All-inclusive ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori

Travelers seeking a blend of scenic waters, charming villages, and cultural treasures will find this all-inclusive ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori a compelling choice. This package, offered by Lago Maggiore Travel, promises a well-organized day of exploration with boat transportation, museum access, and free time on the picturesque Fisherman’s Island—all for a single, straightforward price.

While the tour boasts a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 24 reviews, offering genuine value for visitors craving a seamless, stress-free experience, it’s worth noting that food and audio guides are not included—something to keep in mind if you’re a true “foodie” or prefer guided commentary.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate a flexible schedule, want to maximize their time on the water, and enjoy discovering small coastal villages with local charm. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, yet relaxed day exploring the Borromean Islands, this tour could be just right.

• Convenient hop-on hop-off boat service makes traveling between islands easy and relaxing.
• Includes entrance to Palazzo Borromeo and the beautiful baroque gardens of Isola Bella, saving you time and money.
• Free time on Isola dei Pescatori offers authentic village exploration with local restaurants and shops.
• Departure every 30 minutes from Stresa, providing flexibility for your day.
• Additional cash fee of €0.50 per person per island applies, paid locally.
• Children under 6 are exempt from the landing fee, making it family-friendly.

Starting Point: Imbarcadero Stresa

Your journey begins at the Imbarcadero Stresa, a lively dock where you’ll meet the CMA Group staff. Here, you’ll collect your tickets—note that tickets and entrance passes are issued on site, streamlining your entry to attractions and boats. The meeting point is straightforward, with staff speaking multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian, which adds comfort for international travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Boat Ride: A Scenic 10-Minute Speedboat Transfer

The first leg is a quick, exhilarating 10-minute speedboat ride across Lake Maggiore. Many reviews mention this as a highlight, with travelers relishing the chance to glide over the shimmering water as the surrounding mountains come into view. The boat is modern and comfortable, with departures approximately every 30 minutes starting at 09:45 am, giving you the flexibility to plan your day.

While some travelers noted the short duration, they also appreciated how it kept the experience feeling dynamic and lively—no long, tiring boat rides here, just enough to set the tone for the day.

Isola Bella: Discover Art, Gardens, and Baroque Grandeur

Once on Isola Bella, the main attraction is the Palazzo Borromeo and its stunning baroque gardens. Entrance is included in your ticket, saving a significant amount if you were to buy tickets separately. Visitors often comment on the splendor of the palazzo, with its ornate rooms and historical artifacts, offering an immersive peek into aristocratic life.

The gardens are widely praised for their meticulous design, vibrant flowerbeds, and impressive views over the lake. Several reviews mention that the gardens are a highlight, with some noting that the baroque landscaping provides excellent photo opportunities. Depending on your pace, you’ll have ample free time to explore at your own speed—many visitors find the depth of the gardens rewarding, even if they’re not big on guided tours.

Some reviewers, however, pointed out that the palazzo can be busy during peak times, so visiting early or late might provide a quieter experience. The entrance fee is included, which adds fantastic value, considering separate ticket prices are usually higher.

Short Speedboat Transfer to Isola dei Pescatori

After exploring Isola Bella, you’ll hop back onto a speedboat (about 5 minutes) to visit Fisherman’s Island, a tiny village with a genuine local feel. Here, your free time is perfect for wandering the narrow streets, popping into boutique shops, or enjoying a leisurely meal at one of the quaint restaurants. Reviewers love the authenticity of the village and emphasize that it’s a great spot to soak in local life away from more tourist-heavy destinations.

You won’t be rushed—your schedule is flexible and self-guided, allowing you to linger or move on at your own pace.

Return Trip and End of the Tour

The final speedboat leg takes around 10 minutes back to Stresa, arriving at the Imbarcadero where your day concludes. The entire experience, including transport and entry fees, is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, letting you focus on enjoying the scenery and the small pleasures of each island.

Included:

• Daily hop-on hop-off boat service between Stresa and the Borromean Islands
• Admission to Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens
• Free time on Isola dei Pescatori

Not included:

• Food and drinks (you’re on your own for meals, which allows flexibility to choose local specialties)
• Audioguides or guided tours (self-guided exploration only)

Additional fees: A €0.50 per person per island fee applies, payable in cash on-site. Children under 6 are exempt from this charge, making it family-friendly.

Meeting point: The non-scheduled ticket office in Stresa’s Marconi Square ensures a straightforward start, but travelers should arrive prepared to wait briefly for staff to issue tickets.

One guest appreciated how “the boat was comfortable and departed frequently,” making it easy to plan their day. Others praised the “beautiful gardens and ornate palazzo, which were well worth the visit.” The flexibility was a big plus—reviewers appreciated that they could spend as much time as they wanted on each island, particularly enjoying the laid-back vibe of Isola dei Pescatori.

However, some travelers noted that “peak hours can get crowded, especially at the palazzo,” so arriving early helped them avoid long lines. The absence of guided audio means you might want to bring a personal guidebook or download info beforehand if you’re interested in historical details.

• Arrive early to beat the crowds at popular sites and enjoy the gardens in quieter moments.
• Wear comfortable shoes; exploring the islands involves a fair bit of walking along uneven streets and garden paths.
• Bring cash for the €0.50 per island fee, as it’s payable on-site.
• Plan your free time on Isola dei Pescatori wisely—try local seafood and stroll the small harbor.
• Check the departure schedule to ensure you reserve enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.
• Consider bringing a camera; the views are picture-perfect at every turn.

This all-inclusive Borromean Islands tour appeals most to travelers who want a flexible, hassle-free way to explore Lake Maggiore’s highlights without the need for guided tours or multiple ticket purchases. It’s ideal for those interested in art, architecture, and charming villages, with added convenience of included museum entries.

Families will appreciate the straightforward schedule and free children’s exclusion from fees, while solo travelers or couples can enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.

While it’s not designed for those seeking guided commentary or gourmet meals, it offers excellent value for those who want a scenic, cultural day on the water with enough free time to soak in local life.

This hop-on hop-off ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori offers a balanced mix of convenience, cultural exposure, and scenic beauty. The included museum and garden entries significantly boost its value, and the flexible schedule means you can tailor your day to your interests.

If you love combining leisurely exploration with stunning views, this tour provides an excellent way to experience Lake Maggiore’s most iconic spots. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport arrangements.

However, if guided commentary or gourmet dining are priorities, you might want to explore additional options or guided tours. For most visitors, though, this package delivers a memorable, stress-free day in one of Italy’s most beautiful lake regions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 6 are exempt from the €0.50 island fee. The flexible schedule and free time at Isola dei Pescatori make it family-friendly.

Do I need to bring my own tickets?
No, tickets for transport, museums, and gardens are provided on-site, so you just need to meet at the designated office.

How often do boats depart?
Boats leave approximately every 30 minutes starting at 09:45 am, giving you plenty of options to fit your schedule.

Are food and drinks included?
No, you’ll need to purchase your own meals and beverages during the free time on Isola dei Pescatori.

Can I stay longer on the islands?
Yes, the ticket allows you to hop on and off at your convenience, making it easy to spend extra time wherever you wish.

Is this experience guided?
No, it’s a self-guided tour. You can explore the gardens, palazzo, and village at your own pace.

What language are the staff and boats operated in?
Staff speak English, French, German, and Italian, ensuring clear communication.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing plans.

How much does the tour cost?
Pricing varies, but the value comes from including boat transport, museum tickets, and flexible free time, all in one.

Is this tour suitable for a day trip from Stresa?
Absolutely, it’s designed as a day-long experience perfect for travelers based in Stresa or nearby.

To sum it up, this all-inclusive Borromean Islands tour offers a well-rounded, flexible, and scenic way to enjoy Lake Maggiore. It’s especially suited for those who want cultural insights, stunning scenery, and local charm without the fuss of organizing individual tickets or guided tours. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or just want a relaxing day on the water, this experience provides a genuine taste of Italy’s beautiful lake region.

You can check if your dates are available here: