Top Things to do in Lake Maggiore
10 Tours in Lake Maggiore That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Maggiore, Italy including Traditional Italian Dishes Cooking Class in Lake Maggiore, The three Borromean Islands with a private tour guide, Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands, The magic of a private sunset boat tour around the Borromean islands , Slow boat tour for small groups with appetizer on Lake Maggiore, Boat tour of the 3 Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Pescatori and Madre), Borromean Islands Private Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour from Stresa , Ticket for Isola Madre & Bella from Stresa, Lake Maggiore Day Trip by Train from Milan Including Cruise to Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise .
Restaurants in Lake Maggiore
1. Traditional Italian Dishes Cooking Class in Lake Maggiore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
We will prepare Italian dishes together, I'm a Personal Chef and I'll be happy to share with you my best recipes. This is not a fixed menu experience, let me know what interests you, and I'll match with the other participants needs and define wich dishes we will prepare, examples (not limited to) are: Pasta, Lasagne, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Risotto, Parmigiana, Caponata, Ossobuco, Involtini, Cannoli, Tiramisù, Panna cotta, Zabaione. As my home is located in the Ticino Natural Park, you will enjoy the beautiful natural environment and we will have lunch in the wood, literally. The location is 60 Km (36 mi) from the center of Milan. From Milan: - by train it takes 45' to get to Sesto Calende, I can pick you up at the railway station - by car it takes one hour / one hour and a half, depending on where are you located in Milan From Malpensa International Airport: - by car it takes less than half an hour - by train it takes about 1 hour, I can pick you up at the railway station
Inclusions: Beverages, Bottled water, 3-course lunch, Wine tasting, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By emmahM2915QA
Marco gave me and my whole family a great Italian cooking experience which lasted the whole evening. He came to the house we rented with our family in Lago Maggiore. He brought all of his kitchen gear with him, plus the ingredients for the food we were going to prepare. He organized the menu we were going to prepare and was open for other suggestions. Besides that, he was a very nice and was very helpful. He helped with cleaning as well the end of the night, even though that wasn’t necessary at all! Thanks again Marco for the nice night!!
2. The three Borromean Islands with a private tour guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discovering the three Borromean Islands: isola Bella, Fishermen's Island and isola Madre with a tour guide. Admiring the scenery of the lake and the beautiful gardens. Wandering around the narrow streets of the Fisherman's Island.
Inclusions: Local guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Boat: 15 euro per person shared boat ( if you want the boat only for you the price is 200 euro), Entrance fees: Isola Bella and isola Madre ticket: 24 euro per person
Reviewed By Annette S
What a stunning garden to visit! We have visited a lot of gardens, but this is one of the best. We arrived by ferry from Stresa and the garden entrance is directly above the ferry terminal. Whilst we visited the dahlias were in bloom, all 300 of them! The greenhouse has Amazonian water lilies which were in flower. Behind the pond is a vertical wall of plants of all kinds. Further into the gardens there is a formal pond area which is planted with colourful bedding plants. There is also a cactus house and relaxation garden. The cafe is situated on the way in and has a good range of drinks and snacks. We spent nearly 3 hours enjoying the plants and lake views. Well worth the entrance fee
3. Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Ride an air-conditioned bus from Milan to the town of Stresa; from there, enjoy a pleasant boat cruise on Lake Maggiore. Explore the fascinating Borromean Islands including Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori. First stop at Isola Bella and visit the majestic Palazzo Borromeo with its exquisite Italian Gardens and outdoor cafe area. Stop for lunch at Isola dei Pescatori and you'll return to Stresa where, after a visit of the town, you'll board the coach back to Milan.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Boat ride on Lake Maggiore, Visit of Isola Bella, Visit of Isola dei Pescatori, Visit of Stresa, Entrances for Palazzo Borromeo
Exclusions: Meals and drinks, Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Reviewed By kathypJ4816EP
Very much enjoyed the day tour to Como. Our guide Frank was very knowledgeable and friendly. The bus ride, walking tour of Como, boat cruise of Lake Como, and 2 hour stop in Bellagio were great. I only wish there was more time to see Varenna...we were only there for 25 minutes.
4. The magic of a private sunset boat tour around the Borromean islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Private and expert tour guide, One bottle of prosecco or white wine
Exclusions: Private boat hire
Reviewed By Cecelia K
My husband and I recently spent a week in the Lago Maggiore area, after not having gone anywhere since March. We were and still are very concerned about guarding against COVID and wanted to take as many precautions as we could, while still enjoying a one-week getaway. We were distancing ourselves, eating outside whenever possible, wearing our masks, and always had sanitizing supplies with us. We had never before been to Italy and we had never before hired a private guide and we were not sure what to expect. We gave it a try, especially so we wouldn’t expose ourselves to too many people too close together for too long. We first read about Micaela from Tripadvisor, but then we read about a lot more of what she had to offer on her website. She was very responsive to all of our emails and questions. Well, hiring Micaela was our best decision! We spent two whole days and two partial days with her and we are so glad we did. It was soooo worth it! For our first tour with her, we explored the three Borromean Islands, getting around with a private boat. We met at the boat landing at the Piazzale Lido near the cable car to Mt. Mottarone (our hotel was conveniently nearby). Micaela shared her knowledge of the rich history, art, and culture of the area, as well as her extensive knowledge of the local flora. The palace and its history on Isola Bella was amazing, as well as the very beautiful ten-level terraced and sculptured gardens, where we also learned about the citron. We ate a most delicious lunch on Isola Pescatore (our best meal)! This island was so quaint and chock-full of character. At Isola Madre, we much enjoyed visiting the country villa and equally beautiful, but different English-style gardens. It was a fabulous day! We also took a private boat to Caterina del Sasso (partial day), which was stunning. We learned how the monastery came to be, about the frescoes, the religious order and more. It’s rock-hugging location is awesome. For our off-the-beaten-path tour, we took a very pleasant walk to the outskirts of Orta San Giulio, seeing the non-touristy side - how people live and what they do, learning more about this area and ending up at a very small typical old-time village. We then walked along lovely Lake Orta to the charming town center of Orta San Giulio. From there, we took a boat to the small island not far away and toured the beautiful basilica and complex there, learning about the frescoes and the lives of the martyrs. The churches here are real gems. For our last tour, we took a sunset cruise, again using a private boat. Micaela told us about many of the enchanting villas along the coast and more. She provided us with a bottle of wine, complete with snacks, while we watched the changing colors of the sunset as it played out in the sky, clouds, water, mountains and off of buildings. It was so relaxing and serene and we loved every minute! Our boat captain was also very nice, polite and accommodating. Micaela and the captain were very good about wearing their masks. We took them off during times when there was plenty of distancing room. Micaela was professional and knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, personable and thoughtful and spoke great English. Hiring her so greatly enhanced our trip tenfold and we definitely recommend her without hesitation! [Her husband is also a private driver, so they would make an excellent pair, if you needed that as well.] We will always remember her and cherish this wonderful trip!!! Grazie mille, Micaela! ????????☀️????
5. Slow boat tour for small groups with appetizer on Lake Maggiore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Cool, slow and delicious appetize on Lake Maggiore with fantastic and unique panorama for small groups
Inclusions: olives, salami, cheese, chips and more, spritz, prosecco or bottle of wine
Exclusions:
Reviewed By J-BTA90
We went on a wonderful boat Trip across the Lago Maggiore and had the most beautiful view. Our friendly and generous hosts Ruth and Captain Dario provided us with much interesting information about the coast and all the beautiful islands. Appetizers and drinks were perfect. I would absolutely recommend booking this tour.
6. Boat tour of the 3 Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Pescatori and Madre)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Hop-on / hop-off tour of the Borromean Islands
Exclusions: Entrance to the palace and garden of Isola Bella, Entrance to the Madre Island
Reviewed By Dany Y
The guy prospected me on the street and sweared it was the public transport when I asked. That's not true and I hate when people lie to me as a tourist.
7. Borromean Islands Private Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour from Stresa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Landing and facility fees
Reviewed By Jerry S
Hi it was very nice this boat trip. Also that you have all the time by yourself. Hop on hop off. The island are lovely. The minus part was to find out in Stresa where is the boat. Also the cost to visit the gardens and castle are more expensive as we thought.
8. Ticket for Isola Madre & Bella from Stresa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Off-line public service: with shared transfer to Isola Madre and Bella., fuel costs, VAT included, Multilingual captains
Exclusions: Entrance ticket to the Isola Madre and Bella palace and gardens
Reviewed By Allard1964
One of the many public boat services on the Lago Maggiore. The service is improvised but the boats and captains are reliable. Rates seem to be flexible and subject to negotiation.
9. Lake Maggiore Day Trip by Train from Milan Including Cruise to Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Venture by train from Milan to one of Europe’s more graceful corners, Lake Maggiore, with its pretty lakeside towns and lush Borromean Islands. Spend a day cruising past Lake Maggiore's elegant villas and flowering Mediterranean gardens, and dock on Isola dei Pescatori for free time and Isola Bella. End with a visit to the lakeside town of Stresa before training back to Milan.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Round-trip train ride, Lake Maggiore boat cruise
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Food and drinks, Entrance ticket to Borromeo Palace and gardens
Reviewed By mattwN731OW
My girlfriend and I had just a single full day to spend exploring on a quick stop through Milan last September, 2019. I sort of fancy myself as a bit of an amateur historian and planned to explore the city on my own, but she knew better and booked us for the "Milan in 1 Day" tour with Veditalia. Am I ever glad she did! I had never been to Milan before and had a pretty lengthy list of things I wanted to see if ever one day I would visit. We saw most of the items on that list, and discovered many great sights that weren't on the list (but should have been) as well. And our guide for the day, Charlie, was perhaps the best and most delightfully unexpected discovery of them all! He was organized, well spoken, charming, humorous and very knowledgeable about not only the attractions on our itinerary, their history and cultural significance, but also seamlessly weaved in with that their relationship with life in the city over time up to and including the issues of life in modern Italy today. I gained a new appreciation for and understanding of Italy that I totally was not expecting. I could not ask for more than that! Thank you Charlie. And thank you Veditalia. You were a personal force-multiplier for my enjoyment of a trip I'd dreamed about making for decades. I will definitely book with you again on my next visit. :)
10. Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Navigare sul Lago Maggiore è un'esperienza abbastanza piacevole così com'è. Abbinato a una buona bottiglia di Prosecco, diventa ancora più unico e indimenticabile. La barca che usi durante questa attività è adatta a piccoli gruppi di persone per un cocktail o per fare una sorpresa romantica per il tuo partner. I gruppi più numerosi possono essere ospitati all'interno della barca, protetti dalle intemperie ma allo stesso tempo offrono ampie vedute del lago attraverso le grandi finestre della barca e l'area della terrazza aperta. Goditi un delizioso aperitivo in buona compagnia mentre socializzi a bordo della tua comoda barca. Durante la tua crociera di circa 1 ora, approfitta del tuo tempo per scattare foto e conoscere meglio questo meraviglioso lato del Lago Maggiore.
Inclusions: Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By BernardBertram
It's a fantastic service, usually on time, polite & efficient & not expensive. Of course, it's in Italy, so don't expect Swiss standards. The organisation, timetables, ticket prices are all a bit of a muddle but it does work, most of the time & they do an important job of ferrying all the workers on & off the islands, as well as us, tourists.
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