Escape on Lake Maggiore

Discover the wonderful Borromean Islands with us!

Self-guided full-day tour to discover the three enchanting Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.

Your journey begins and ends in Piazza Marconi in Stresa: at 9:45 a.m. you will board the CMA motorboats, ready to cruise across the lake with your first stop at Isola Bella.

Once a simple rocky outcrop in the 17th century, Isola Bella was transformed by the Borromeo family into a place of extraordinary beauty, where art, history, and elegance blend harmoniously. A captivating itinerary awaits you, starting with a visit to the majestic Baroque palace and continuing through the magnificent Italian-style gardens, arranged on ten races rising to a height of 37 meters, offering breathtaking scenic views.

Estimated visit time for Isola Bella Palace and Gardens: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

At the end of your visit, you may enjoy a tasteful break at the Ristolounge Elvezia, located just a short walk from the palaceideal for a refined lunch in a unique setting.

In the early afternoon, you will resume your journey towards Isola dei Pescatori, the most authentic and picturesque island of the archipelago. Here you can wander through its charming narrow streets, lined with traditional multi-story houses featuring long balconies once used for drying fish. The lively and welcoming atmosphere still reflects the islands heritage as a fishing village.

Estimated visit time for Isola dei Pescatori: approx. 50 minutes

The final stop of your itinerary is Isola Madre, a peaceful oasis set in the heart of the gulf. It is home to an elegant Renaissance palace surrounded by one of the oldest and most prestigious botanical gardens in Italy, where rare and exotic plant species from around the world thrive in perfect harmony.

Estimated visit time for Isola Madre Palace and Gardens: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Return to Stresa is scheduled between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the end of a day filled with beauty, charm, and unforgettable impressions.

Withdrawal conditions

Once purchased, tickets are neither refundable nor changeable

What's included

– Hop-on hop-off ticket with CMA motorboats for the three Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre)
– Entrance ticket to the palace and gardens of Isola Bella
– Entrance ticket to the palace and gardens of Isola Madre
– Lunch at Ristorante Elvezia on Isola Bella (main course, dessert, water)

What is not included

– Private guide
– Audio guide
– Any other service not explicitly indicated as included

Know Before You Go

During the booking process, we ask you to provide the names of the adults and only the children who are paying.

For children under 6 years of age, participation in the activity is free of charge. However, at the Ristolounge Elvezia, any consumed lunch must be paid for on site.
For children aged between 6 and 15 years (inclusive), the cost is 77.00 per person.
For adults, the cost is 100.00 per person.

You will receive the island tickets and vouchers for the motorboats and the restaurant on the day before the activity.

The CMA motorboats operate every 30 minutes from 9:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The recommended departure from Stresa is at 9:45 a.m. The itinerary begins with a visit to Isola Bella, followed by lunch at Ristolounge Elvezia, then a visit to Isola dei Pescatori, and finally Isola Madre. You will need to present your voucher to the CMA staff in order to collect your boat tickets, at no additional cost.

2026 SEASON – Opening hours for Isola Bella and Isola Madre Palaces and Gardens

From 12 March to 24 October
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry). Palaces close at 5:30 p.m.; gardens close at 6:00 p.m.

From 25 October to 8 November
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry). Palaces close at 4:30 p.m.; gardens close at 5:00 p.m.

If you are travelling with children under 6 years old, remember to collect their free ticket at the Isola Bella ticket office.

Please note that the last available motorboat returning to Stresa from Isola Madre departs at 5:45 p.m.

The tour is not accessible to people in wheelchairs; animals are not allowed.

Address

Isola Bella, 1, Isola Bella

Prices & Bookings

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