The Best of Lake Maggiore's Islands - Full Day Tour

This full 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. Isola Madre, the Mother Island, with its historic palace (complete with puppet theatres) and its sumptuous English-style botanical gardens featuring colorful peacocks and pheasants.

• The tour begins in Stresa (or Baveno). Please wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven paving and stairs. • 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 white peacocks. • Isola dei Pescatori is just a few minutes boat ride away. We will explore the alleyways of this picturesque medieval village, and you can have time for a drink, shopping and photos. -Isola Madre is a 10 minute boat ride away. We will enjoy a relaxing walk in the stunning botanical gardens, followed by a tour of the palace. This tour includes my guiding services only. You may choose the boat transportation that suits you best: private water taxi, ferry boat, etc. If you have any requests please contact me for a customised tour!