Stresa: 1-Day 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

An Affordable and Flexible Way to Explore the Borromean Islands

This 1-day hop-on hop-off boat tour around Lake Maggiore, starting from Stresa, offers a practical way to see the famous Borromean Islands at your own pace. Priced at just $17.35 per person, the tour provides a flexible itinerary, allowing you to visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori as you wish over a 4 to 8-hour period. The modern, comfortable ferry makes the journey smooth and scenic, with multilingual captains and GPS commentary enhancing the experience.

While the price is attractive and the views stunning, it’s essential to note that admission to palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre is not included in the base ticket, costing €28 if you choose to visit the attractions. This tour suits visitors looking for independent island-hopping with easy transportation, but some reviews mention crowd challenges and occasional logistical issues. Overall, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy the lakeside scenery and islands if you’re prepared for a lively, busy environment.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $17.35 per person for a full day of island hopping
• Flexible, hop-on hop-off system allows you to visit islands at your own pace
• Includes visits to three islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori
• Modern ferries with multilingual captains and GPS commentary
• Visit botanical gardens, palaces, and traditional fishing villages
• Some reviews highlight crowding and logistical challenges, especially during peak season

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Stresa

The tour begins at Piazza Marconi in Stresa, where the ticket office and pier are conveniently located. The boats are recognizable by a large tricolor sail with the Italian flag, and the ticket exchange is straightforward. It’s recommended to arrive early to ensure smooth boarding, especially during busy periods, as the tour operates as a shared public service.

Travelers should be aware that most travelers book about 18 days in advance and that confirmation arrives upon booking. The service is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from central Stresa or nearby accommodations.

Exploring the Borromean Islands: Highlights of Each Stop

Isola Madre: The Botanical Garden Oasis

Isola Madre opens seasonally from March 19 to November 1, 2022, aligning with the museum and garden opening days. This large garden features over 2000 plant species, including magnolias, camellias, and exotic shrubs. Visitors can stroll through the botanical gardens, which are free to visit with the hop-on hop-off ticket, and enjoy the large fauna of oriental birds like white peacocks, parrots, and pheasants.

The gardens are a highlight, especially for those interested in plant varieties and landscape design. The admission to the palace and gardens is not included in the base ticket, so if you want to explore them in depth, you’ll need to purchase the €28 combo ticket.

Isola dei Pescatori: A Charming Fishing Village

Isola dei Pescatori is the only inhabited island among the three, with about fifty residents. It’s known for its traditional fishing boats and narrow alleys around a small square. The village ambiance is authentic, with restaurants overlooking the lake where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.

This island offers a quaint atmosphere and a chance to see local life, unlike the more opulent Isola Bella. The visit lasts around two hours, and the admission is free, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed walk and some photos.

Isola Bella: The Palace and Italian Garden Spectacle

Isola Bella is the most famous of the islands, famous for its Borromeo palace and spectacular gardens. The palazzo is built on ten terraces, with a garden full of statues, fountains, and rare plants. The Italian garden features overlapping terraces with exotic and floral plants, including magnolias and azaleas.

The “amphitheater” section, topped by a unicorn emblem of the Borromeo family, offers stunning views and a chance to appreciate European landscape design. Visiting the palace and gardens requires an additional fee of €28 and is seasonally available, with closures on specific days due to private events.

Navigating the Schedule and Crowds

The boat schedule is designed to give passengers free rein to hop on and off at each island, but timing can be unpredictable during high season. Some reviews mention occasional delays and crowd congestion, especially at peak hours.

The boats are well-maintained and punctual, with captains explicitly confirming departure and arrival times before each stop. During busy days, passengers might find the crowds challenging, but the ferries’ frequency generally ensures sufficient capacity.

Visiting the Gardens and Palaces: Practical Tips

Since museum and garden access on Isola Bella and Isola Madre is season-dependent, travelers should check opening days before their trip. The included stop on Isola Madre is guaranteed between March 19 and November 1, 2022. Outside this window, the tour circumnavigates the islands without entry, which can be disappointing for those wanting to see the gardens.

The admission fee for the gardens is €28 if you choose to visit the palaces and gardens, which are not included in the hop-on hop-off ticket. Many visitors find the gardens on Isola Bella particularly beautiful, with multi-colored blooms throughout the year.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

Finding the departure point in Piazza Marconi can be confusing, especially during peak season, with multiple boats operating on similar routes. The signage on the boats is clear, but early arrival is recommended to avoid missed departures.

Crowd management can be a challenge, as boats may be crowded, and queuing is inevitable during busy days. The ferry operators state that they cannot control passenger flow or regulate crowd behavior.

Food and drinks are not included and not available on board, so bringing snacks or water is advisable. Restroom facilities are not available onboard, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to explore the Borromean Islands, ideal for independent travelers comfortable with organizing their own entrance tickets. It’s a great choice for those interested in botanical gardens, authentic fishing villages, and palatial gardens, but should be avoided by visitors expecting guided tours or exclusive access.

Travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, flexible schedules, and exploring at their own pace will find this a practical and scenic experience. However, those wary of crowds or seasonal closures should plan accordingly and consider additional tickets for gardens and palaces.

The Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off: Final Perspective

This $17.35 boat tour provides a cost-effective, scenic way to experience Lake Maggiore’s most iconic islands. Its flexibility and modern vessels make it a popular choice, especially during the spring and autumn months when gardens and museums are open.

While the experience is not without challenges, like crowd management and seasonal closures, the stunning views and authentic island atmospheres compensate for some logistical inconveniences. It’s best suited for independent travelers who can manage their own entrance tickets and are prepared for a lively, busy environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hop-on hop-off boat tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as long as they’re comfortable with crowds and independent exploration. Animals are allowed on board, but entry to islands’ properties is not permitted with pets.

Do I need to buy separate tickets for gardens and palaces?
Yes, admission to Isola Bella and Isola Madre gardens and palaces costs €28 and is not included in the base ticket. This fee applies if you want to visit the attractions.

How long does the entire island-hopping process take?
It typically takes about 7 hours to visit all three islands, depending on how long you stay at each stop. The timing is flexible, but crowds and delays can affect the overall schedule.

Is there a restroom on the boat?
Restrooms are not available onboard, so plan ahead with water and snacks.

Can I visit the gardens if they are closed?
If the gardens are closed outside the specific season, the tour circumnavigates the islands without access to the gardens, which may be less satisfying if you wanted full access.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour is best from March 19 to November 1, 2022, when gardens and museums are open. Outside these dates, access to gardens and palaces is not available.

How do I find the departure point in Stresa?
The meeting point is Piazza Marconi, where the ticket office and pier are located. The boats are recognizable by a large tricolor sail with the Italian flag.

Is this tour a good value for money?
Yes, considering the cost of the ferry and flexibility, many find the $17.35 price very attractive for a full day of island exploration. However, additional tickets for gardens increase the overall expense if you choose to visit the attractions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Refunds are not available if canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

This Borromean Islands hop-on hop-off boat tour provides a scenic and flexible way to enjoy Lake Maggiore’s highlights, especially for those seeking independent exploration with budget-friendly options.