Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
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Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
This flexible boat tour from Stresa gives you the freedom to explore Lake Maggiore's three Borromean Islands at your own pace. You'll cruise across the lake's clear waters, hopping between Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens, Isola Madre's botanical paradise, and the charming fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori.
The hop-on hop-off service means you control your schedule. Spend an hour or half a day on each island, taking the next available boat when you're ready to move on. Your ticket includes entry to the grand palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre, whilst Isola dei Pescatori welcomes visitors without charge.
What is Included
- Hop-on hop-off boat service from Stresa
- Entry tickets to Isola Bella palace and gardens
- Entry tickets to Isola Madre villa and botanical gardens
Good to Know
Your tour starts at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa. Simply present your mobile ticket at the boarding point and hop on any available boat. The service runs throughout the day, giving you complete flexibility over your island-hopping schedule.
You'll need to pay landing fees in cash directly on the islands. Ground steward services are only available at weekends. Access may be limited for visitors with mobility requirements, particularly on the islands themselves, so check requirements in advance.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring palace grounds, botanical gardens, and cobbled village streets. Bring cash for landing fees, meals, and any souvenirs from the local craftspeople on Isola dei Pescatori. If you're planning more Lake Maggiore adventures, consider exploring the region further with Lake Como day trips or discovering more of northern Italy's stunning lakes and mountains.
Why you'll love it
- Hop freely between three Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
- Visit Isola Bella's baroque palace and its terraced gardens
- Explore Isola Madre's botanical paradise at your own pace
- Wander the authentic fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori
- Departs from Stresa with a fully flexible hop-on hop-off schedule
- Cruise Lake Maggiore's clear waters between each island stop
What's included
- Hop-on hop-off taxi boat from Stresa
- Tickets for Isola Bella and Isola Madre
- Ground steward (available only on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Landing fee (paid onsite, in cash)
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Suitable for all ages
- Know before you go
Bring cash for the local landing fee, payable onsite
Ground steward assistance is offered on weekends only
Wheelchair access may be limited on boats and islands
Carry photo ID for ticket verification
Check local schedules for boat departure times from Stresa
- Visitor guidelines
Experience the Best of Lake Maggiore’s Iconic Islands
Set out on a memorable journey from the lakeside town of Stresa. Relax aboard a comfortable hop-on hop-off boat as you glide across the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore. This flexible boat service allows you to craft your own schedule for exploring the picturesque Borromean Islands: Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.
Begin Your Tour in Stresa
Your adventure begins at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa. With the freedom of a hop-on hop-off route, you can board and exit the boat at the stops of your choice, giving you plenty of time to discover each island’s individual character and beauty.
Visit Isola Bella
First, stop at Isola Bella, known for its magnificent baroque palace and vibrant terraced gardens facing the lake. Wander through artfully landscaped grounds, marvel at historic rooms and step back into the world of the Borromeo family’s rich history. Take photos of architectural gems and breathtaking lake views.
Explore Isola Madre
Your ticket also covers entrance to Isola Madre. Here, you can stroll tranquil botanical gardens celebrated for exotic plants peacocks and stately trees. Visit the elegant villa filled with original furnishings and discover a quieter side of Lake Maggiore surrounded by nature and tradition.
Discover Isola dei Pescatori
Make your way to Isola dei Pescatori, the lively fishermen’s island. Unlike the other two, it welcomes guests with no admission fees. Enjoy the simple charm of narrow streets, taste lake fish specialties in local trattorias and shop for handmade crafts. Soak up authentic island life on shores lined with colorful houses and fishing boats.
Relax and Enjoy Scenic Lake Views
Throughout your boat rides you’ll have unmatched panoramas of Lake Maggiore’s blue waters, mountains and villages. Set your own pace for sightseeing, taking as much time as you wish at each stop. The convenient and unlimited boat service makes exploring the islands easy and stress free.
Everything You Need for a Seamless Visit
Your ticket covers boat transport and entrance fees at Isola Bella and Isola Madre. For Isola dei Pescatori there is no entrance charge. Please be advised that a local landing fee and ground steward services (when available) are not included and must be paid onsite if required. Plan for comfortable walking and bring cash as needed.
Book your Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour tickets now!
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
Where you'll be
Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
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