MILAN
The Milan classics, and the best way to do each.
The 15 most popular lake maggiore tours for visitors to Milan. The ones worth building a morning or a day around, with prices, running times and who you book through.
Hop-on hop-off boats from Stresa to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. Flexible island time and great views.
Most Popular“The capitano of the boats were courteous, respectful, and very helpful. Great experience!”
Hop on and off ferries from Stresa to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella, with flexible island time on Lake Maggiore.
“The team were very friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth day out getting to and from the islands. They are challenged by the crowds, which on our day were a lot. It would be helpful if they could put in better queuing controls. Our final leg from Isola Bella back to Stresa was quite chaotic…”
Milan to Lake Maggiore by coach and boat, with Stresa time and two Borromean Islands plus Isola Bella’s palace gardens.
“A beautiful glimpse into the Italian countryside. Only 90 minutes from Milan it’s like entering a different universe. So much natural beauty on all the islands and shore. Also the perfect time for a day trip, not too long or short”
Private 5-hour Borromean Islands tour from Stresa with Micaela, boat ride, and guided visits to Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella, and Isola Madre.
“Absolutely a highlight of our time on Lake Maggiore. Micaela was exceptional bringing great insights and a sense of humor. Highly recommend this tour.”
Private guided boat tour on Lake Maggiore to the Borromeo Islands, with skip-the-line pier access, Isola Bella palace, and Isola Pescatori village.
“Micaela was an AMAZING guide! We were in Stresa for our honeymoon, and Micaela picked us right up from our hotel. The private boat alone makes this tour worth it and micaela makes sure you are never stuck in a line. The history she told about each of the islands was fascinating. Highly HIGHLY recommend”
2-hour vineyard tasting in Domodossola: 3 Ossola wines with local bread, cheeses, and meats plus panoramic Alps views. Mobile ticket, English.
“Het is een leuke ervaring om te doen, omschrijving over de wijn, het proeven en de vele hapjes. Het was keurig verzorgd. En ook leuke contacten gemaakt. Een aanrader. Veel nationaliteiten, Engels taal was goed.”
Private Lake Orta tour with Micaela: medieval Orta San Giulio walk, boat to Isola di San Giulio, English guide, 2 hours.
“Our tour guide, Micaela was filled with interesting facts and her knowledge of history was deep. She made the experience so worthwhile!”
Hop-on, hop-off ferries from Stresa to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore. Flexible stops every 30 minutes with palace option.
“The service was good, but limited time on islands would use other ferry services which were more frequent and offered more options, it was not really hop on hop off as we had to get to all 3 islands in a set time as last pick up was 13:50 which meant we rushed.”
Stroll Cannobio’s old streets to S. Vittore and the Sanctuary of S. Pietà, then enjoy an aperitif by Lake Maggiore.
“De gids bedoelde het vast goed, maar een groep zowel in het Duits als in het Engels begeleiden ging haar niet heel goed af. Zo werd het een onsamenhangend verhaal. Ik verwacht van een gids wat meer bevlogenheid of passie voor wat hij verteld. Maar deze mevrouw zocht steeds naar woorden zodat het niet zo…”
Hop-on hop-off ferries from Stresa to Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore. Flexible times, onboard commentary, local fees.
“Islands are great but the "promised" English speaking narration on the boats does not exist. No directions, highlights, things to see. Better to take the regular ferry and less expensive.”
Private Cesarina cooking class in Stresa: cook pasta and dessert at home, enjoy local wine, take real skills. English. 4 hours.
“Gabriella was great! This is fun concept. Home cooks invite you into their homes. Then they teach you to cook. We prepared appetizers and rolled pasta for ravioli. We also made tiramisu. Then, we all sit down and eat the food we prepared together and learn about their lives.”
Private lake Orta day trip from Stresa, Baveno or Verbania: Sacro Monte UNESCO, medieval Orta San Giulio, optional Isola San Giulio boat.
“We hired Davide for two days while staying in Stresa. Davide took my daughter and I to lake Orta and to Lavertezzo Switzerland. As well as being a safe, wonderful driver, he was a pleasure to spend time with. We appreciated all the information he shared with us and would highly recommend him!!”
Private hop-on boat from Stresa to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella with flexible timing on Lake Maggiore.
“It was a much more relaxing way of touring the islands. The only problem was that it said we would get water and there was none and we had not brought any thinking we would get it. A little disappointed at that. Very nice boat captains.”
Private Orta San Giulio tour with Giulia Ferrari: Piazza Motta, San Giulio island basilica, Romanesque church details, and guided viewpoints.
“We had a great day with Julia. She was on time to our meeting location and gave us some good tips on restaurants to eat at and do outside of our tour.”
A private guide helps you tour all three Borromean Islands in one day from Stresa, with boat transfers and time to enjoy gardens.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Borromean Islands. Our local tour guide, Giulia Ferrari, was extremely knowledgeable about both the history of the islands and the plants in the gardens of both Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Though we didn’t have a reservation at the restaurant we chose for lunch at Isola dei Pescatori,…”
From the Duomo to the lakes, and every way to see them.
