Italy

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

Discover the grandeur of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands in a curated guided experience. This experience combines history, architecture, and natural beauty, transporting you into the world of the aristocratic Borromeo family. From the opulent palaces and gardens of Isola Bella to the tranquil charm of Isola Madre and the timeless simplicity of Isola dei Pescatori, this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of these enchanting islands.

Embark on a journey to the heart of Lake Maggiore, where the three Borromean Islands—Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre—await to tell their stories. Once the vision of the Borromeo family, these islands represent a blend of art, history, and nature. Start your day on the botanical paradise of Isola Madre, enjoy a pre-fixed light lunch at a renowned Trattoria on Isola dei Pescatori, and conclude with a leisurely exploration of Isola Bella's sumptuous palace and gardens. [Note: The order of visiting the islands may vary.]

Take a train (1 hour) or drive (45 minutes) from Milan to Stresa. Your guide will meet you here. 

This experience stands apart by offering seamless access to the islands' most exclusive locations, accompanied by an expert guide who brings centuries of history to life. You will traverse the islands with ease, courtesy of included boat trips, ensuring a seamless transition from the tranquility of Isola Madre to the grandeur of Isola Bella. This day is an immersion into the lavish lifestyle of the Borromeo family, set against the backdrop of Lake Maggiore's breathtaking beauty.

Conclude your exclusive tour on Isola Bella, where the Borromeo Palace and its Italianate baroque garden await. This island transforms your visit into a journey back in time, as you explore the opulent palace, with its lavishly decorated rooms and impressive artworks. The gardens are a marvel of baroque artistry, featuring terraced gardens adorned with statues, obelisks, and, the pièce de résistance, the white peacock displaying its splendor among the blooms. Then take the boat back to Stresa with your guide. 

Note: The order of visit to the islands may vary based on the day and weather conditions. 

By public or charter boat with your guide. 

Once a humble fishermen's village, Isola Bella was transformed into a baroque masterpiece, envisioned as a grand "ship" by 17th-century architects. Explore the Palazzo Borromeo, where Napoleon once stayed, and marvel at its grottos, meticulously crafted with pebbles and shells. The gardens are a spectacle of terraced beauty, home to peacocks and exotic plants, showcasing a grand winter garden, or 'Serra Elisa', for year-round botanical splendor. 

Isola Bella encapsulates the pinnacle of Baroque art and architecture, offering a grand finale to your tour of the Borromean Islands. The palace and gardens exemplify the height of luxury and artistic achievement, providing an awe-inspiring glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Borromeo family. It’s a testament to human creativity and the beauty of nature, intertwined in a magnificent display of history and art.

Wander through the sumptuous Borromeo Palace, and marvel at the intricate baroque gardens.

Isola Bella

Stresa, a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy, offers a captivating blend of scenic beauty and historic charm. This serene location is the perfect starting point for a memorable boat trip to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. 

Drive to Stresa using your private transportation or by train from Milan. After booking, chat with Elena to confirm the exact meeting point. 

The journey across the clear, blue waters of Lake Maggiore offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and the lake's serene expanse. As you glide towards Isola Madre, the boat ride becomes an immersive experience in tranquility and natural beauty. 

Boat trip from Stresa to the islands and back to Stresa in the evening.

Boat Trip: Stresa-Isola Madre 

Start your journey on Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, renowned for its English-style botanical gardens and rare botanical specimens. This morning visit invites you to wander through a tranquil paradise, where peacocks roam and exotic plants from around the world flourish. Discover the Renaissance villa adorned with family heirlooms and artworks, set amidst the backdrop of meticulously landscaped gardens that overlook the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore.

NOTE: The order of visit to the islands may vary based on the day and weather conditions. 

Meet your guide at Stresa. After booking this experience, chat with Elena to get exact details of meeting point. 

Meet at Stresa and take a boat to Isola Madre. Isola Madre offers an unparalleled botanical experience, blending historical opulence with natural beauty. The garden's exotic and rare flora, alongside the villa's historical treasures, provide a serene start to the day, capturing the essence of the Borromeo family's legacy of art and nature. It's a place where the tranquility of nature meets the grandeur of Italian aristocracy.

Isola Madre on Lake Maggiore: Historical Treasures and Botanical Gardens

Isola Madre

After the serene beauty of Isola Madre, continue to Isola dei Pescatori, the only inhabited island of the trio, for a pre-fixed light lunch at a renowned Trattoria. Here, traditional dishes that capture the essence of the local fishing heritage are served in an intimate setting, offering a taste of the island's rich culinary traditions. Stroll the quaint streets of this charming island, exploring its unique character and timeless allure.

By public or charter boat along with your guide. 

Isola dei Pescatori is a must-visit for its authentic charm. Celebrated by Ernest Hemingway in "A Farewell to Arms," it's known for its picturesque narrow alleys and balconied houses, reflecting a rich fishing heritage. After exploring Isola Madre in the morning, arrive at Isola dei Pescatori. Amidst pottery shops and inns, enjoy a pre-fixed light lunch at a local Trattoria, savoring fresh catch amidst the island's historical ambiance, before moving on to Isola Bella for the afternoon. 

Isola dei Pescatori stands out for its vibrant community and historic ambiance, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of those who call the Borromean Islands home. The carefully selected Trattoria, known for its exceptional cuisine and atmosphere, provides an authentic dining experience, melding local flavors with picturesque views, making for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Light lunch at a Trattoria, immerse in the authentic atmosphere of Isola dei Pescatori.

Isola dei Pescatori 

Boat Tour discovering the three Borromean Islands on scenic Lake Maggiore, an hour from Milan.

Meet at Stresa. 
The guide will accompany guests to all three islands including a lunch stop. 
All prices (boat tickets, island tickets, botanical garden and meal) included. 

Applies when fewer than the minimum participants book.
This ensures the experience runs at its required minimum price.

Timeless Charm: Lake Maggiore

Guided exploration of the Borromean Islands — Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella — with expert historical and cultural commentary.

Admission to key attractions, including botanical gardens on Isola Madre and palace on Isola Bella.

Small-boat charters between islands where possible, ensuring smooth, scenic transfers.

Light lunch at traditional trattoria on Isola dei Pescatori.

**The experience has a minimum of EUR 1100 for  1–4 people (additional guests € 275 each up to 6).

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the islands' paths and gardens.
A camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architectural marvels.
Sunglasses and sunscreen for protection during your outdoor adventure.


Meet your host in Stresa. Take a train (1 hour) or drive (45 minutes) from Milan to Stresa. Your guide will meet you here.  After booking, chat with Elena to confirm the exact meeting point. 

Your guide, a local expert and a connoisseur of Lake Maggiore's history and natural beauty, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to your journey. With deep knowledge of the Borromean Islands' heritage and a knack for storytelling, they offer a captivating narrative that enriches your experience.

**Note regarding start time: While the start times are set to provide the best experience, adjustments may be possible, and guests should contact Elena if they have a specific time preference after booking.

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Tango tours in Buenos Aires explore milongas, live music, dance culture, and local traditions through performances and expert-led experiences.

Tango

Buenos Aires walking tours explore Recoleta, San Telmo, and La Boca through politics, architecture, street art, and local neighborhood history.

Walking

Buenos Aires wine tours exploring Argentine varietals, Malbec tastings, and sommelier-led experiences across urban cellars and curated wine bars.

Wine

Buenos Aires tours exploring tango culture, Peronist history, Recoleta Cemetery, and food traditions with historians, chefs, and private local guides.

Mendoza Tours

Mendoza day trips exploring Uco Valley vineyards, Andean landscapes, mountain estates, and wine experiences shaped by high-altitude terroir.

Day Trip

Gaucho

Mendoza wine tours exploring high-altitude vineyards, Malbec tastings, Uco Valley estates, and Andean terroir with winemakers and local producers.

Mendoza tours exploring high-altitude vineyards, gaucho traditions, and Andean landscapes with wine tastings, mountain asados, and local producers.

Mendoza

Argentina tours exploring Buenos Aires culture, Mendoza’s vineyards, and Patagonia with private experiences led by historians and winemakers.

shutterstock 2448944351 772768419233

Atacama

Atacama stargazing tours explore desert skies, constellations, and planets with astronomers through high-altitude observatories and night experiences.

Desert Stargazing

Atacama tours exploring salt lagoons, geysers, desert wetlands, and stargazing with photographers and field naturalists in the world’s driest desert.

Santiago Tours

Santiago walking tours exploring street art in Yungay, historic neighborhoods, mosaics, and local life beneath the Andes with expert guides.

Santiago wine tours exploring Maipo Valley vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon tastings, boutique wineries, and Andean terroir with local winemakers.

Private Santiago tours exploring markets, architecture, Chilean cuisine, and neighborhood life beneath the Andes with historians and local creatives.

Santiago

Valparaiso

Valparaiso day trips exploring Viña del Mar coast, Casablanca Valley vineyards, Pacific landscapes, and cultural escapes beyond the port city.

Valparaiso walking tours explore cerros, murals, hidden passages, historic bars, and local life shaped by artists, food, and port history daily.

Valparaiso wine tours exploring Casablanca Valley vineyards, cool-climate wines, coastal terroir, and tastings shaped by Pacific Ocean influence.

Valparaíso tours exploring steep cerros, street art, artists’ studios, and Pacific views with photographers, architects, and local residents.

Chile tours exploring Santiago’s life, Valparaíso’s artistic hills, and the Atacama Desert’s lagoons and night skies, with private guided experiences.

Torres del Paine Chile

Chile

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik walking tours exploring Old Town streets, local history, culinary traditions, nearby Trsteno gardens, and views along the Adriatic coast.

Dubrovnik tours exploring the walled Adriatic city through coastal walks, food traditions, island landscapes, and encounters with local families.

Istria

Istria day trips exploring Rovinj, Pula, and Motovun through truffle regions, coastal towns, vineyards, and hilltop villages across the peninsula.

Istria wine tours exploring Malvasia and Teran vineyards, hilltop wineries, truffle pairings, and Adriatic terroir across coastal and inland estates.

Istria tours exploring Rovinj, Pula, and Motovun through truffle hunts, Malvasia tastings, olive groves, and hilltop villages along the Adriatic coast

Croatia tours exploring Dubrovnik’s Adriatic coast, Istrian vineyards and truffle forests, and historic towns, with private guided experiences.

Croatia

France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux walking tours exploring historic center streets, Atlantic trade history, Chartrons wine district, and Garonne quays shaped by wine culture.

Bordeaux wine tours exploring Médoc and Saint-Émilion estates, classified growths, cellar tastings, and terroir shaped by the Garonne and Dordogne.

Bordeaux tours exploring vineyards, historic quays, and classified estates with historians, winemakers, and chefs interpreting the region’s wine.

Paris

Paris walking tours explore Le Marais, Père Lachaise, revolutionary history, and political stories that shaped the city’s past and present forever.

Paris wine tours exploring curated tastings, sommelier-led cellars, French regions, and wine culture through intimate bars and private dégustations.

Paris tours exploring art, literature, gastronomy, and political history with historians, chefs, and writers, with private guided experiences.

Provence

Explore Provence tours through Roman history, Cézanne’s landscapes, and Mediterranean terrain. Discover private guided cultural experiences.

France tours exploring Parisian art and gastronomy, Bordeaux wine estates, and regional culture with private experiences led by local guides.

Athens

Athens day trips exploring Delphi, Cape Sounion, and Peloponnesian sites through ancient ruins, coastal landscapes, and rich Greek heritage.

Athens walking tours exploring local markets, Greek cuisine, storytelling, and neighborhood life from Nea Smyrni to the city’s historic center.

Private Athens tours exploring the Acropolis, ancient markets, food traditions, and music culture with historians, archaeologists, and local experts.

Nafplio

Nafplio day trips exploring Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Peloponnesian landscapes through ancient archaeological sites, rural villages, and coastal life.

Nafplio walking tours exploring Venetian fortresses, neoclassical streets, seaside promenades, and Peloponnesian culture along the Argolic Gulf.

Nafplio wine tours exploring Peloponnesian vineyards, indigenous Greek varietals, seaside estates, and tastings shaped by Argolic Gulf terroir.

Nafplio tours exploring Venetian fortresses, Peloponnesian food traditions, honey producers, and ancient sites with craftsmen and local guides.

Santorini Tours

Santorini boat tours explore the caldera by sailboat, with volcanic beaches, hot springs, Thirassia, and sunset light across the Aegean Sea.

Boat

Santorini walking tours exploring Akrotiri ruins, volcanic landscapes, Megalochori village, vineyards, and local life shaped by the Aegean Sea.

Private Santorini tours exploring volcanic landscapes, vineyards, villages, and caldera while revealing the island beyond its most famous moments.

Santorini

Best things to do in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki boat tours explore the Thermaic Gulf, coastal sailing, and lagoon landscapes with swimming stops, wildlife, and city views from sea.

Thessaloniki walking tours exploring Jewish heritage, synagogues, historic neighborhoods, and Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers across the city.

Thessaloniki tours exploring Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers across historic neighborhoods, churches, and markets along the Thermaic Gulf.

Thessaloniki

Greece tours exploring Athens’ ancient heritage, Santorini’s volcanic landscapes, and Peloponnesian traditions, with private guided experiences.

Greece

Florence Tours

Florence walking tours explore Medici history, Renaissance art, Dante’s city, Oltrarno artisans, and streets shaped by power, memory, and craft.

Florence tours exploring Renaissance art, Medici history, and Oltrarno workshops with historians and artisans, with private experiences available.

Florence

Milan Cathedral 

Milan lake boat tours explore Lake Como and Lake Maggiore through private rides, lakeside towns, villas, gardens, and surrounding alpine landscapes.

Milan fashion tours explore design districts, ateliers, stylists, and Italian craftsmanship through experiences shaped by the city’s fashion culture.

Fashion

Italian Lakes tours from Milan explore Lake Como and Lake Maggiore through villas, gardens, boat rides, and landscapes shaped by northern Italy.

Lake

Milan walking tours exploring architecture, design, Navigli canals, Brera’s art scene, and historic sites across the city’s evolving neighborhoods.

Private Milan tours exploring fashion ateliers, architecture, design culture, and day trips to nearby lakes with local creatives and historians.

Milan

Napoli Walking Tours 

Naples walking tours exploring historic streets, local markets, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and daily life shaped by archaeology, and coastal views.

Naples tours exploring archaeology, markets, underground routes, and nearby Pompeii with historians, photographers, and private local guides.

Naples

Rome Walking Tours

Running tours in Rome explore dawn routes, ancient landmarks, and hidden neighborhoods through guided runs shaped by history and city life daily.

Running

Rome walking tours explore the Colosseum, Testaccio, Pigneto, and historic streets through guided routes shaped by architecture, food, and art.

Rome wine tours exploring Lazio vineyards, Frascati wines, countryside estates, and tastings shaped by volcanic soils and Roman traditions heritage.

Private Rome tours exploring the Colosseum, Vatican treasures, ancient roads, and hidden palaces with historians, chefs, and local artisans.

Rome

Sardinia Tours

Alghero tours explore Bosa, Castelsardo, and Sardinia’s highlands. Private guided experiences with photography, nature, festivals, and local experts.

Alghero

Sardinia Blue Zone tours explore Ogliastra, Barbagia, and Gallura through shepherd life, village traditions, food, and longevity practices.

Blue Zone

Cagliari tours explore coastal landscapes, Sinis wetlands, and ancient sites. Private guided experiences with artisan workshops and local experts.

Cagliari

Sardinia hiking tours explore Supramonte, Gorropu Canyon, and coastal cliffs. Private guided hikes with shepherds, botanists, and local experts.

Hiking

Olbia tours explore Gallura, Supramonte, and Blue Zone villages. Private guided experiences with e-bike, 4x4, crafts, and local experts.

Olbia

Sardinia tours exploring Blue Zone villages, mountain landscapes, ancient traditions, and rare crafts across the island’s rugged terrain.

Sardinia

Valle dei Templi in Agrigento in Sicily Italy

Catania tours explore Baroque streets and Mount Etna hikes, craters, and vineyards. Private guided experiences with volcano, wine, and nature experts.

Catania

Mount Etna tours explore volcanic landscapes, lava trails, and high-altitude terrain through guided hikes shaped by geology and Sicilian culture.

Mount Etna

Palermo tours explore Arab-Norman architecture, street life, and Marsala vineyards. Private guided experiences with historians and food experts.

Palermo

Syracuse tours explore Ortigia, Greek ruins, and Val di Noto Baroque towns. Private guided experiences across Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa, and Modica.

Syracuse

Taormina tours explore the Greek Theater, Mount Etna, and coastal villages. Private guided experiences with volcano hikes and local experts.

Taormina

Private Sicily tours exploring Etna’s slopes, Arab-Norman Palermo, baroque towns, and local food traditions with historians, chefs, and artisans.

Sicily

Trieste

Trieste boat tours cross the gulf to Muggia, pairing sea views and maritime history with e-biking, vineyard visits, along the Adriatic coast.

Trieste day trips explore Karst landscapes, Muggia, vineyard routes, and heritage shaped by Adriatic views and traditions across the region.

Trieste tours exploring Habsburg architecture, coffee culture, and the Adriatic coastline where Latin, Slavic, and Central European traditions meet.

Carnival Experiences Fernwayer

Venice boat tours explore the lagoon through Murano, Burano, Torcello, and quiet waterways, revealing local craft, fishing, and island life.

Venice Carnival tours capture masks and costumes through photography-led experiences, with rare access, quiet locations, and atelier visits.

Carnival

Venice walking tours exploring Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, hidden canals, artisan workshops, and local life across the city’s quieter neighborhoods.

Private Venice tours exploring Murano glass studios, hidden islands, photography walks, and quiet routes beyond the city’s crowded canals.

Venice

Italy tours exploring Rome’s ancient monuments, Florence’s Renaissance art, Venice’s canals, and Sicily’s layered cultures, with private experiences.

Japan

Kanazawa

Kanazawa tours in Japan exploring samurai districts, Maeda clan heritage, and world-class craftsmanship shaped by Edo-era traditions.

Kyoto

Geisha tours in Kyoto explore Gion districts, tea houses, and traditions through encounters, performances, and insights into geiko and maiko life.

Geisha

Sake tasting tours in Kyoto explore local breweries, fermentation traditions, and tastings of regional varieties shaped by water, rice, and craft.

Sake

Private Kyoto tours exploring temples, tea rituals, sake culture, and traditional crafts with masters of calligraphy, kintsugi, and hospitality.

Osaka

Osaka walking tours explore Buddhist temples, meditation rituals, sake culture, and craftsmanship through experiences in Osaka and nearby Kobe.

Private Osaka tours exploring street food culture, Buddhist temples, sake breweries, and culinary traditions in Japan’s vibrant kitchen city.

Tokyo

Sanja Matsuri tours in Tokyo explore Asakusa processions, mikoshi, and festival traditions through experiences around Senso-ji and the shrine.

Matsuri

Tokyo walking tours exploring Nihonbashi traditions, Asagaya neighborhoods, street food, sake bars, and everyday life shaped by culture and history.

Private Tokyo tours exploring hidden neighborhoods, temples, markets, and living crafts with journalists, photographers, and cultural experts.

Japan tours exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods, Kyoto’s temples and crafts, and Osaka’s culinary traditions, with private cultural experiences.

L1160157

Guadalajara Tours

Guadalajara day trips exploring Tequila distilleries, agave fields, artisan towns, and cultural traditions rooted in Jalisco’s regional heritage.

Mural tours in Guadalajara explore public art, history, and identity through guided walks revealing Mexican muralism and vibrant urban culture.

Mural

Tequila tasting tours in Guadalajara explore agave fields, distilleries, and production traditions through tastings rooted in Jalisco heritage.

Tequila

Guadalajara walking tours exploring Chapu, Americana, colonial churches, local culture, food, and design across historic and creative districts.

Guadalajara tours exploring historic churches, Orozco’s murals, charro traditions, mariachi culture, and tequila with historians and local experts.

Guadalajara

Mexico tours exploring Mexico City’s murals and markets, Oaxaca’s craft traditions, and regional cultures, with private guided experiences.