Top Things to do in Lake Maggiore
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Things to do in Lake Maggiore, Piedmont: The Best Walking Tours
On the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. Since the climate is mild year-round, the area is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants. Lake Maggiore was featured in Ernest Hemingway's infamous novel, A Farewell to Arms, when the protagonist and his lover must row across the lake in order to escape the Italian Carabinieri (think police in military uniforms). Here's hoping you won't have any run-ins of that nature.
Restaurants in Lake Maggiore
1. Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Lake Orta is a fascinating corner of Italy and Piedmont. Often unheard of, lake Orta is a true gem which is worth discovering accompanied by a local who is a licensed and experienced tourist guide. This private guided tour includes an English-speaking professional guide at your disposal for the visit to the ancient village of Orta San Giulio and a guided tour on the island of San Giulio.
Inclusions: Professional local guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, € 4,50 per person ( return ticket - boat - for the island) is not included.
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! ????????☀️????
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. Walking tour with a private tour guide in the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania, between Intra and Pallanza, are known the world over for their great beauty and the huge number of plant species they contain. The result of a labour of love on the part of the Scottish Captain McEacharn in 1931, the myriad of colours and scents the marvellously landscaped garden offers continues to enchant visitors from March to October. From spring to autumn there are always flowers in bloom, with “special events” for certain species which are particularly spectacular in their season: the tulip week is in April, dahlias are at their best between July and October. We will discover together this beautiful garden and we will focus on particular botanical species. From Stresa, the gardens are reachable by boat: the shipping company “Navigazione Lago Maggiore” has a landing stage called “Villa Taranto” right in front of the Gardens entrance.
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Entrance ticket: 11 euro per person.
Reviewed By jpgw2qq
My wife and I were visiting Lake Maggiore for the first time and, at our travel agent's recommendation, we took an all day tour of the three principal Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, very personable, and made us feel very comfortable throughout the day. She had already arranged the private boat which took us to each of the islands and the timing for the entire day was like clockwork, without much idle time. We had plenty of time for lunch (there are dozens of restaurant options on Isola dei Pescatori) and for shopping without any of the "what are we sitting here waiting around for?" moments. Isola Bella and Isola Madre each has a beautiful palace to visit, with artwork, interior design, architecture and fabulous gardens to explore and admire. In contrast, Isola dei Pescatori provides a glimpse of the simple life of the ordinary fishermen who inhabited it and gave it its name. We recommend this tour for anyone who hasn't already visited the Borromean Islands.
4. The three gems of lake Maggiore - the Borromean Islands on a private guided tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discovering a treasure in lake Maggiore: the three beautiful Borromean islands with their stunning palaces and gardens with a qualied local guide who will take you on a special tour! Step back in time: paintings, tapestries, Murano glass chandeliers, portraits, period furniture, beatifully maintained gardens will surprise you on these fabulous islands: isola Bella and isola Madre.Your guide will meet you at the pier in Stresa to take a boat and reach isola Madre, a little paradise on earth. Walking in the peaceful English-style garden you will admire exotic plants and flowers in a very special setting. The villa on this island is part of the guided tour and offers nice rooms in a country-style building dating back to the 16th century. The tour will continue to isola Bella where you will be able to enjoy some free time for lunch before visiting another extraordinary palace, opulent and impressive, that will surprise you with its beautiful collections and the talianate gardens.
Inclusions: Qualified local tour guide, Personal tour
Exclusions: Entrance tickets are not included: € 24 per person, Boat transport not included: approx €15 per person by scheduled boat. Private boat service possible
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. The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Visiting the most romantic village in Piemont. Wandering in the narrow streets. Sailing on the lake to the Island of the silence and the meditation.
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, boat 4,50 euro per person to the Island
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
6. Sightseeing tour of Lake Maggiore from Stresa
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
Visit the fashionable Stresa and the amazing Islands on Lake Maggiore on a day trip from Milan. Set in Italy's beautiful Lake District just 1.5-hour drive from Milan, Lake Maggiore is surrounded by the majestic Alps and home to some of Italy’s most impressive gardens. After some free time for shopping in Stresa, you will take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on the lake, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. On the borders of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano is the second largest Italian lake.
Inclusions: Professional English speaking guide, Boat cruise
Exclusions: Tips (optional), Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance to Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Bella Gardens
Reviewed By adcdiving
Como, the largest city in this region. Along the way we are regularly treated to beautiful views of small villages on the other side of the lake. The radiant sun makes it even more idyllic, but otherwise there is little to do in this region (at this time of year).
7. Tour Etna - Taormina
A spectacular immersion among the rare beauties that Sicily offers. Visit to the Greek Theater of Taormina and Isola Bella, Crateri Silvestri and Valle del Bove.
Inclusions: Professional Guide
Exclusions:
8. Micaela's Private Walking Tour of Stresa
A private walking tour of Stresa, Lake Maggiore's most exclusive town accompanied by a local and experienced private tour guide.
Inclusions: A private guided tour with a local official tour guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from Stresa if you are not based in Stresa
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! ????????☀️????
9. Gourmet holidays on Piedmont hills Self-Drive
Wine and food experiences to taste the best products of Piedmont area: from the most iconic wines such as Barbaresco and Barolo to the sparkling sweet Moscato; cheese, hazelnuts and truffle. • Experience a real truffle hunting in the woods with dog • Discover the most beautiful palaces of the Savoia Royal family: Venaria Reale and its impressive gardens, the Medieval Castle of Grinzane Cavour and the Castle of Barolo • Self-drive tour, private transfer option available on request
Inclusions: 5 nights accomodation as per programme in DBL BB (Hotel 4* in Turin, hotel 4*/relais or countryhouse in Langhe area), Private tour with English speaking guide in Turin, Bicerin tasting in Turin, Visit of the cellars and wine tasting in Barolo, Visit of the cellars and wine tasting in Alba area, Private Truffle hunting and taste of local products with english speaking assistant, Visit to a cheese producer and tasting, Visit to a Hazelnut producer and tasting, Gourmet dinner in Langhe area, Visit to a famous wine producer in Canelli and the underground Cathedrals, with wine tasting., Private visit with English speaking guide at Medieval Abbey and Rice producer in Vercelli area, Breakfast
Exclusions: City taxes, flights and transportation
Reviewed By lanlebui
Summer or Winter, Monterosso displays her beauty in her own seasonal style. I really enjoy the island and would love to spend at least a week there some day.
10. Art and food on lake Maggiore: Stresa and Isola Bella
Stresa, known as the pearl of lake Maggiore, stands in front of the Borromean Islands, which got their name by the ancient family who owned them since the 16th century. One one of these, Isola Bella, Carlo III Borromeo built a gorgeous baroque mansion, dedicated to his wife Isabella. This private guided tour will allow you to explore Isola Bella and the splendor of the palace and its garden; once back in Stresa, you'll have a walk on the cosy small streets of the town centre, until you'll reach a local winery for a mouth-watering aperitif, based on local wines, cold cuts and cheese.
Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transfer by taxi-boat, Stresa to Isola Bella and back, An exclusive wine tasting, with local cold cuts and cheese
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
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