Top Lake Maggiore Outdoor Activities

Go from lake to mountain in one day with this Zermatt trip from Stresa. After leaving Lake Maggiore, you'll travel through the Ossola Valley and high into the mountains via the scenic Simplon Pass. Continue to the pedestrian village of Zermatt by train, then spend the afternoon at leisure doing as much as you wish: Admire the mighty Matterhorn from a village restaurant, head up to the Sunnega plateau, or learn about Zermatt and the alps at Matterhorn Museum. Entrance fees and food are at your own expense.

It is the smallest of the Borromean Islands, but certainly among the most fascinating. Strolling along its narrow alleys you will discover enchanting views. The ancient village is characterized by a maze of narrow streets leading to the Church of San Vittore, elected as a national monument, which still preserves the original apse with single-light windows dating back to the 11th century.

Island-hop at Lake Maggiore, and discover the tiny Borromean Islands with a hop-on hop-off ferry ticket. Use the 1-day pass to venture out from Stresa, and spend your day sightseeing as you wish. Step onto the shores of Isola Bella, home to the Borromeo family ‘palazzo’; wander amid the houses of pocket-sized Isola dei Pescatori; and admire the greenery of Isola Madre where botanical gardens beckon.

The Madre Island hosts one of the oldest botanical gardens in Italy. On the Isola Bella you can visit the sumptuous palace, home of the Borromeo family, which preserves priceless works of art. The Pescatori island, on the other hand, is the only one of the Borromean islands to be inhabited throughout the year, and houses a small village characterized by a small square surrounded by narrow and winding alleys.

Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore with your own private guide, and enjoy transport by motorboat just for your group plus a tour of Isola Bella’s 17th-century palace. Perfect if you want to understand the lake’s history and avoid the tourist crowds, the experience offers everything you need to explore the islands with ease. The standard tour includes stops at Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre, but you can upgrade to visit the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, if you wish.

Explore the ‘Beautiful Island’ of Isola Bella at your leisure with a hop-on hop-off ferry ticket departing from Stresa. Glide across Lake Maggiore to this most renowned of the Borromean Islands, where you can visit the Palace Museum and Gardens, grab a bite to eat or simply stroll around the palazzos and villas that decorate the port. Ferries run every 30 minutes, so you can customize your day.

The gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania, between Intra and Pallanza, are known the world over for their great beauty and the huge number of plant species they contain. The result of a labour of love on the part of the Scottish Captain McEacharn in 1931, the myriad of colours and scents the marvellously landscaped garden offers continues to enchant visitors from March to October. From spring to autumn there are always flowers in bloom, with “special events” for certain species which are particularly spectacular in their season: the tulip week is in April, dahlias are at their best between July and October. We will discover together this beautiful garden and we will focus on particular botanical species. From Stresa, the gardens are reachable by boat: the shipping company “Navigazione Lago Maggiore” has a landing stage called “Villa Taranto” right in front of the Gardens entrance.

Orta lake is the most magic and quite lake in the entire district lake. Moving on these calm waters slowly and quietly with a kayak, it's a really amazing experience. From a really unique point of view, you will have the opportunity to see the villages facing the lake and you will visit the terrific San Giulio island a really magic place, where the time seems to have stopped. And it will our great pleasure to tell you about the millenary history of this enchanted lake.

Hike from Italy to Switzerland on a trail to the Staldhorn Peak. After leaving Arona, you’ll travel by car to the Simplon Pass, then hike for up to two hours along a steep, yet easy, route to the summit’s cross. Take in the sweeping mountain vistas that stretch over the Swiss Alto Vallese, and then return to your waiting transport. 

Alpine villages surrounded by mountain chalets and snow-capped peaks greet you on arrival in Arona, situated in the Italian Alps. This full-day tour includes a 2-hour guided trek in the valley of Monte Rosa, Italy's second-highest mountain. Your driver makes requested photo stops along the route and lets you purchase local products for lunch. It’s an ideal day out for physically fit nature lovers.

Mount Mottarone stands upon the enchanting town of Stresa, reaching almost 1.500 meters upon sea level. A majestic massive, a natural viewpoint on the surrounding Alps, the soothing beauty of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. This exclusive tour will allow you to climb up the mountain by a cableway, to enjoy an easy but spectacular walk, close to the sky and in front of some astonishing views. Before reaching a typical hut, where you will have a mouth-watering lunch based on local specialties, you will be guided into Alpinia, one of the first and most prestigious alpine botanical gardens in Italy.

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.

We know that flexibility, in this moment, is necessary to organize a trip out of town. For this reason we would like to make our fleet of 11 boats available. Book the Taxi-Boat service made available by our company with 11 motorships thanks to our fleet you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore to visit Isola Bella.

Hike your way to Alpe Devoro, a scenic peak surrounded by the Lepontine Alps. On a leisurely paced and easy route, you’ll walk along picture-perfect mountain trails past the village of Crampiolo and the waters of Codelago — one of the area’s sparkling lakes. Round-trip transport from Arona is included, and the guide can plan a more difficult route if you want a challenge. 

Book the private Taxi Boat service to book your next trip to Lake Maggiore and visit the Borromean Islands with complete peace of mind. We know that flexibility, in this moment, is necessary to organize a trip out of town. For this reason we want to make our fleet of 11 boats available.

Built on the track of an ancient Roman way, connecting Oscella (Domodossola) and Leocarnum (Locarno), the Vigezzina railroad was inaugurated in 1923, becoming a strategic connection for several small villages in the valleys close to lake Maggiore. Still today, even after severe damages caused by a flood in 1978, the railroad has a strong commercial and touristic function, connecting Sempione and Gottardo districts. This exclusive guided tour will allow you to enjoy a panoramic ride on this small and fascinating train, travelling from Italy to Switzerland across hidden and enchanting valleys. Thanks to a stop, you will have the chance to discover nice villages, such as Santa Maria Maggiore. A different point of view on Lake Maggiore beautiful outback.

The Alpe Sattal is an old cottage recently restored by a man who wanted to live intensely in this place. The cottage is located in a natural terrace on the slopes of mountain Tagliaferro (2964 m asl) and it offers a spectacular panoramic view of 360 ° with a magnificent view over the Mount Rosa massif.

On the Isola Bella you can visit the sumptuous palace, home of the Borromeo family, which preserves priceless works of art. The Pescatori island, on the other hand, is the only one of the Borromean islands to be inhabited throughout the year, and houses a small village characterized by a small square surrounded by narrow and winding alleys.

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.

Visit the fashionable Stresa and the amazing Islands on Lake Maggiore on a day trip from Milan. Set in Italy's beautiful Lake District just 1.5-hour drive from Milan, Lake Maggiore is surrounded by the majestic Alps and home to some of Italy’s most impressive gardens. After some free time for shopping in Stresa, you will take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on the lake, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. On the borders of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano is the second largest Italian lake. 

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.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

This motorboat tour will take you to Isola Bella, the most famous and magnificent of the three Borromean Islands. It will be possible to visit the sumptuous palace, home of the Borromeo family, which preserves priceless works of art. You can also access the gardens for a pleasant walk, a classic example of a seventeenth-century Italian garden, spread over ten terraces.

An experienced English-speaking tour guide will show you lake Maggiore's highlights from the water. What a an excellent way to see lake Maggiore and learn more about the old towns, the islands, the historic villas and palaces, the aristocrats and the Belle Epoque time! All while sitting in a comfortable and safe private boat with no effort and no walking at all! This is an amazing tour that offers the chance to be in touch with a native guide to the area who can tell you about the history and the curiosities, the old fishing activities and the life around the lake today.

Admire the beaches, islands, and alpine peaks of Lake Maggiore on a romantic sunset cruise. Set sail on-board a private charter boat, cruise around the Stresa Gulf, and soak up the scenery as you pass the Borromean islands. While on-board, sip included drinks and snacks, or upgrade to enjoy a light buffet dinner with wine.

Behind a great man there is always a great woman! Who knows how many times we have heard it ... With this experience we allow you to sail with a great man, the captain who will lead the private boat letting you be lulled by the gentle waves of Lake Maggiore, listening to the stories of a great woman who will talk about great women! The Guide will report events and personalities in the Borromean Gulf that have animated it in different eras: illustrious ladies, too often never mentioned, who have left more or less visible signs in traditions or culture. Whether it is a flower or a typical dessert, perhaps a new fashion or the seed of an idea ... each of the great Ladies who passed through here has left traces of her presence and we will discover them from an exclusive and privileged point of view , surrounded by a unique landscape in the world. Depending on the period and the openings of the Terre Borromeo we will stop at Isola Bella, visit the Borromeo palace and the Italian botanical garden.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

Lake Maggiore was a mandatory stage of the Grand Tour of Norther Italy, during the 19th century. A Scottish official and traveller, Neil McEacharn, was once bewitched by the beauty of theses surroundings and bought in 1930 a villa in Verbania. In a few years, he acquired a vast land around there and turned it into a gorgeous botanical garden. This private tour will allow you to discover the wonderful, rare plants kept in the 18 hectares-wide garden of Villa Taranto, in an amazing panoramic position. The most cheerful and colored way to enjoy the mild weather and the superb views of the lake.

The Borromeo family has ruled the lands across lake Maggiore for centuries and their descendants still own some of the gorgeous parks and mansions scattered around. The South-Western basin of the lake, named the Borromean gulf, is dotted by some small, charming islands. This exclusive cruise will lead you to discover the wonders of the three Borromean islands: the amazing botanical garden of Isola Madre, the largest one; the characteristic alleys of Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited one, where you may enjoy a good lunch; finally, the superb baroque palace and garden of Isola Bella, dedicated by Carlo III Borromeo to his wife Isabella d'Adda.

Arona, a beautiful town laying on the South-Western coast of lake Maggiore, gave birth in the 16th century to the future saint and bishop of Milan Carlo Borromeo. After a few decades from his death, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the memory of the revered citizen was built close to Arona and acted as an inspiration and a technical instruction for Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This exclusive tour will lead you from the charming centre of Arona to the hill where you will be able to visit the statue and enjoy a view of the lake, definitely from its "point of view". Later on, you will be guided to a local seasoning cellar, where a full tasting of wine and local, delicious varieties of cheese will be served. A day between amazing art and taste.

For centuries the fame of the Borromean Islands precedes them: travelers and tourists from all over reach Lake Maggiore to admire the much-vaunted wonders of the Gulf. The elegance of Isola Bella, the luxuriant vegetation on Isola Madre and the sophisticated simplicity of Isola dei Pescatori were the protagonists of the nineteenth-century travel stories, they are described in the most important travel guides of the twentieth century, fill the publishing pages specialist and sectoral and today they are posted on Social Networks. What better opportunity to win "the shot of the day" from a privileged point of view? Sailing on your private boat led by the captain who will make his decades of experience available to give you unique emotions and captivated by the stories of your tour guide, you will be able to immortalize the magical moments of an unforgettable exclusive day.

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.

We know that flexibility in this moment is necessary to organize a trip out of town; for this reason we want to make the Flex service available. We guarantee flexibility on all available dates, you can book your next tour in complete freedom. Should your plans change, you can change the date of your Flex-Ticket by easily requesting a voucher for the new date. No cost for changing the reservation of the chosen date. Book the Flex-Ticket service made available by the Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati C.M.A. by Stresatours with its fleet of 11 motor ships with variable capacity from 30 up to 60 seats, we will guarantee flexibility on the booking dates of transport to the Borromean Islands, you can plan your next trip to Lake Maggiore in total freedom.

Feel like a Vip and enjoy a private cruise on lake Maggiore before sunset! This is a beautiful and relaxing way to discover lake Maggiore's beauties accompanied by an experienced tour guide. Admire lake Maggiore's coastline dotted with old towns, lovely gardens and historical villas; the Italian Alps that surround the lake, the islands in the Borromean gulf. You will be accompanied a knowledgeable local guide - fluent in English - who will be happy to answer your questions, tell you interesting stories, point out the most picturesque sites abd by an expert captain in a comfortable private boat. The cruise takes place in the late afternoon, before sunset, when the colours of lake Maggiore are at their best. So whether you are a couple, a family with children, a small group of friends or a larger party, this can really be a very special moment during your stay or trip to lake Maggiore.

Whether you are a small party, a family or a couple, a private boat tour cruising lake Maggiore can be a unique way to discover this lovely lake and its enchanting scenery: green hills, snow-capped mountains, beautiful islands, elegant villas with stunning gardens, villages and pretty towns, gorgeous views....all this while sitting in a safe and comfortable private motorboat accompanied by a licensed local guide and captain. This stress-free tour will enable you to discover lake Maggiore's beauties wihout any effort, away from the crowds, in a relaxed atmosphere. Just you and your party cruising for the length of time you will choose ( 1 hour, 90 minutes or more). You can decide to have a stop or more stops during the cruise at one of the picturesque towns on lake Maggiore to enjoy a gelato ( ice cream) or a coffee! IMPORTANT NOTES: private boat skipper is certified, fully insured and has a regular license issued by the local authority that entitles him to transport tourists on board.

Book ahead to see the three Borromean Islands by boat, and save yourself the hassle of working out boat cruise tickets at the lakeside. A hop-on hop-off ferry cruise, the experience starts from Stresa and stops at Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella, and Isola Madre: Lake Maggiore’s famous trio of islands. Ferries depart every 30 minutes through the day, leaving you with ample time to explore each island at leisure.

Tour privato a bordo di moderni e confortevoli motoscafi che vi accopagneranno con un servizio privato ad uso esclusivo dalla città di stresa piazza marconi alla scoperta della splendida isola bella. Orari di partenza e rientro saranno a vostra completa discrezione

Sfuggi i rigidi orari che la maggior parte dei tour è costretta a rispettare e godi della bellezza del Lago Maggiore e delle Isole Borromee con il ritmo che preferisci; serviti di un esclusivo servizio in barca che opera tra Stresa e le 3 Isole Borromee: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori e Isola Madre. Sali e scendi dalla barca ogni volta che vuoi, rilassati a bordo di comode imbarcazioni mentre con gli occhi accarezzi i meravigliosi contorni del lago. Sbarca a Isola Bella per visitare la residenza estiva del conte Vitaliano VI, passeggia per i giardini di Palazzo Borromeo sull'Isola Madre e scegli un angolino dove rilassarti e pranzare nel villaggio dei pescatori sull'Isola dei Pescatori, l'unica ad essere ancora abitata.