Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella: Hop-on Hop-off Boat

About this experience

The Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat is a guided boat tour on Lake Maggiore, departing from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa and calling at two of the three Borromean Islands. Lake Maggiore sits on the border of Lombardy and Piedmont, roughly 80 kilometres northwest of Milan, and the Borromean Islands have been associated with the Borromeo family since the 12th century. The tour is led by a multilingual captain and runs at a relaxed pace, giving passengers time to disembark, explore, and reboard at each stop. The first stop is Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island with a permanent year-round population. Its narrow lanes, fishing nets, and small trattorias reflect a working lakeside community rather than a curated attraction. The second stop is Isola Bella, home to the 17th-century Borromeo Palace and its terraced Italian baroque gardens, which descend in ten levels toward the water and include grottoes decorated with shells and volcanic stone. Note that entry to the palace and gardens is not covered; a landing fee of €0.50 per island is payable on-site. Tickets cover the hop-on hop-off boat service between Stresa and both islands, with a multilingual captain on board throughout.

Highlights

• Hop-on hop-off boat tour across two Borromean Islands
• Departs from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa
• Explore Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella at your own pace
• Lake Maggiore sits 80 kilometres northwest of Milan
• Multilingual captain leads the tour throughout
• Borromean Islands linked to the Borromeo family since the 12th century

What is included

• Ticket for the hop-on hop-off boat to visit 2 Borromean Islands
• Multilingual captain

Not included

• Entrance ticket to Isola Bella's Palace
• Food and drinks
• Landing fee of €0.50 for each island to be paid on-site
• Hotel pickup/drop-off

Before you go

Arrival and getting on board Make your way to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa, where the boat departs. Arrive in good time before your scheduled departure so you can locate the boarding point without rushing. When you arrive at each island, note that a landing fee of €0.50 per island is payable on-site and is not covered by your boat ticket. Getting around the islands Your ticket covers the hop-on hop-off boat between Stresa, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. Entrance to Isola Bella's palace requires a separate ticket, purchased on the island. Food, drinks, and any shopping on the islands are at your own expense. During your visit Both islands are explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes suited to cobbled streets and uneven paths. Be mindful of other visitors and residents, particularly on Isola dei Pescatori, which is a lived-in community. Keep noise to a reasonable level and follow any guidance given by the multilingual captain regarding departure times so you do not miss the boat back to Stresa.

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.