All-inclusive ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori

Imagine gliding across Lake Maggiore on a well-organized boat tour that lets you explore two of Italy’s most captivating islands at your own pace. For about a day’s price, you get a hop-on hop-off boat ticket that takes you from Stresa to the famous Isola Bella, with its stunning palazzo and baroque gardens, and the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori, a quaint fishing village brimming with local charm. This experience is perfect for those who love a mix of art, history, and authentic small-town life, all wrapped in one easy package.

What we love about this experience is the simplicity of the schedule—boats depart roughly every 30 minutes, so you can tailor your visit based on your interests and pace. Plus, the included entrance fees for the Palazzo Borromeo and gardens mean you won’t need to fuss over tickets or wait in lines, giving you more time to soak in the beauty of these islands. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the additional cash fee per island, which adds a small extra step to the process; bring some cash just in case.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration and want a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Lake Maggiore’s highlights without feeling rushed. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, this ticket offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Flexible schedule with boats departing every 30 minutes allows you to customize your visit.
Includes entrance fees to major attractions on Isola Bella, saving time and money.
Visit two very different islands: the grand, gardened Isola Bella and the charming, traditional Isola dei Pescatori.
Free time on each island lets you explore at your own pace.
Additional cash fee per island is required on-site, so prepare some cash.
Suitable for those seeking an easy, all-in-one outing with a mix of art, history, and local life.

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Ticket for Isola Bella All-Inclusive

A detailed look at the Borromean Islands tour

Starting Point: Imbarcadero Stresa

Your adventure begins at the public service ticket office in Stresa’s Marconi Square, a convenient spot that’s central and easy to find. Here, you’ll meet the friendly staff—likely from CMA Group—who will provide your tickets and speedboat passes. It’s a straightforward process, and you can reserve your spot up to 24 hours before, with the flexibility to pay later if you prefer.

The Boat Ride: Comfortable, quick, and scenic

The boat ride is part of the fun, offering a 10-minute speedboat trip to Isola Bella. Travelers have noted that the boats run very frequently—about every 30 minutes—making it easy to hop on or off. The boat itself is swift and provides fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, giving you a sneak peek of the landscape you’ll enjoy up close on the islands.

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Visiting Isola Bella: Art, Palaces, and Gardens

Once you arrive at Isola Bella, the highlight is the Palazzo Borromeo, which you’ll enter with included tickets. Inside, you can explore the ornate rooms that once housed Italian aristocrats, with period furnishings and stunning artwork. But the real showstopper is the Baroque gardens, sprawling terraced landscapes filled with exotic plants, fountains, and breathtaking views over Lake Maggiore.

Many reviews praise the self-guided tour, noting how the gardens are ideal for wandering at your leisure. We loved the way the gardens feel like a living museum, with carefully curated plants and intricate pathways. One traveler remarked, “The gardens are a perfect spot for photos and peaceful wandering—really a highlight.” The entrance fee is included, which is a real convenience, but keep in mind the 0.50 cash fee per person per island for maintenance, payable on-site.

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Free Time on Isola dei Pescatori

After soaking in Isola Bella’s grandeur, you’ll catch a short boat ride to Isola dei Pescatori—a genuine fishing village that’s a stark contrast to the opulence of the previous island. Here, you can stroll through narrow streets lined with charming stores and small restaurants. Many visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the chance to try local specialties in a setting that feels untouched by mass tourism.

You’ll have ample free time to explore, snap photos, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee. One reviewer noted, “This island has such a laid-back vibe, it’s like stepping back in time.” While no food or drinks are included, the village’s eateries are affordable and welcoming.

Returning to Stresa

Your day ends with a quick 10-minute trip back to Stresa, where you can relax and reflect on your island adventures. The entire experience is designed to be straightforward, with departure times roughly every 30 minutes, making it easy to plan your day.

Analyzing the value

This tour delivers great value, especially since museum and garden entrances are included—which often cost extra elsewhere. The boat rides are smooth, scenic, and frequent, so you don’t need to worry about tight schedules. The additional cash fee per island is a small extra, but it’s clearly communicated, and most travelers find it manageable.

Pricing-wise, the ticket costs are reasonable for the full experience, considering the transportation, entrance fees, and flexibility. Many reviews mention the quality of the guided process, with staff helpful and languages including English, French, German, and Italian.

What travelers say

Reviewers tend to rate this experience highly, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5. Comments highlight the ease of use, the beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to visit both a grand palazzo and a cozy fishing village all in one day. Some mention that the timing is just right—not too rushed, yet enough to enjoy both islands thoroughly.

Practical tips

Bring some cash for the small island fees.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the gardens and village.
Check the schedule beforehand to plan your visit, especially if you want more time on one island.
Use the free time on Isola dei Pescatori to enjoy local food or pick up souvenirs.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced blend of art, history, and authentic local culture without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or navigating public transport independently. It’s ideal for those who value flexibility, comfort, and value for money. Families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a relaxing day with scenic views and cultural highlights will find this tour particularly appealing.

It’s also a good choice for first-time visitors to Lake Maggiore, as it covers key sights comfortably and provides a good overview with the flexibility to customize your time.

Final thoughts

The all-inclusive hop-on hop-off tour of the Borromean Islands offers an accessible, enjoyable way to experience some of Italy’s most charming islands. With easy transportation, included entrance fees, and free time to explore at your own pace, it strikes a good balance for those wanting a hassle-free day of sightseeing.

While the additional cash fee per island is a minor inconvenience, it’s clearly communicated and small enough to ignore if you’re prepared. The friendly staff and flexible schedule mean you can focus on soaking up the stunning scenery and intriguing sights without stress.

This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who love self-guided discovery but appreciate the convenience of an organized trip. If you’re after a meaningful yet relaxed day on Lake Maggiore, this experience can be a highlight of your Italian journey.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children under 6 are exempt from the island landing fee, making it family-friendly.

How long do I have on each island?
The tour offers free time on each island, allowing you to explore at your own pace—exact durations depend on boat schedules.

Do I need to book ahead?
Yes. It’s recommended to reserve your tickets up to 24 hours in advance, especially during peak season, and you can choose to pay later.

Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and beverages are not provided, but there are restaurants and cafes on Isola dei Pescatori.

What languages are available?
Guides and staff speak English, French, German, and Italian.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, a small cash fee of 0.50 per person per island is payable on-site for island maintenance.

Can I stay longer on the islands?
Yes, but your boat tickets are valid only for the day you book. You can plan your timing accordingly.

What about accessibility?
The tour is primarily designed for general travelers; specific accessibility details aren’t provided, so contact the operator if you have special needs.

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to enjoy Lake Maggiore’s treasures—perfect for those who want a taste of Italy’s beautiful lakeside life without fuss.