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

About this experience

The Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour is a self-guided tour of two of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, departing from Piazza Marconi. Lake Maggiore straddles the border of Lombardy and Piedmont, roughly an hour from Milan, and the Borromean Islands have been associated with the Borromeo family since the 12th century. The tour runs for approximately four hours and includes a multilingual audio guide available in English and Italian, giving context to the landscape and history as the boat moves between islands. The hop-on hop-off format lets visitors set their own pace across both stops. Isola dei Pescatori is the only Borromean Island with a permanent year-round population, and its narrow lanes and waterfront restaurants make it a practical first stop. Isola Bella is known for its baroque Borromean Palace, formal Italian terraced gardens, and a series of grottos beneath the main building. Note that entrance to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately on arrival. Tickets cover the boat service on Lake Maggiore and the onboard multilingual assistant; a landing tax is payable locally and is not included in the booking.

Highlights

• Self-guided boat tour across two Borromean Islands
• Departs from Piazza Marconi on Lake Maggiore
• Covers Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella by water
• Approximately four hours on the water at your own pace
• Multilingual audio guide included in English and Italian
• Lake Maggiore sits around one hour from Milan by road

What is included

• Ticket for boat service on Lake Maggiore
• Multilingual assistant onboard
• Free time to visit both islands

Not included

• Entrance to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens
• Tour guide
• Landing tax

Before you go

Arrival and timing The tour runs for approximately 4 hours in total. Arrive at Piazza Marconi in good time before departure so you can board without rushing and get settled before the boat sets off. Getting around the tour The hop-on hop-off format lets you leave and reboard the boat at each island stop, so you control how long you spend ashore. An audio guide is available onboard in English and Italian. Entrance fees for the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens are not included in your ticket, nor is a landing tax, so bring some cash or a card for these extras. During your visit Keep noise to a considerate level while onboard and be mindful of other passengers when moving between decks or disembarking. Food and drink are available at eateries on the islands themselves rather than as part of the boat service.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.