Lake Maggiore Private Boat Tour from Stresa: Borromean Islands

You circle three islands in a single afternoon without sharing the boat or the captain's attention.

A private boat tour of Lake Maggiore departing from Stresa, with your own captain steering past the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella), and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina. The tour lasts one to two hours and includes hotel pickup from selected hotels. A local guide in English, Italian, French or German is available as an upgrade to learn the region's history and culture.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Lake Maggiore sightseeing cruise

• Depart from Stresa
• Tour around Isola Madre gardens and villa
• Visit Isola dei Pescatori fishing village
• Cruise around Isola Bella and Borromeo Palace

The experience

You leave from Stresa with your own captain and private vessel, which means the boat's pace, stops and route bend to what interests you. The cruise passes Isola Madre first, where tropical gardens surround a villa overlooking the water. After circling the island, you head toward Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the three permanently inhabited year-round, its ancient stone houses clustered tight against the shoreline. The final stop is Isola Bella, where you sail close enough to see the Borromeo Palace and its formal terraces. White peacocks sometimes wander the gardens visible from the water.

Hotel pickup is included from selected Stresa-area hotels, so you don't arrange separate transport to the dock. The captain is part of the booking. If you want a guide who speaks your language and can explain what you're seeing, that's an optional upgrade at checkout. The tour runs one to two hours depending on how long you linger at each island and how many details you want to absorb.

What’s included

• Private boat with your own captain.
• hotel pickup from selected hotels.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• optional local guide in English, Italian, French or German available at checkout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ISOLE LAGO MAGGIORE SRL

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the boat and captain to yourself for the afternoon: no other passengers, no fixed schedule, no rush between islands. A shared group cruise trades privacy for a lower price. A self-guided rental gives you full control but requires your own navigation and docking knowledge.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

Can I book this tour if I'm staying at a hotel outside Stresa?

Hotel pickup is included from selected hotels in the Stresa area. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, you can arrange to meet the captain at the dock in Stresa instead.

What exactly is the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella?

The Borromeo Palace is a grand villa on Isola Bella surrounded by formal gardens and terraces that descend toward the water. You view it from the boat as you cruise around the island. The palace itself is not part of this tour's itinerary.

Is a guide included, or do I need to pay extra?

The private captain is included in every booking. A local guide who speaks English, Italian, French or German is optional and can be added at checkout. Without the guide, you cruise with the captain alone.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs between one and two hours, depending on how long you spend viewing each island and how many stops you make.