Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Islands Tour from Feriolo-Isolino

Explore the Borromean Islands on a boat tour from Feriolo

The Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Islands Tour from Feriolo-Isolino offers an engaging journey through one of Italy’s most scenic lakes. Priced at 20 euros per adult and 5 euros for children aged 0-12, this 7-hour experience takes you from Feriolo to the charming Stresa, with plenty of time to explore the Borromean Islands. The tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy discovering picturesque towns, browsing local markets, and admiring stunning lake views.

A key feature of this tour is the hop-on hop-off boat service, which departs every 30 minutes from Piazza Marconi in Stresa. The entire experience is designed for flexibility, allowing independent exploration of Stresa and the islands, with free time at each stop. While the tour offers beautiful scenery and cultural highlights, it’s important to note that entrance to the Palaces of the Borromeo Islands is not included, so visitors can choose to explore those attractions separately.

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The tour departs from Feriolo’s Isolino Pier early in the morning

The journey begins around 9:30 am at the Isolino Pier in Feriolo, with a return around 4:00 pm. The boat ride provides a relaxing way to see the lake, with a private boat transportation included. The tour is operated by Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c., which ensures a multilingual captain who guides you through the different stops in English, French, German, and Italian.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who prefer independent pacing, as the itinerary emphasizes free exploration rather than strict group schedules. The minimum group size of 10 adults ensures a comfortable experience, but travelers should be aware that Maxi Strollers and more than 3 dogs are not allowed on board for safety and comfort reasons. Also, a small landing tax of 0.50 euros per person applies on each island, paid in cash.

Visiting the Stresa street market reveals local life

The tour includes a stop in Stresa, where visitors can explore the traditional street market. This lively market offers a taste of local life, with vendors selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and regional specialties. The two-hour stop allows plenty of time to walk through the narrow streets, browse shops, and soak in the atmosphere of this elegant lakeside town.

Stresa’s architecture and lakeside views are highlights during this stop. The town acts as a charming gateway to the islands, with a relaxed pace that makes exploring at your own speed comfortable. Since free time is included, visitors can enjoy a coffee or lunch at their leisure before returning to the boat for the next island visit.

Isola dei Pescatori: A charming fishing village

The Isola dei Pescatori, also known as Fishermen’s Island, is the first of the Borromean Islands on the itinerary. This small, picturesque island features narrow streets and traditional houses, perfect for wandering at a leisurely pace. Visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the chance to walk along the waterfront, with some shops and local restaurants offering fresh seafood.

The hop-on hop-off stop here means you can spend as much or as little time as you like. The walkable streets and intimate setting make it ideal for those seeking a quaint, peaceful break. The island’s architecture and seaside charm are among the main attractions, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Isola Bella’s architecture impresses with its palace and gardens

The Isola Bella is famed for its palace and terraced gardens, which are not included in the tour’s ticket price but can be visited separately. The boat arrives around 3:50 pm, giving visitors a chance to explore the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its famous gardens, both considered highlights of the island.

While entrance tickets are purchased separately, the views of the ornate palace façade from the boat and the beautiful landscaping from the water provide a stunning perspective. The hop-on hop-off schedule allows visitors to spend time exploring or simply enjoying the scenery before heading back to Feriolo.

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Flexibility with hop-on hop-off boat stops and free time

This tour’s hop-on hop-off system is a major advantage, providing freedom to explore each location at your own pace. Departures occur every 30 minutes, offering great flexibility for timing. The two-hour stop in Stresa and additional time at each island means you can tailor your visit to your interests, whether that’s shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing.

The return boat from Isola Bella is scheduled for 15:50, arriving back in Feriolo around 16:00. This schedule helps keep the day well-paced, without long waiting times. Advance booking ensures a spot on this popular tour, but travelers should respect departure times to avoid cancellation and loss of fee.

Practical details: costs, weather, and safety considerations

The cost of the excursion is €20 per adult and €5 for children aged 0-12. For families (2 adults + 2 children under 23 months), a special offer of €40 is available. Keep in mind that a small landing tax of 0.50 euros per person is payable on each island, cash only.

The tour takes place when weather and lake conditions are favorable, and a minimum of 10 adults is required to proceed. In case of adverse weather or insufficient numbers, the company will issue a full refund. The departure is punctual, with a maximum delay of 5 minutes.

What is not included in the tour: palace entrance and additional costs

While the boat ride and the hop-on hop-off stops are included in the price, entrance to the Palaces of the Borromeo Islands is not included. Visitors can purchase tickets on-site or online if they wish to explore the palaces and gardens.

The landing tax is an additional expense paid in cash, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted onboard for safety reasons. The tour emphasizes comfort and safety, with restrictions on maxi strollers and pets to maintain a smooth experience.

Accessibility and suitability for travelers

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, given the narrow streets and walking involved at the stops. The multilingual guides and clear schedule help make the experience accessible for a broad audience, but physical mobility is a consideration.

The book-and-pay-later option offers flexibility for travelers who want to reserve their spot without immediate payment. The full cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Why this tour is a good choice for lake lovers and explorers

The Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Islands Tour delivers breathtaking views, authentic lakeside towns, and the chance to visit multiple islands with free time at each stop. The scenic boat ride combined with the local market and quaint villages makes for a well-rounded day.

While the price is reasonable, travelers should plan for additional costs if they want to visit the palaces or gardens. The flexibility of hop-on hop-off stops and the informative multilingual guides add significant value.

This tour suits those who enjoy independent exploration paired with beautiful scenery. It is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to experience Lake Maggiore at their own pace.

Lake Maggiore: Stresa and Islands Tour from Feriolo – Final thoughts

This 7-hour boat tour offers a convenient way to see the Borromean Islands and Stresa without the hassle of organizing transport or schedules. The freedom to explore and scenic boat rides make it a worthy option for lake enthusiasts.

While it doesn’t include entry to the palaces, the overall experience showcases the charming towns, picturesque islands, and stunning lake views that make Lake Maggiore famous. The flexible schedule and affordable price make it accessible for a variety of travelers, especially those interested in local culture and scenic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The private boat transportation, hop-on hop-off boat stops, and multilingua captain are included. Entrance to the Borromeo palaces is not.

How much does the tour cost?
The excursion costs €20 per adult and €5 for children aged 0-12. Families (2 adults + 2 children under 23 months) pay €40.

What are the departure times?
The tour departs from Feriolo around 9:30 am and returns around 4:00 pm. The boat departs from Isola Bella at 15:50 for the return.

Can I visit the Borromeo Palace?
Yes, but entrance tickets are purchased separately either on-site or online. The tour does not include palace entry.

Are pets allowed on the boat?
Pets are limited to a maximum of 3 dogs on board, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially with the special family offer. Maxi strollers are not allowed, and small children are free in the family package.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to the nature of stops and boat access.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour only takes place in favorable weather and lake conditions. If canceled, a full refund is issued.

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