Lake Maggiore Private Vintage Boat Tour Borromean Islands

one hour Free cancellation Private tour

Lake Maggiore Private Vintage Boat Tour Borromean Islands, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A whole 1987 Italian vintage cruiser to yourselves: ten metres of classic lines, teak decks and white leather in the cockpit, refitted to run quiet. No shared departures, no crowds — just your group (up to 8) and a local skipper who knows where the light falls at six, which bay is out of the wind, and which island stories are true. Leave from whichever pier suits you — Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, Feriolo or Laveno — at the hour you choose: no fixed timetable. From the baroque terraces of Isola Bella to the clifftop hermitage of Santa Caterina, the medieval Cannero castles and the quiet villa shores of the Verbano, this is Lake Maggiore the way it’s meant to be seen — from the water, glass in hand. Wine (18+), chilled water and soft drinks on board, towels ready for a swim.

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At a glance

Duration: one hour
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English, Italian
Operated by: Lake Maggiore Classic Boat

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Carbonated beverages: Soft Drinks
Included: Surcharges on fuel: Fuel surcharge
Included: Alcoholic beverages: Prosecco (adults only / 18+)

Not included

Not included: Full meals (no galley on board; snacks welcome)
Not included: Private transportation: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included: Pets (not allowed on board)
Not included: (1H) Island landings not included
Not included: (FD) Lunch, island landing fees and garden tickets not included

Itinerary

Stresa

5 min

We’ll board the boat and set off across the Borromean Gulf, enjoying views of the mountains and the elegant villas along the shore.
Isola Bella

10 min

We’ll sail slowly around the jewel of the Borromeo family, admiring from the water the Baroque Borromeo Palace and its famous Italian gardens, with ten terraces rising like a pyramid towards the Borromeo Unicorn. With a bit of luck you’ll spot the white peacocks among the statues.
Isola dei Pescatori

10 min Admission not included

We’ll continue past the Fishermen’s Island, the only one still inhabited all year round, with its narrow lanes, lakeside houses, the bell tower of the 11th-century Church of San Vittore and the fishing boats moored along the shore.
Isola Madre

10 min

We’ll then cruise around the largest and most peaceful of the islands, famous for its English-style botanical garden, where azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and the monumental Kashmir cypress rise above the water, framing the Borromeo Palace.
Stop 5

5 min

On our way we’ll pass this tiny island, once the residence of the conductor Arturo Toscanini, still privately owned and not open to visitors.
Giardini Botanici Di Villa Taranto

5 min Admission not included

Along the way we’ll enjoy views of the Pallanza lakefront and the famous Villa Taranto gardens, as well as the Rocca di Angera on the opposite shore.
Stresa

5 min

We’ll head back across the gulf, with one last look at the three islands and the mountains surrounding Lake Maggiore.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Driving or walking from Stresa to the public dock, keep the Eni Live gas station on your right. Just after it, turn right onto Via Sant’Arialdo and go straight about 100 m to the pier. Closest parking: Piazzale Lido, Stresa, next to Bar L’Idrovolante.

End point

Driving or walking from Stresa to the public dock, keep the Eni Live gas station on your right. Just after it, turn right onto Via Sant’Arialdo and go straight about 100 m to the pier. Closest parking: Piazzale Lido, Stresa, next to Bar L’Idrovolante.