Hello, my name's Micaela Lucini and I'm a private local guide in Stresa. Get in touch with me if a date is not available! Please read carefully what is included and what is not. This is a classic itinerary option to explore the fabulous Borromeo islands but please get in touch with me should you wish a customized tour tailored to your needs and time. I can design a special tour if you prefer to spend a longer time on the islands or wish to combine the visit to one or more islands to a sightseeing boat tour for a stress-free trip! Get in touch before booking also if you have walking problems, so that I can suggest the best option to visit. Enjoy a tour of the Borromean islands to discover the real beauty of lake Maggiore. A private sightseeing tour suitable for couples, families, individuals, small groups to explore the famous islands of magical lake Maggiore accompanied by Micaela, a qualified experienced local tour guide.
Private boat transfers are not included, to be paid on the day


Private Tour of Borromean Islands with Micaela Guide

Hello, I'm Micaela Lucini, an expert local guide in Stresa. If you wish a tailor made tour, with different timings and options, please get in touch with me. This is a 3-hour guided tour of lake Maggiore's islands using private charter boat for our transfers to explore beautiful isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromeo islands, and Fishermen's island accompanied by a personal English-speaking tour guide. Discover an incredible island - isola Bella - where art, history, architecture, exotic and mediterranean species make this place at the foot of the Alps something unique in the world. Stroll through the quaint village on isola Pescatori to discover the old island's activities. Enjoy a private water tour around isola Madre to admire it from the lake or make the most of your trip and include also a stop and guided visit to isola Madre to explore its lovely botanical gardens with orange trees, agaves, palms and the island's 16th-century villa which houses a puppet theatre collection.

Private Guided Boat Tour of Lake Maggiore's Borromeo Islands

Visiting the most romantic village in Piemont.

Wandering  in the narrow streets.

Sailing on the lake to the Island of the silence and the meditation.

The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide

Hello, I'm Micaela Lucini, an expert local guide. Please get in touch with me if the tour is not bookable online. This is one of my tours to discover isola Bella and Pescatori with a private guide. Do not hesitate to get in touch with me should you wish a customized tour. 
Make the most of your time at Lake Maggiore with this 3-hour private tour by private taxi boat. Visit Isola Bella - 'Beautiful Island' - and the name does not lie -- with your own private certified guide and go to Isola dei Pescatori, Fishermen's Island, and stroll around the old fishermen's village, learning about the history and culture of the area from your local guide.
This tour starts in Stresa but please get in touch if you would like to arrange for a different start point and I will see if it is possible!



Isola Bella Fishermen's Island Private Tour with Micaela

If you are looking for a tour that introduces you to the unique beauty of the Borromean Islands, its palaces and Lake Maggiore in a relaxed and fun atmosphere .. This is the best tour!

We will talk about history and art but without forgetting to introduce you to the true and authentic atmosphere of this beautiful region.

It is at the end of the tour, an aperitif is what will make the experience even more genuine, relaxed and friendly

Join us!!

Tour Palazzo Borromeo to Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori and DRINK!

Discovering a treasure in lake Maggiore: the three beautiful Borromean islands with their stunning palaces and gardens with a qualied local guide who will take you on a special tour! Step back in time: paintings, tapestries, Murano glass chandeliers, portraits, period furniture, beatifully maintained gardens will surprise you on these fabulous islands: isola Bella and isola Madre.Your guide will meet you at the pier in Stresa to take a boat and reach isola Madre, a little paradise on earth. Walking in the peaceful English-style garden you will admire exotic plants and flowers in a very special setting. The villa on this island is part of the guided tour and offers nice rooms in a country-style building dating back to the 16th century. The tour will continue to isola Bella where you will be able to enjoy some free time for lunch before visiting another extraordinary palace, opulent and impressive, that will surprise you with its beautiful collections and the talianate gardens.

Tour the three gems of the Borromean Islands with a private guide

Cool, slow and delicious appetize on Lake Maggiore with fantastic and unique panorama for small groups 

Slow boat tour for small groups with appetizer on Lake Maggiore

Experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore on a private boat tour that blends history, culture, and relaxation. Cruise past Isola Madre, admiring its lush botanical gardens and the elegant Palazzo Borromeo from the water. Continue to the breathtaking Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, perfect for stunning photos.

Your first stop is Isola Pescatori, a charming fishing village with narrow streets, quaint shops, and lakeside cafés. Take a leisurely stroll, browse for handmade souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the authentic atmosphere.

Afterward, dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim in one of the lake's best spots.

Finally, visit Isola Bella, where you can explore the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular gardens at your own pace. Choose to stay on the island and return by ferry or enjoy a quick visit before we bring you back to Stresa by boat, completing a memorable day on the lake.

Lake Maggiore Boat Tour

A half-day tour by private taxi boat to the two jewels of lake Maggiore accompanied by an expert private guide to enjoy more the visit to these incredible islands. 
Your licensed local guide will show you an opulent palace dating back to the 17th century with its baroque garden on Isola Bella. You will then discover another villa in country style on Isola Madre built in the 16th century and a charming garden full of exotic plants, flowers, trees and peacocks.

Private tour of Borromeo's Isola Bella and isola Madre

Step back in time and explore an old castle in Angera - the Rocca or Borromeo fortress - on lake Maggiore, still beautifully preserved, also housing an interesting antique dolls' museum.  
Enjoy a stroll and free time in the pretty lakeside town of Arona and see the colossal statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, one of the highest in the world. A private tour to discover lovely corners of lake Maggiore!

Private tour to the Angera castle from lake Maggiore and Orta

The two sides of lake Maggiore are amazingly different: Westwards, the sweet sines of the gulf on which Stresa and Baveno lay, in front of the charming Borromean Islands with their botanical gardens and villas. Eastwards, the deep waters in which high and wooded cliffs tumble down. 
This private tour will allow you to enjoy this beautiful diversity, taking you to the discovery of the amazing palaces and gardens, as welle as the characteristic small village on Isola dei Pescatori, with its narrow streets and coloured shops. This unforgettable experience will end with an exclusive aperitif, served onboard on your route back.

Private cruise on Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella and aperitif onboard

Enjoy an unforgettable experience aboard a private boat on Lake Maggiore! Our tour gives you the opportunity to explore the wonders of the lake, admiring the breathtaking views of its crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains.
During the cruise, you will be served a delicious picnic on board, with a rich platter of cold cuts and mixed cheeses, accompanied by fresh bread and crispy breadsticks. To toast this wonderful day, you will have water and selected wine at your disposal.
Relax and let the tranquility of the lake envelop you, while you live an exclusive and regenerating experience.

Private Boat & Picnic Escape on Lake Maggiore

Stresa, known as the pearl of lake Maggiore, stands in front of the Borromean
 Islands, which got their name by the ancient family who owned them since the 16th century. One one of these, Isola Bella, Carlo III Borromeo built a gorgeous baroque mansion, dedicated to his wife Isabella.
This private guided tour will allow you to explore Isola Bella and the splendor of the palace and its garden; once back in Stresa, you'll have a walk on the cosy small streets of the town centre, until you'll reach a local winery for a mouth-watering aperitif, based on local wines, cold cuts and cheese.

Art and food on lake Maggiore: Stresa and Isola Bella

Verbania is the chief town of the district around lake Maggiore; Pallanza, one of its centers, hosts the City hall and some of its most remarkable attractions. Among these, the outstanding Museum of Landscape, located in Palazzo Viani- Dugnani, keeps a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs related to the culture and history of Lombardy and Piedmont.
This private tour will lead you to discover these collections and, after a pleasant walk, to experience a visit to Villa Taranto botanical gardens: a unique 18 hectares park created by a Scottish traveller, featuring rare plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. 
Two different ways to witness the wonders of the landscapes of Lake Maggiore, which you will surely remember for long.

Lake Maggiore: private cruise and Villa Taranto garden

If Lake Maggiore is one of Italy's hidden gems, the rolling hills behind Stresa offer some of its most breathtaking views. In this exclusive experience, a private driver will meet you in Stresa and accompany you to a charming location nestled in the hills. Here, a local chef will welcome you with a glass of wine or a refreshing aperitif, setting the tone for a relaxed and convivial experience. Step into a fully equipped kitchen and immerse yourself in the art of Italian cooking: you will learn how to prepare two traditional pasta dishes inspired by the flavors of the lake, followed by a delicious dessert. Guided step-by-step, you will enjoy the hands-on experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere. After the lesson, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor: sit down for a leisurely lunch or dinner paired with a curated selection of local wines, making the most of the stunning views and authentic flavors.
At the end of this unforgettable culinary journey, return transfer to Stresa.

Cook, Taste, and Discover Lake Maggiore

The two sides of lake Maggiore are amazingly different: Westwards, the sweet sines of the gulf on which Stresa and Baveno lay, in front of the charming Borromean Islands with their botanical gardens and villas. Eastwards, the deep waters in which high and wooded cliffs tumble down. A private cruise will take you across the lake, coasting the Islands, to reach by a cableway an amazing viewpoint on mount Sasso del Ferro, on the East coast. Here you will stare at the astonishing landscape of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Isles and the Alps during a sunset in which the sun, the sky and the waters below will be as one. An exclusive aperitif will be served on a terrific terrace, where you will enjoy the quietness of the site.

Sunset on Lake Maggiore: where the sky meets water

Lake Orta is a small, quite unknown pearl, lying a few kilometers westwards of Lake Maggiore. Its chief town, Orta San Giulio and the close by isle of San Giulio create a unique, charming "lounge" on the lake coastline. The small alleys, the ancient churches and the enchanting landscapes merge together in a scene of rare beauty.
This exclusive tour will allow you to enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of the coastline village by a pleasant walk; later, a short, relaxing cruise will take you to the isle of San Giulio, 400 metres offshore, where you will witness the remains of the medieval settlements, a majestic romanesque church and an 19th century seminary.

Walking and cruising around Lake Orta

Lake Orta is a small, quite unknown pearl, lying a few kilometers westwards of lake Maggiore. Its chief town, Orta San Giulio and the close by isle of San Giulio create a unique, charming "lounge" on the lake coastline. This private tour will lead you to discover the atmospheres, the fascinating alleys and the view points of these sites, connected by a short and pleasant boat cruise. Later, you will have the chance to enjoy an astonishing view of the lake from the heights of the Holy Mount of Orta, a magnificent sanctuary reachable through an ascending path dotted of gorgeous baroque chapels. The site is a UNESCO heritage and you will surely understand why.

Half-day Tours in Lake Maggiore