Lake Maggiore Islands Half Day Tour

This half day tour is a sampler of the islands in the Borromean gulf of Lake Maggiore. Ever since the days of the Grand Tour, these islands have been dazzling visitors with the sheer impossibility of their existence. I first saw them 25 years ago, and still remember the awe that I felt. Breathtaking scenery, exotic gardens, and a unique microclimate at the foot of the Alps which I like to call "the Garden of Eden". Isola Bella, the Beautiful Island, with its stunning palace and lavish gardens tells the story of the historic rulers of the lake: the Borromeo family, who own the island to this day. Isola Pescatori, the Fisherman's Island, is home to a community of 'isolani' (islanders), in a village full of quaint alleyways, shops and fishing boats. This tour is an easy detour off the A26 highway if you are travelling from Milan to the Simplon Pass, Switzerland.

• The tour begins in Stresa or Baveno, where we depart by boat. • We reach Isola Bella after a ten minute ride, spending two hours here. • We will visit the impressive Baroque palace of the Borromeo family, with over 30 rooms including a tapestry gallery and an art gallery, and then tour the stunning Italian-style terraced gardens, home to statues, exotic plants and a group of white peacocks. • Isola dei Pescatori is just a few minutes boat ride away. We will explore the alleyways of this picturesque medieval village, and if you wish you can have time for a drink, shopping and photos. This tour includes my guiding services only. You may choose the boat transportation that suits you best: ferry boat or water taxi, where we will travel with other people. If you have a special request I would be happy to provide you with a customized tour!