Claudia was very friendly and informative guide, her communication before the trip ensured everything went smoothly on the day. She kept the tour on track ensuring the boat was awaiting our arrival on transfer from each island. We chose to take the private boat option between islands and this just made the tour that much more special. Claudia booked a table for our lunch where she is obviously well respected, although busy we seemed to get the best table overlooking the water. At the end of the tour she also gave us ideas and contacts to visit Lake Orta later in the week which was another highlight of our visit to Stresa. Claudia was a great guide, perfect English and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour and if you manage to get Claudia as your guide you’ll have a wonderful trip
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Private tour in Stresa Claudia R
All the Borromeo Islands - full day guided tour on Lake Maggiore
5.0
(4) reviews
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7 hours
1
Tour date
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7 hours
1
Claudia R.
5.0
Guide rating
5
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10 hrs
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Welcome! It would be a pleasure for me to accompany you discovering the most amazing highlights in the area of Lake Maggiore and Orta. I has been 25 years now, since I started guiding in Piedmont: I come from Sanremo, Liguria, and I was fascinated by the sub-tropical vegetation here around: everything was so luxuriant and I was impressed by the quantity of parks and gardens, the colourful blooming of Camellias and Azaleas. It was all so new for me! But after many years reading contless botany books it has become a passion! What a pleasure for the eyes and the mind to walk around the magnificent terraced gardens of Isola Bella, or the Botanical Garden of Villa Taranto. I am very proud of my second home. Anywhere there is some water, there is charm: Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta look simply gorgeous: the Borromean Islands, luxury mansions everywhere, little fishermen's villages, mountains surrounding the lakes. What about a cruise in the Borromean Gulf? A private boat trip is always an experience! I like travelling and I have organized most of all my private travels by myself, with the help of local agencies, who know better. I love nature, botany, geology, art, foreign languages, I am still learning new ones. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and I am so pleased when they remain impressed by the richness and beauty of this territory (which happens every time). I'll be glad to customize your tour! See you in Stresa! Claudia Secondary School Certificate as Tour Expert in Bordighera (56/60) Tour guide licences no. 25 in 1996 and no. 34 in 1996 for Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, Piedmont First Certificate in English grade B (June 1989) and Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C (December 1989). Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung by Goethe Institut of Genoa Gut (October 1991) Diploma Istituti Mangold Sobresaliente (June 1991) I am not a professional driver, but I can organize for you a private car with driver if needed. No animals are allowed on the Borromean Islands
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Claudia R.
A pleasant guided tour from Stresa to the most important features on Lake Maggiore!
Overview of your Stresa tour
Three islands, one completely different from the other: luxury on Isola Bella, simplicity on Isola Pescatori and a luxuriant vegetation on Island Madre. Isola Bella: carried out in the 17th Century, it was an ambitious project that still amazes the visitors. What lies behind the idea of transforming a rocky island into a fanciful vessel? And what about the "Grotte"? The Italian gardens are unique all over the world. I'll show you the most romantic corners on Fishermen's Island, the preferred island by the romantic artists and men of letter in the 19th Century. Isola Madre: a completely private island. Thanks to its position, right in the middle of the Golfo Borromeo, you can find plants from all over the world growing in the open air. Coloured birds, like golden and silver pheasants and peacocks stroll in the garden. In the Museum are reconstructions of different habitats of a noble mansion and there is the peculiar collection of puppet theatre marionettes and tricks. Shall we start our tour?
Recent Reviews
We did a private tour of the Borromean Islands with our guide, Claudia, and it was a fantastic experience from beginning to end. Communication before the tour was easy and smooth — Claudia was always quick to respond and very helpful. She organized a well-thought-out itinerary that allowed us to explore the beauty and history of the islands without rushing, and she made sure we didn’t miss any of the important sights. Claudia has a deep knowledge of the history, art, and culture of the Borromean Islands, and we truly learned a lot from her. Her explanations were engaging, informative, and full of interesting details that brought each place to life. We highly recommend Claudia if you're planning to visit the Borromean Islands — her guidance made our visit truly special!
She was extremely knowledgeable in all aspects, regarding history and botanical aspects. Also a great person to talk to, great manners. Was also helpful in accommodating transportation. Thank you Claudia for all your valuable time and energy.
Your Stresa tour itinerary
We will start sailing towards Isola Bella. You can choose to take the liner, the public or a private boat (neither of them included). Enjoy the beautiful views to the terraced garden. After visiting the 30 odd richly decorated rooms of the imposing mansion, we'll have a pleasant walk in the Italian garden, where white peacocks wander around trimmed evergreens and tropical plants. We then sail towards Fishermen's Island to have time for lunch. There are restaurants of any kind. In the afternoon we can walk along the little lanes of this 1. 000 years old village to enjoy the different views to the Borromean Gulf, Isola Madre, Stresa and Baveno. Our last island is Isola Madre, where we spend most of the time in the landscape garden created in the 19th C. Here thrive huge Rhododendron bushes and Camellia trees, enjoying the sub-tropical micro-climate on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It is also worth visiting the house, now a Museum, to see period furniture, paintings and the marionette theatres
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Transport details
Type: Walking
The boat transfer is not included: you can choose between a public or a private boat - credit cards accepted.
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Stresa, Piedmont, 28838, Italy
Stresa is the best departure point.
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