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Tour Description
Take to the waters of one of Nothern Italy’s great lakes on this immersive Lago Maggiore tour. Traveling via water taxi, you’ll soak in the sublime sights of Isola Bella (Beautiful Island), Isola Pescatori (The Fishermen Island), and Isola Madre (Mother Island), stopping off for lunch and to explore a historic palace and botanical gardens. This day-trip is simply a must for anyone visiting Northern Italy.
Departing from your hotel lobby, we’ll make our way to Lago Maggiore
Your Lago Maggiore tour starts in Stresa, the lake’s most famous destination. Situated on shores of the lake, this resort dates all the way back to the 10th century, reaching fame in the English-speaking world as a setting in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Stresa is a gateway to the Borromean Islands, where you and your expert guide will venture on a water taxi.
The first insular attraction on your Lago Maggiore tour is Isola Bella (the Beautiful Island). Named after Isabella, the countess of Borromeo, it first flourished as an island of regal beauty in the 17th century, under Carlo III. Isola Bella is a remarkable man-made effort; Carlo’s son, Vitaliano, imported tonnes of soil to construct layers of artificial terraces. This day trip gives you the unique opportunity to explore them all as you tour the botanical gardens.
Discover the sublime natural beauty of the Italian lakes
Exploring Isola Bella truly is a treat for any visitor to Northern Italy. No trip would be complete without a guided tour of the Borromean Mansion led by an expert local guide. Guests at this historic residence have included Napoleon Bonaparte and the great historian of ancient Rome, Edward Gibbon. Now you can count yourself among such illustrious company as you discover the island’s secrets.
We will then stop off for an authentic lakeside lunch consisting of the region’s local specialities. Fish and pasta dishes and accompanying regional white wines are the order of the day, though your local guide will be able to recommend several local restaurants to accommodate for any preferences or dietary requirements you may have.
Your Lago Maggiore tour is fully customizable
Should you wish to tailor your itinerary, your expert guide can also organise excursions to Isola Madre or Isola Pescatori. Respectively translating as Mother Island and Fishermen Island, each has its own wealth of treasures to explore.
The uninhabited Isola Madre – the largest on the lake – is home to a stunning collection of 19th-century English-style gardens. Isola Pescatori, as its name suggests, has been home to fishermen for generations, and is home to a beautiful, quaint village where you’ll find some of the region’s freshest catch.
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Itinerary:Milan highlightsDrive to Lago MaggioreStresaLago MaggioreLunchIsola BellaPalazzo BorromeoReturn journey
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Included:
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Not Included:Lunch
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Wheelchair accessible:Yes.
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Meeting Point:Hotel lobby.
excellent guides
Our guides are fluent in English and have a contagious passion for the inspiring cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Experts in their fields, they will immerse you in the hidden histories and intriguing lives of history's great protagonists. So much to see, so easy to miss out: with the help of our guides, visit the most absorbing sites and uncover the stories that have changed the world. Don't miss this fascinating journey!
