and food and enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by greenery, the Fontechiara winery is what's right for you. Come and visit us, you can visit the cellar and savor the magic and charm of the process of transforming grapes into wine. We will tell you the history of our company, illustrating the vineyard cultivation techniques and the winemaking and aging methods. In an evocative and familiar setting, you will then taste our wines, Nebbiolo DOC and Vespolina DOC, served in combination with typical local, fresh, artisanal and zero km products such as local cured meats and cheeses, specially selected to best enhance aromas, tastes and organoleptic characteristics of each wine.

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace with a private hop-on and hop-off boat service from Stresa. Admire the beautiful scenery and visit the enchanting islands of Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

You can't visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish... So, we'll teach you two! Learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare 2 simple different kinds of pasta from scratch with your Cesarina. As the icing on the cake you will learn to prepare also the iconic Tiramisu. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine as you make new friends in this hands-on cooking class. It's a great way to truly experience Italian culture. • Learn to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand • Learn to make 2 iconic pasta types • Learn to make the iconic tiramisu • Small-group cooking class with a maximum of 12 people. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine with other lovely guests • Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo to warm-up Le Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country. They are welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Soak up stunning lake scenery during a private boat tour of Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands and Hermitage of Santa caterina cruise. With your own private vessel and captain, travel in style and enjoy total privacy as you bask in the Mediterranean sun. Glide by lush lakeside gardens and towns, stop to view Borromean Palace on Isola Bella or cruise to the other idyllic Borromean Islands and Hermitage. Upgrade to include a local guide, who will accompany you on the trip and reveal more about the history and culture of the region.

Verbania is the chief town of the district around lake Maggiore; Pallanza, one of its centers, hosts the City hall and some of its most remarkable attractions. Among these, the outstanding Museum of Landscape, located in Palazzo Viani- Dugnani, keeps a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs related to the culture and history of Lombardy and Piedmont. This private tour will lead you to discover these collections and, after a pleasant walk, to experience a visit to Villa Taranto botanical gardens: a unique 18 hectares park created by a Scottish traveller, featuring rare plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. Two different ways to witness the wonders of the landscapes of Lake Maggiore, which you will surely remember for long.

Spend a day island hopping around the Borromean Islands with a 1-day hop-on hop boat ticket around Italy’s Lake Maggiore. Departing from the lakeside town of Stresa Piazza Marconi, create your own sightseeing schedule using the boat as transport. See the elegant island palace and formal gardens of Isola Madre, admire the lush vegetation on Isola Bella and stroll along the charming promenade of the tiny Isola dei Pescatori. Enjoy lake views as you cruise between them and spend as little or as long as you like at each island. You may reserve the right to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund in case of bad weather condiction.

Depart from Stresa and discover the wonderful Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. Enjoy a lakeside lunch at the former and see the fantastic Palazzo Borromeo at the latter (not included in the cost of the tour).

Panoramical Tour by boat around the Borromean Gulf. Admire historical villas and get stunning panoramas on a scenic cruise from Stresa to Hermitage of Santa caterina del sasso or Verbania Pallanza. Enjoy a 360-degree view of Lake Maggiore, sailing out towards the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso or Verbania pallanza

The two sides of lake Maggiore are amazingly different: Westwards, the sweet sines of the gulf on which Stresa and Baveno lay, in front of the charming Borromean Islands with their botanical gardens and villas. Eastwards, the deep waters in which high and wooded cliffs tumble down. This private tour will allow you to enjoy this beautiful diversity, taking you to the discovery of the amazing palaces and gardens, as welle as the characteristic small village on Isola dei Pescatori, with its narrow streets and coloured shops. This unforgettable experience will end with an exclusive aperitif, served onboard on your route back.

Built on the track of an ancient Roman way, connecting Oscella (Domodossola) and Leocarnum (Locarno), the Vigezzina railroad was inaugurated in 1923, becoming a strategic connection for several small villages in the valleys close to lake Maggiore. Still today, even after severe damages caused by a flood in 1978, the railroad has a strong commercial and touristic function, connecting Sempione and Gottardo districts. This exclusive guided tour will allow you to enjoy a panoramic ride on this small and fascinating train, travelling from Italy to Switzerland across hidden and enchanting valleys. Thanks to a stop, you will have the chance to discover nice villages, such as Santa Maria Maggiore. A different point of view on Lake Maggiore beautiful outback.