4 Days / 3 Nights
Island Gardens, Historic Villages & Lakeside Charm.
The Borromean Islands are the highlight of a stay at Lake Maggiore. Isola Bella will surprise you: its sumptuous baroque palace is completely furnished and its elegant rooms are full of paintings and works of art. On isola Madre the atmosphere is even more authentic: you will learn how the Borromeo family created a luxuriant English-style botanical garden full of tropical and rare plants. Isola dei Pescatori is the most lively, with its many little shops and cafes. You will visit the gem of Lake Orta and the small town of Orta San Giulio with its 20 chapels whose frescoes tell the story of St. Francis of Assisi.
This is a great Add-On Package for anyone visiting Turin, Milan, or any part of Italy. We are happy to help make travel arrangements for you to Stresa.
Itinerary
Today, arrive in Stresa on your own and check in to the hotel.
*The arrival transfer from Milan airport, train station or port is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
The Borromean Islands are the jewel of Lake Maggiore. During this full-day excursion, explore the elegant Isola Bella, famous for its magnificent palace and terraced gardens, stroll through the lush botanical gardens of Isola Madre, and experience the authentic charm of Isola Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village lined with cafés and artisan shops.
On this full day tour you will visit the gem of Lake Orta and the small town of Orta San Giulio. With your expert guide, you’ll walk through the old small town, learning about its long dated history.
Then a boat will take you to the only island in the middle of this small lake, surrounded by the mountains: the legend says Saint Jules killed a dragon here in the 4th century and his body still rests in the crypt of the church. On the island only cloistered nuns live, that's why it's also called "the island of silence". The Sacro Monte, on the top of the hill above Orta, is included in the list of the World Heritage: the clay statues and the frescoes in the 20 chapels, built from the 16th to the 18th century, tell the story of Saint Francis of Assisi.
This morning you may wake at your leisure and enjoy breakfast in your hotel before it's time to check out.
The day is yours. You can either stay and explore Stresa, or continue on your own travel itinerary.
*The departure transfer to Milan train station or another destination is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Stresa
- Breakfast daily at hotel
- Private Lake Maggiore Full Day Tour including: English-speaking guide, Private boat transfers, Isola Bella and Isola Madre entrance fees
- Private Lake Orta Excursion including: Transportation and English-speaking guide
Activity Level
Italy’s charm lies in its cobblestones, hills, uneven paths, and stairs. Most guests—even older ones—find it easy to keep pace. You’ll likely average 8,000-12,000 steps on active days, so bring a pair of comfortable, well-broken-in shoes!
Hotel Info
Hotel Regina Palace ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore, in the center of Stresa and directly facing the Borromean Islands, the hotel represents a fine example of prestige both in the hotel world and historically speaking. The four-star Regina Palace hotel that opened in 1908, still preserves its fin de siècle fascination, even though it has a renewed appearance as a result of a meticulous, albeit conservative refurbishment program.
Stresa
