About Rome
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.
- Itinerary:Milan highlightsDrive to Lago MaggioreStresaLago MaggioreLunchIsola BellaPalazzo BorromeoReturn journey
- Included:
- Not Included:Lunch
- Wheelchair accessible:Yes.
- 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!
Great tour Our tour guide was interesting and knowledgeable. We visited various plazas that encompass many of the areas of Rome, something we could not have done on our own.
The golf cart... read more
- Overwhelming! Bella! Our guide was very knowledgeable providing a lot of historical detail on religious, political, and cultural levels that influenced the art and architectural changes through time. Bella!
- A True Roman Holiday. Amazing evening. Marco and Roberto were fabulous, fun and very knowledgeable! DONT miss this class when in Rome! Grazie
- Pizza and gelato awccess What a wonderful experience with chef Roberto! It was fun to make 2 kinds of gelato and a personal pizza followed by dinner with wine and soft drinks. And we... read more
- Great experience! Pay for private or small group- worth it. Loved Julia Julia made it a great day. Met at the entrance, on time, with a sign and was wonderful right from the start. So much knowledge! I wanted her to never... read more
- Tour fantastico with Luca Great Tour and a lot of interesting information from great guide Luca!
Would book at anytime again.. - Testaccio food walking tour The Testaccio food tour with Sara was an amazing experience. Incredible food, brilliant historical.knowledge all delivered in a lovely way. Highly recommended this tour.
- Fabulous time on this food tour!! My friend and I had a personal tour by Luca around Trastevere, and he was so informative and knowledgeable and kind. The choice of restaurants was thoughtful and well-rounded; and... read more
- Cherry on Top We thouroughly enjoyed our experience learning to make pizza and gelato. We joined Walks Inside Rome for this fabulous cooking class on our last evening in Italy and it... read more
- Simply the best Stunning organization, marvelous service. Walk inside Rome is, as usual, simply the best. One of italys finest concierge and tour services ever.
