Unique Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan
Description
Explore scenic Lake Maggiore in Italy's beautiful Lake District on a day trip from Milan. The fashionable lakeside town of Stresa is an approximate 1.5-hour drive from Milan and is surrounded by majestic snowcapped mountains. After spending some free time in Stresa, shopping or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery, you'll take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Depart by bus from Milan to Lake Maggiore, with a short rest stop along the way.
On the borders of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano is the second largest Italian lake. Your visit will start with a lake cruise. On board you will enjoy the view of exquisite lakeside villas and lush gardens surrounded by crystal blue waters set amidst the beauty of snow capped alps.
First, we pass the exotic Isola Madre, home to a 20 acre park that is considered one of the most impressive in Italy, before heading back in time to the simple life of Isola dei Pescatori where you will have free time to explore, shop or enjoy a light lunch.
The next stop will be the luxurious Isola Bella with the elaborate gardens of the Borromean Palace surrounded by boutiques and cafés housed in grand historic buildings ( entrance to Palazzo Borromeo included). Finally, you will re-join the boat and cruise back to Stresa where you can have free time to explore this quiet and fascinating little town, try some local food or indulge in some shopping before returning to Milan.
Our tour will take you to picturesque Stresa, on the western shores of Lake Maggiore. Stresa is a lovely town with beautiful villas and gardens, some of which are open to the public. With a comfortable climate, Stresa offers stunning lake views, and you can also take the cable car up to Monte Mottarone for views of the Alps and the lakes.
Departure from Stresa to Milan by Bus with a short rest stop on the way
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-up is available only from selected hotels. If your hotel is not listed, please make your own way to one of the designated meeting points. Important: for the hotel pick-up option, pick-up time starts from 08:30AM. Guests must be at their hotel lobby at this time, as the bus collects guests from multiple hotels.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(103)
Very interesting and diverse excursion! A very pleasant cruise on Lake Maggiore, the grandiose Borromean Palace!
2 hours by coach to get to lakes,borded small cruiser about thirty people,cruised the three islands.Visited palace on largest very ornate superb gardens,then onto next island for lunch very nice.Back to shore by cruiser to lake Magiore,plenty of time at each spot very knowledge able local guide. Marco our guide was very helpfull.
The experience was very good. Our tour guide Monica was very knowledgeable and very pleasant. I rated this tour a 4 instead of 5 because as per the itenarary included the entry to the Palace Boromeo grounds however we were informed by the tour guide this was not included. It was disappointing considering this was one of the tour highlights.
too much time for 1 island and no time for strase....no added value to this trip. guide bearly talked.....
Everything was on-time. Very interesting program. especially in Borromeo palace. Thanks for good organization of trip.
The beautiful landscape surrounding the lake. The mansion tour was beautiful. And being able to visit 2 different islands was a treat.
We enjoyed the tour despite it raining all day. Unfortunately we didn’t get to spend time in Stresa because of the heavy rain. We opted for a pickup from the hotel but had to find our way back to the hotel in the pouring rain. It would have been better if Zani Viaggi provided return hotel transport since the tour was cut short.
A beautiful glimpse into the Italian countryside. Only 90 minutes from Milan it’s like entering a different universe. So much natural beauty on all the islands and shore. Also the perfect time for a day trip, not too long or short
Very good tour guide. Easy travel day. Good timing spent at each location. Well done and would book with Zani again
We enjoyed the geography and history lesson from Salvatore. The tour thru’ the Barromeo residence was truly amazing. Our guides were informed, professional and passionate. We don’t generally commit to tours but we are thrilled we booked this one ! It was a memorable day in every respect and Stresa is certainly a destination not to be missed.
