Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan: Borromean Islands Boat Cruise

Three islands, one boat, and a lakeside town in a single day from Milan

A day trip from Milan to Lake Maggiore combines a two-hour panoramic boat cruise through the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella) with free time in the fashionable town of Stresa and entry to Palazzo Borromeo. The journey takes seven to ten hours total, including an approximate 1.5-hour drive each way and a short rest stop. A professional English-speaking guide leads the group. Air-conditioned transport and the boat cruise are included. Hotel pickup is available on one option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan

• Depart Milan by bus to Lake Maggiore
• Enjoy panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore
• Visit Isola Madre park
• Explore Isola dei Pescatori, free time
• Tour Isola Bella and Borromean Palace
• Free time in Stresa town
• Return to Milan by bus

The experience

The day starts with a bus departure from Milan (you can choose pickup from Cairoli station, Centrale station, or your hotel), and a short rest stop breaks the drive to Lake Maggiore. Stresa sits on the western shore, surrounded by snow-capped Alps and known for its grand villas and gardens. You'll have free time here first to walk the waterfront, shop, or grab a coffee before boarding the boat.

The two-hour boat cruise is the centerpiece. You'll pass Isola Madre first, a 20-acre park considered one of Italy's most impressive, then dock at Isola dei Pescatori, where fishermen's houses line narrow streets and you can explore, shop or eat lunch at your own pace. The final stop is Isola Bella, home to Palazzo Borromeo and its elaborate gardens. Entry to the palace is included, and the island also has boutiques and cafés in historic buildings. Between stops, the boat stays on the water long enough to take in the villas and gardens that line the lake, backed by the Alps.

After the islands, you return to Stresa for a second stretch of free time: long enough to try local food, browse the shops, or simply sit by the water before the bus ride back to Milan. The return journey includes another rest stop and deposits you back at your starting point in the city.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Milan with a rest stop each way.
• two-hour panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore.
• entry to Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella.
• free time to explore Stresa, Isola dei Pescatori and the shops and cafés on Isola Bella.

Options for this experience

3 options

Departure from CentraleGuide in English · Available from 4 Apr 2027Meeting point: Zani Viaggi Meeting Point, Lake Como, Central Station area, 20124 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Departure from CairoliGuide in English · Available from 29 Mar 2027Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan with an English-speaking guide. Starting point: Milan Visitor Center - Zani Viaggi, Largo Cairoli, 18, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Tour including hotel pickupGuide in English · Available from 29 Mar 2027Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan with an English-speaking guide, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 Mar 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zani Viaggi

Is this one for you?Choose hotel pickup if you want to skip the trip to a city station in the morning. Otherwise, Cairoli and Centrale stations both put you on the bus without an extra journey across Milan. The fixed schedule means all three islands and both Stresa stops fit into a single day, so you're back in the city by evening rather than staying overnight.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the boat cruise on Lake Maggiore?

The boat cruise lasts two hours and visits all three Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella) with time to explore each one.

What's included in the day trip from Milan?

The tour includes round-trip air-conditioned transport from Milan, a professional English-speaking guide, the two-hour boat cruise, and entry to Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella. Food and drinks are not included, though you have free time to buy lunch or refreshments at the islands or in Stresa.

Where can I be picked up in Milan?

You can choose pickup from Cairoli station, Centrale station, or your hotel, depending on which option you select at checkout. Hotel drop-off is available on the hotel pickup option.

How much free time do I get in Stresa?

You have free time in Stresa twice during the day (once before the boat cruise and again after you return from the islands) giving you the chance to explore the town, shop, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Is there time to explore the islands on my own?

Yes. At Isola dei Pescatori you have free time to walk around the village, shop and eat. On Isola Bella, after touring Palazzo Borromeo, you can browse the boutiques and cafés before reboarding the boat.