Top Things to do in Lake Maggiore
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What to do and see in Lake Maggiore, Piedmont: The Best Bus 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. 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.
2. Lake Maggiore Half-Day Trip from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Explore scenic Lake Maggiore in Italy's beautiful Lake District on a half day trip from Milan. The fashionable lakeside town of Stresa is an approximate 1.5-hour drive from Milan and is surrounded by majestic snowcapped mountains. After spending some free time in Stresa, shopping or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery, you'll take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Boat cruise
Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance to Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Bella Gardens, Food and drinks, unless specified
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).
3. 4-Day Italian Lakes and Verona Tour from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 16 reviews
Visit four of the must-see lakes in the Italian Lake district as well as the city of Verona, on a 4-day tour from Milan! With a mix of free time and tours, explore the tranquil hideaway of Lake Orta, mountain-framed Lake Maggiore and glamorous Lake Como. Discover elegant lakeside towns around Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake – and see Juliet’s House and more on a Verona tour. Boat rides on the lakes are included as well as 4-star hotel accommodation in the lively towns of Como, Verona and either Brescia or Bergamo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, 3 nights of accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Boat Trip
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, City Tax
Reviewed By E5420ZMdenisk
I loved it, the tour guide Ali was a very nice person and answered all questions, with sufficient knowledge and detail. Recommended.
4. Private Tour: Lake Maggiore and Vicolungo Outlet Day Trip from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
The most original way to visit Milan region, joining the wonderful Lake Maggiore, with Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori, followed by a relaxing shopping in Vicolungo Outlet. This original tour will take you to Stresa and Vicolungo with superior class transport and experienced and kind drivers. One full day of emotions.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle: Mercedes E, Lancia Thema, Mercedes Viano or similar
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Boat tickets
Reviewed By Geraldaz
Able to speak perfect french and russian Gianluca is very nice, on time and resourceful. Will definitely hire him next time we are in Milan or in the surroundings. Highly recommended
5. 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).
6. 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:
7. Lake Maggiore Daytrip from Milan - Private
This private experience will start with a private pick-up by Mercedes sedan/minivan at your hotel in Milan. Your private and friendly English-speaking driver will take you to explore the beautiful Lake Maggiore. After arriving to the town of Stresa, a nice ferry-boat ride will take you to the Borromean islands. Here you will explore the magnificent Borromean Palace and the stunning gardens offering amazing views on the lake. On the island you can enjoy lunch and then continue the tour with your driver and if you wish you may stop to visit the Eremo of Santa Caterina, an ancient monastery and the Rocca di Angera a fortress overlooking the lake built in the 13th century. At the end of the day, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Milan. This is a private experience and you will not be part of a group
Inclusions: Private transportation, Ferry-boat tickets, Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Milan, Private Experience - You will not be part of a group
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Michael H
The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided detailed information taking us do all the major sites including the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, Pantheon and others. The trip was well planned for us and all in all a delightful experience. Of note for cruise passengers that sign up for a Rome tour, abort a 70 mile drive,the driver is not allowed to leave the vehicle to offer any guide services and a separate guide must be separately arranged or you are dropped off on your own at the various sites. Our tour provided for complete coverage seamlessly. Other tours may offer complete service but I found none that met our needs
8. Lake Maggiore and Borromeo Islands PRIVATE Guided Tour
A one-day private guided tour starting from Como or Milan. We reach Stresa on a comfortable 8-seat van and then using a private taxi-boat we will visit the three famous Borromeo Islands: the elegant internals and the gardens of Isola Bella Palace (N.B. open from March to October). On Isola dei Pescatori or Isola Bella lunch on your own for a taste of the delicious local food and wines in a typical restaurant.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Time for lunch on your own; restaurants with typical local specialties will be suggested
Reviewed By T1757FAbiancad
The most incredible train ride of my life!!! Giovanni was such an amazing tour guide that really went out of his way to show us around. The train ride itself through the Swiss Alps was breathtaking. I will most certainly come back and do it again.
9. An art and food tour close to Arona, on lake Maggiore
Arona, a beautiful town laying on the South-Western coast of lake Maggiore, gave birth in the 16th century to the future saint and bishop of Milan Carlo Borromeo. After a few decades from his death, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the memory of the revered citizen was built close to Arona and acted as an inspiration and a technical instruction for Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This exclusive tour will lead you from the charming centre of Arona to the hill where you will be able to visit the statue and enjoy a view of the lake, definitely from its "point of view". Later on, you will be guided to a local seasoning cellar, where a full tasting of wine and local, delicious varieties of cheese will be served. A day between amazing art and taste.
Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, A wine and cheese tasting, A guided visit to a cheese seasoning cellar
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
10. An exclusive food and wine tour on Lake Maggiore
The surroundings of lake Maggiore are the homeland of some of the most prestigious Italian gastronomic specialties: varieties of cheese like the "Bettelmatt" are the natural match for elegant yet full-bodied wines like Nebbiolo, the king of Piemontese vines. This exclusive tour will lead you to discover some of these mouth-watering treasures: starting form Stresa, where you'll have an espresso or a cappuccino, together with a sweet specialty in a historical tea room. The following stage will be a cheese seasoning cellar, where you'll have a tasting matched by some varieties of wine. Finally, you'll reach Gattinara, a charming small town which has given its name to a fine red wine based on Nebbiolo grapes: the Gattinara DOCG. A guided tasting of this nectar will be held in an historical local winery.
Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, Exclusive tasting of typical pastries, served with espresso or cappuccino, Exclusive tasting of cheese, matched with local wine, and visit to the seasoning cellar, Guided wine tasting, with an accompaniment of cold cuts; visit to the cellar
Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Gratuities
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