Lake Maggiore and the Borromean islands (6 Hours)

A cruise to explore the jewels of Lake Maggiore.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and spend a memorable day outdoors, cruising Lake Maggiore in style! Meet your private driver at your Milan hotel and travel to the lakeshore where you will meet your dedicated English-speaking guide and set off for an enlightening visit of the lake and its fascinating islands. All enjoying the privilege and comforts of a private state-of-the-art boat and private guide assistance throughout the day of course. Explore Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake and one of Europe’s most exquisite spots, and the gorgeous Borromean Islands. Loved by Ernest Hemingway and, in more recent times, by the English Royals, these islands comprise the monumental Isola Bella, with its 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo surrounded by scenographic gardens, picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), Isola Madre, noted for its botanical garden, and little Island of San Giovanni. Admire the lakeshore, with its pretty towns, wooded hillsides dotted by villas and lush gardens. Meantime your guide will tell you all about Lake Maggiore’s history, how it was a favorite resort locality for the noble families of Lombardy that constructed sumptuous villas here in the 1700s. Among these families the Borromeos, prestigious family of Florentine origins, became the Islands’ owners in the 14th Century, when they began to transform them by building residences with elaborate gardens. Still today Isola Bella and Isola Madre remain in the family’s possession, as do the two rocks, or little islands, of Castelli di Cannero. During the day you will also enjoy exploring Isola dei Pescatori, “fishermen island”, which owes its name to the main activity of people living there, still fishing. It is also the only island that inhabited year-round (by 50 people!) and a postcard-perfect place to taste the delicious lake cuisine, based on traditional recipes prepared with fresh fish.

Note: the little Island of San Giovanni and the 16th-Century Palazzo Borromeo, for many years the residence of famed orchestra conductor, Arturo Toscanini, is private and cannot be visited.

*Lunch is not included; we suggest you enjoy a typical lunch on Isola dei Pescatori (to be settled directly on site); your guide will be pleased to provide suggestions and/or reservations.