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

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands with Ease

The Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offers an affordable way to see some of Italy’s most beautiful lake scenery. Priced at $17 per person, this tour provides one full day of freedom to explore Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella at your own pace. Departing from Stresa, the tour uses a modern boat to cruise across Lake Maggiore with frequent stops, giving you the flexibility to spend as much time as you wish at each island.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective, flexible, and scenic way to discover the islands’ highlights. While the tour does not include entry to the palaces and gardens, it offers free time on each island, with audio commentary available in English and Italian. A small landing fee of €0.50 per island is paid locally, and separate entry tickets for the palaces and gardens are purchased separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable price at $17 per person for a full day of island-hopping.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to hop on and off at 3 Borromean Islands.
• Visit Isola Madre, known for its botanical gardens and birdlife.
• Explore Isola dei Pescatori, the only inhabited island, famous for its charming alleys and local restaurants.
• Admire Isola Bella, home to the palace and gardens, with famous terraces and boutique shopping.
• Audio guide in English and Italian enhances the experience with fascinating facts.

Starting Point and How to Join the Tour

The tour begins at Stresa Piazza Marconi. You can find the large tricolor sail of Isole Lago Maggiore s.n.c., recognizable from a distance. Upon arrival, exchange your voucher at the ticket office and pay the €0.50 landing fee per island in cash. There are no fixed departure times, but the boats run from approximately 9:45 AM until 1:15 PM, with the last departures from Isola Madre at around 2:50 PM.

The modern boats are designed for comfort and visibility, with multilingual pre-recorded commentary offering insights into each stop. The boat schedule generally sees departures every hour or half-hour, but exact timing can vary slightly. Travelers should arrive promptly to ensure smooth boarding, especially during busy times.

Visiting the Borromean Islands

Isola Madre is the first stop, located the farthest from Stresa. Its botanical gardens are a major highlight, home to peacocks, pheasants, and rare plants like the Cashmere tree and Bougainvillea. The island also features a villa with a puppet collection, making it a pleasant first stop for nature lovers.

Next, travelers can hop to Isola dei Pescatori, the only island inhabited year-round. Its winding streets and local restaurants offer a taste of authentic lake life. Visitors often enjoy sampling traditional dishes in the many eateries, making it an excellent spot for a casual lunch or snack.

The final stop is Isola Bella, renowned for its palace and gardens. Visitors can admire the famous terraces, browse boutique stores, or visit the local handicraft market. To access the palace and gardens, separate tickets must be purchased, typically costing around €30. The views from the terraces are particularly striking, providing perfect photo opportunities.

The Flexibility of a Hop-On Hop-Off Schedule

This tour’s main advantage is the freedom to explore each island as long as you like. You can spend hours wandering the gardens on Isola Madre, enjoy fresh lake fish on Isola dei Pescatori, or shop and take photos on Isola Bella. The schedule generally allows ample time for sightseeing, though some reviews mention initial confusion over departure times.

The boat drivers are noted to be friendly and punctual, ensuring your timely transfers to the next island. Boats arrive on the hour or half-hour, and departure notices are given at each stop. If you prefer to maximize your time, it’s advisable to arrive early and plan your visits accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Tips

The meeting point is at the pier in Stresa, near the ticket office. A voucher must be exchanged for your physical ticket, which indicates your boat color to board. The ticket also shows the schedule for departures from each island. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the islands, especially the garden pathways and narrow streets.

Since food and drinks are not included, travelers might want to bring cash for meals or snacks at the islands. Luggage, large bags, bikes, alcohol, and walking frames are not allowed onboard. Pets are permitted but not inside the museums and gardens.

The Cost of Extra Access and Additional Tickets

While the boat ride is very budget-friendly, visiting the palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre requires separate tickets, roughly €30 each. These tickets are purchased in advance or on-site. The landing fee of €0.50 per island is payable cash only at the ticket office.

This structure allows visitors to choose whether to visit the gardens and palaces or just enjoy the free time on each island. Many reviews mention that purchasing tickets in advance saves time and simplifies entry.

Accessibility and Weather Considerations

The tour does not cater to travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the island visits involve walking on uneven terrain. The boat service is subject to weather conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellation with a full refund. Travelers should respect the schedule and arrive promptly to avoid missing the boat.

The tour runs from March to November, aligning with the palaces’ opening times. In off-season, some gardens and attractions may be closed or have reduced hours.

Reviews and Customer Feedback

The overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from more than 3,300 reviews reflects a generally positive experience. Common praise highlights the punctuality of the boats, friendly crew, and beautiful views. Many comment on the ease of booking and flexibility to explore the islands.

Some reviews mention initial confusion about scheduling and signage, but overall, timing issues are manageable. The cost-effectiveness and scenic journey make this tour popular despite some limitations in included attractions and accessibility.

Final Thoughts on the Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

This boat tour offers a simple, affordable way to see three distinct islands on Lake Maggiore. The flexibility to spend as much time as you want on each island makes it suitable for relaxed exploration. The scenery, especially from the terraces of Isola Bella and the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, is a major draw.

While entrance to palaces and gardens is not included and involves additional costs, many visitors find the free island walks and local eateries sufficient for a full day. The schedule generally runs smoothly, and the friendly crew add to the overall comfort.

This tour is especially well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who want maximum flexibility and beautiful views. Those seeking guided tours or full access to interiors should consider additional tickets or alternative options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the boat tour cost?
The hop-on hop-off boat tour costs $17 per person.

What islands are included?
The tour visits Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella.

Are the gardens and palaces included?
No, entry tickets for the gardens and palaces are purchased separately, usually costing around €30 each.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Stresa Piazza Marconi, recognized by the large tricolor sail of the operator.

Is it possible to stay on the islands all day?
Yes, you have free time on each island to explore at your own pace, with departures every hour or half-hour.

Are there any restrictions for luggage or pets?
Large bags and bikes are not allowed on the boat. Pets are permitted but not inside the museums or gardens.

How are the departure times communicated?
The schedule is indicated on your ticket, and boats depart roughly on the hour or half-hour.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
The tour not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking requirements.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and cash for the landing fee and extra tickets are recommended.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour may be canceled if weather conditions are poor, and full refunds are issued in such cases.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby