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“Unfortunately there was no guide, tickets got us the transfer to the islands only. Boats were fast, comfortable and there was enough room for everybody. They ran on time and we were very happy with this tour.”
Hop on and off ferries from Stresa to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella, with flexible island time on Lake Maggiore.
“Islands were beautiful! A little difficult with communication in English and trying to figure out what boat to get on, but overall a really good experience!”
Milan to Lake Maggiore by coach and boat, with Stresa time and two Borromean Islands plus Isola Bella’s palace gardens.
“I have been to Lake Como a few times on different trips to Milan, but was looking for something different to do with friends from work on the free Sunday we had. This trip did not disappoint and was well organized and exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
Private 5-hour Borromean Islands tour from Stresa with Micaela, boat ride, and guided visits to Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella, and Isola Madre.
“Micaela goes over and beyond for touring. Her knowledge of history, art, botany and architecture are amazing and she is very attentive to detail and personal needs.”
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.
“Heerlijke wijnen geproefd terwijl we genoten van het adembenemende uitzicht. De eigenaren zijn erg vriendelijk en toegankelijk. We hebben leuke gesprekken met ze gevoerd over allerlei onderwerpen. Twee tips die we willen meegeven is 1. de bereikbaarheid via de telefoon: we hebben een aantal keren moeten bellen voor we zeker wisten dat er een taxi…”
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.
“I have read a few reviews saying that the ferries are chaotic, but I found them very easy to navigate once you had found the right boat to accept your particular ticket. They come at the same time every hour, so you can spend as long as you like on each one. The islands are…”
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.
“Very little help in advance about what we were required to do. A bit confusing on the process of hopping on and off. But, very interesting place to visit.”
Private Cesarina cooking class in Stresa: cook pasta and dessert at home, enjoy local wine, take real skills. English. 4 hours.
“My wife and I looked at the weather forecast for Stresa and saw three days of straight rain. With that in mind, we sought something indoor and found this cooking experience. We are glad we did. Gisella welcomed us into her home and we immediately got busy making dessert, spinach pasta for our main course,…”
Private lake Orta day trip from Stresa, Baveno or Verbania: Sacro Monte UNESCO, medieval Orta San Giulio, optional Isola San Giulio boat.
“Davide drove my wife and me from Stresa to Lake Orta by way of Mount Mattarone and then, after a number hours on our own, he drove us back again by way of Arona. He was very punctual, professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend him for getting around the Lakes.”
Private hop-on boat from Stresa to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella with flexible timing on Lake Maggiore.
“Lorenzo was perfect …. Dependable, prompt, polite and communicated with us constantly. Highly recommended !!!”
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,…”
Private Orta San Giulio tour with Giulia Ferrari: Piazza Motta, San Giulio island basilica, Romanesque church details, and guided viewpoints.
“Giulia was fabulous. She brought us around the village and the island and was so knowledgeable about the area. We had a great afternoon with her.”
From the Duomo to the lakes, and every way to see them.
