Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour

Imagine cruising across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, visiting three of Italy’s most captivating islands — each with its own character, architecture, and lush gardens. For just $17 per person, this full-day boat tour offers an affordable way to experience the beauty and charm of the Borromean Islands from the picturesque town of Stresa. The excursion includes free time on each island, giving you a flexible, relaxed pace to explore at your own speed.

We love that this tour makes it easy to hop between islands with small, convenient boats, avoiding the hassles of large, crowded ferries. The highlight for many is the opportunity to walk through Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, a stunning palace filled with priceless artworks, and to wander the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, home to rare plants and adorable peacocks. Plus, the chance to enjoy a lunch in a traditional fishing village and browse local shops makes this a well-rounded experience.

One potential consideration is the timing of the last boat — it’s recommended to catch the final departure at 2:00 pm to ensure you have enough time to explore all three islands thoroughly. Also, since the trip isn’t guided inside the palaces, you’ll need to buy separate tickets if you’d like to visit the interiors, which adds a small extra expense. This tour suits travelers who appreciate independent exploration but want the convenience of organized transport and a scenic route. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic, budget-friendly day on Lake Maggiore.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Only $17 per person, with options to reserve and pay later for flexibility.
• Self-Guided Freedom: Free hop-on, hop-off style transfer between islands allows personalized pacing.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the Palazzo Borromeo and its art collection, stroll through Isola Madre’s botanical gardens, and explore the fishing village.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy local shops and lunch options in a traditional Italian fishing community.
• Convenient Transport: Small, quick boats make traveling between the islands easy and efficient.
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable or reschedule options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An in-Depth Look at the Borromean Islands Boat Tour

What makes this tour worthwhile?

Primarily, the value is hard to beat at just $17. For a full day of sightseeing, the price includes boat transport between Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori, plus the chance to wander at your own pace. You’ll get to see some of Italy’s most iconic sights, including the sumptuous Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella and the lush, historic botanical gardens of Isola Madre. The cost of individual entry tickets to these sites isn’t included, but many travelers find that the overall experience offers a good balance between affordability and memorable sights.

The tour is designed for those who value flexibility. You can hop off and explore each island as long as you like before catching the next boat. This means you can customize your day — whether that’s spending more time strolling the winding alleys of Isola Pescatori or taking a leisurely walk through the gardens of Isola Madre. The small boats are a highlight, allowing quick transfers and avoiding the crowds that larger ferries would bring.

The itinerary: what to expect at each stop

Starting in Stresa, the tour begins at the designated boarding point within Piazza Marconi. From there, you’ll board a boat marked by its yellow and blue flag, with a friendly staff member available for any directions. The first stop is Isola Bella, famous for its Palazzo Borromeo and its grand Baroque gardens. The palace is a treasure trove of priceless art and furnishings, although you’ll need to purchase separate entry tickets if you want inside. If you love architecture and history, you’ll want to allocate enough time here to appreciate the ornate interiors and the stunning views from the terraces.

Next comes Isola Madre, which some travelers call the highlight for its botanical gardens. These gardens are among Italy’s oldest and are home to rare plants and adorable white peacocks, praised by visitors like GiGi: “The small boats were quick and convenient to get from one island to the next.” Here, you can lose yourself in lush greenery, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and snap plenty of photos of the vibrant flora.

Finally, the fishing village of Isola Pescatori offers a more rustic, authentic Italian feel. The village’s narrow winding alleys, small square, and local shops make it a charming spot to relax, have lunch, and soak up the local atmosphere. Many visitors, like Alice, appreciated the chance to ask boat drivers about departure times, making their day smoother — “sometimes it’s a slightly different spot to where you get disembarked.”

What are the logistics?

The tour includes transportation from Stresa to the islands, with free time on each stop. You can easily switch islands by boat, which is included in the ticket price. However, note that you’ll need to pay a small landing fee of €0.50 per island on-site, a minor expense that helps maintain the islands’ upkeep.

The timing is important: a suggested last boarding time of 2:00 pm ensures you have enough daylight to visit all points comfortably. Since the experience is weather-dependent, it’s wise to check the forecast before planning your day. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

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What do reviews say?

Reviewers appreciate the value and the freedom this tour provides. GiGi notes that small boats make transfers quick and convenient, making the experience more relaxed. Alice highlights how memorable the day was, emphasizing to ask guides about departure times to avoid waiting around. Vitalija mentions that knowing the timetable in advance would have helped her plan better, which is a good tip for future travelers.

Additional costs and considerations

While the boat transfer and free time are included, keep in mind that entry tickets to palaces and gardens are not. If you’re interested in exploring the palaces or gardens inside, plan for extra expenses. The cost of the tour itself offers excellent value, especially considering the self-guided flexibility and scenic beauty.

Travelers should also consider weather conditions. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and unpredictable weather could lead to cancellations. The full refund policy provides reassurance.

Who should choose this tour?

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a flexible day exploring the Borromean Islands. It suits those who prefer independence over guided tours, with the freedom to linger or move quickly. It’s perfect for small groups or solo travelers who enjoy scenic cruising and charming local villages.

If you’re a history or architecture buff, you might want to plan for extra tickets to inside the palaces. If you’re after a relaxing, picturesque day with authentic Italian charm, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Final thoughts: Why choose this tour?

This affordable, flexible boat trip offers a wonderful way to experience Lake Maggiore’s famous Borromean Islands without breaking the bank. The mix of palaces, gardens, and fishing village provides a balanced view of both luxury and local life. The small boats staff and self-guided approach make for a smooth, intimate experience, especially suited for travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.

While not guided inside the attractions, the overall quality and value make it a popular choice. It’s especially worthwhile if you want a cost-effective way to see multiple islands in one day, with enough free time to discover the details that make each stop unique.

If you love authentic charm, scenic vistas, and a touch of Italian elegance, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your visit to Lake Maggiore. Just remember to plan for the last boat and check the weather forecast!

FAQs

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs just $17 per person, with options to reserve in advance and pay later, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket covers transport from Stresa to the three islands and free time on each island to explore at your own pace. It does not include entry tickets for palaces or gardens.

Can I visit inside the palaces and gardens?
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase separate tickets for Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Madre’s botanical gardens if you wish to go inside.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The last recommended boarding time is 2:00 pm to ensure you have enough time to visit all three islands comfortably. Weather conditions can affect the tour, so check the forecast.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is generally suitable for all ages, small boats and walking on uneven surfaces may require some caution. It’s ideal for families who enjoy scenic boat rides and leisurely exploration.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the boat transfers and island terrain.

Do I need to bring cash?
You may need cash for the landing fee of 0.50 euros per island and any purchases in the shops or restaurants.

How do I find the meeting point?
Board within a few minutes of arrival at Piazza Marconi, at the Lake Tours yellow and blue pier marked with a large yellow flag, or ask a local for directions.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, some cash for extras, and a sense of adventure. Weather-dependent, so consider a light rain jacket if needed.

This boat tour of the Borromean Islands offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, cultural sites, and local flavor. Perfect for travelers who want an affordable, flexible day exploring Italy’s iconic lake islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: