Isola Bella Boat Tour

About this experience

The Isola Bella Boat Tour is a two-hour hop-on hop-off boat excursion on Lake Maggiore, departing from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa and crossing to Isola Bella, the largest and most ornate of the Borromean Islands. Situated roughly 80 kilometres north-west of Milan, the island takes its name from Isabella d'Adda, wife of Carlo III Borromeo, and has been shaped by the Borromeo family since the early 17th century. The crossing itself is short, with the island rising from the lake as a tiered arrangement of terraces, statuary, and formal hedging. On arrival, visitors have free time to explore the island at their own pace. The centrepiece is Palazzo Borromeo, a baroque residence whose interiors include decorated state rooms, tapestries, and collections of sculpture and painting. The surrounding gardens, laid out in the 17th century, rise across ten terraces and feature the Teatro Massimo, a grand outdoor architectural structure flanked by obelisks and statues, as well as cool underground grottoes built as a retreat from summer heat. Tickets cover the two-hour boat tour and free time on the island. Entrance to the Palace and Gardens is not included and is purchased separately on site, along with a small municipality fee per island. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Highlights

• Two-hour hop-on hop-off boat tour on Lake Maggiore
• Departs from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa
• Crosses to Isola Bella, largest of the Borromean Islands
• Island shaped by the Borromeo family since the early 17th century
• Tiered terraces, statuary, and formal hedging on the island
• Located 80 kilometres north-west of Milan

What is included

• 2-hour hop-on hop-off boat tour
• Free time to visit Isola Bella

Not included

• Entrance to the Palace and Gardens of Isola Bella
• Municipality fee of €0.50 for each island to be paid on site
• Guided tour

Before you go

Arrival and timing Make your way to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa before your departure time. The full experience runs for two hours, so arrive in good time to ensure a smooth boarding. Once on the island, your time is your own to use as you wish, so having a loose plan of what you want to see will help you make the most of it. Getting around the venue Entrance to the Palace and Gardens of Isola Bella is not included and must be purchased separately on site. A municipality fee of €0.50 per island is payable on site and is not covered by your booking. Guided tours are not included; the visit to the island is self-guided. The island involves outdoor gardens and uneven historic terrain, so wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.