Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan for a day and learn about the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore. Set out on a journey that takes you to the enchanting Borromean Islands, where you’ll cruise the tranquil waters and explore historic sites steeped in rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience, blending stunning natural landscapes with the opportunity to uncover Lombardy and Piedmont’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this excursion is sure to leave you…
This experience made our list of the 11 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Stresa.
Key Points
- This 10-hour tour from Milan offers a comprehensive exploration of Lake Maggiore, including a boat cruise to the picturesque Borromean Islands and the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery.
- The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual live guide, boat cruises, lunch, and admission tickets, providing a hassle-free and immersive experience.
- Highlights of the tour include the charming town of Stresa, scenic views of the Borromean Islands, and the opportunity to admire the architectural and historical significance of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
- The tour is rated 4.7/5 based on 7 reviews, with travelers praising the stunning natural beauty, convenience of transportation and inclusions, and the knowledgeable bilingual guide.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and an additional fee applies for exploring the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers a chance to explore the stunning Lake Maggiore and the captivating Borromean Islands.
It’s priced at $115.03 per person, a 10% savings from the original $127.81.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot without paying upfront.
The tour lasts 10 hours and features a bilingual live guide.
Transportation, boat cruises, lunch, and tickets are all included, making it a comprehensive experience.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews, this tour promises natural beauty and historic grandeur in Lombardy and Piedmont.
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Itinerary Details
Starting from the Fermata Bus – Morandi & Veditalia – Como Lake, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour bus/coach journey to Stresa.
Here, travelers will have an hour of free time to explore the town and take photos.
Next, they’ll board a boat for a 30-minute cruise to the Borromean Islands. After a photo stop, they’ll enjoy lunch and free time on the islands.
The tour then continues with a 30-minute boat ride to Santa Caterina del Sasso, where visitors can spend an hour exploring the monastery at an additional fee.
Starting and Ending Locations
The tour kicks off at the Fermata Bus – Morandi & Veditalia – Como Lake, where participants board the bus for the 1.5-hour journey to Stresa.
After exploring Stresa, the group takes a 30-minute boat cruise to the Borromean Islands.
The tour then proceeds to:
- Santa Caterina del Sasso, where visitors have an hour of free time to admire the monastery.
- Arona, Piedmont, for a photo stop and an additional hour of free time.
- The return bus/coach journey back to the starting point at Fermata Bus – Morandi & Veditalia – Como Lake, which takes 75 minutes.
Highlights and Experiences
Travelers who embark on this tour will experience the natural beauty and historic grandeur of Lombardy and Piedmont. The itinerary showcases the charming town of Stresa, where the Alps meet the serene waters of Lake Maggiore. Guests will then board a boat for a cruise across the lake, taking in the stunning vistas of the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Caterina Monastery, perched atop a rocky face overlooking the lake. This immersive experience allows travelers to fully appreciate the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region.
| Highlights | Experiences |
|---|---|
| Stresa | Explore the town |
| Borromean Islands | Cruise across Lake Maggiore |
| Santa Caterina Monastery | Admire the architecture and views |
| Natural beauty | Witness the breathtaking scenery |
Included and Excluded Items
This tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.
The package includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual tour leader, and audio headsets to ensure you can fully learn about the tour. Plus, a boat cruise, bottled water, and lunch are provided, ensuring your needs are met throughout the day.
The tour also covers the cost of admission to the Santa Caterina Monastery. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
- BOAT TOUR FROM TAORMINA & SNORKELING HALF-DAY
- Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise
- Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Isola Madre Private Tour
- From Stresa: Isola Pescatori Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
- Lake Maggiore: Romantic Couple Photoshooting on the Islands.
- Stresa: Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
Traveler Ratings and Feedback
Based on the provided knowledge, positive traveler experiences from Turkey, Germany, and Canada have highlighted the beauty of Lake Maggiore and the enjoyable boat trip as key takeaways from this tour.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 7 reviews, the tour seems to deliver on its promises. Travelers have praised the stunning vistas of the Borromean Islands and the historic Santa Caterina Monastery, as well as the convenience of the roundtrip transportation and bilingual tour leadership.
The tour’s inclusions, such as the boat cruise and lunch, also appear to contribute to a positive overall experience for guests.
Transportation and Logistics
Departing from the Fermata Bus – Morandi & Veditalia – Como Lake, the tour takes guests on a scenic bus journey, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, to the picturesque town of Stresa.
The tour includes:
- A 30-minute boat cruise to the Borromean Islands, providing ample time to explore the islands.
- A 30-minute boat cruise to Santa Caterina del Sasso, where visitors can spend an additional hour exploring the historic monastery.
- A 30-minute boat cruise to Arona, Piedmont, followed by a 75-minute return bus journey to the starting point.
Throughout the tour, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy photo stops and free time to fully enjoy the natural beauty and historic grandeur of the region.
Tour Duration and Schedule
Spanning 10 hours, the tour offers ample time for guests to fully enjoy the natural splendor and historic wonders of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.
The excursion begins with a 1.5-hour bus ride to Stresa, allowing for a photo stop and free time.
Next, a 30-minute boat cruise transports visitors to the Borromean Islands, where they’ll enjoy a photo stop, lunch, and free time.
After exploring the islands, the tour continues with a 30-minute boat ride to Santa Caterina del Sasso, followed by a 1-hour free period.
The final leg involves a 75-minute return bus journey to the starting point in Como Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
The tour has no formal dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the day involves walking and boat trips. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is also advised for the boat ride.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a provided lunch is included in the tour price. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is permitted, but not required.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the excursion. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length of the day.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
No, the itinerary is set and can’t be customized. However, there’s free time built-in for exploring at your own pace. Just let the tour leader know if you need any recommendations to make the most of your visit.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour provider does not specify the maximum group size. However, the tours are described as small-group experiences, so the group size is likely limited to ensure a personalized and intimate sightseeing experience.
Recap
This captivating day tour from Milan to Lake Maggiore offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the enchanting Borromean Islands. Embrace the scenic boat cruise, learn about the rich cultural heritage, and bask in the breathtaking vistas. With transportation, lunch, and admission fees included, it’s a seamless and memorable way to explore the enchanting landscapes of Lombardy and Piedmont.
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