Art And Food On Lake Maggiore Stresa And Isola Bella

Stresa, known as the pearl of lake Maggiore, stands in front of the Borromean Islands, which got their name by the ancient family who owned them since the 16th century. One one of these, Isola Bella, Carlo III Borromeo built a gorgeous baroque mansion, dedicated to his wife Isabella. This private guided tour will allow you to explore Isola Bella and the splendor of the palace and its garden; once back in Stresa, you'll have a walk on the cosy small streets of the town centre, until you'll reach a local winery for a mouth-watering aperitif, based on local wines, cold cuts and cheese.

Hello, I'm Micaela Lucini, an expert local guide in Stresa. If you wish a tailor made tour, with different timings and options, please get in touch with me. This is a guided tour of lake Maggiore's islands using private charter boat for our transfers to explore beautiful isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromeo islands, and Fishermen's island accompanied by a personal English-speaking tour guide. Discover an incredible island – isola Bella – where art, history, architecture, exotic and mediterranean species make this place at the foot of the Alps something unique in the world. Stroll through the quaint village on isola Pescatori to discover the old island's activities. Enjoy a private water tour around isola Madre to admire it from the lake or make the most of your trip and include also a stop and guided visit to isola Madre to explore its lovely botanical gardens with orange trees, agaves, palms and the island's 16th-century villa which houses a puppet theatre collection.

Discover the enchanting allure of Stresa, Arona, and the captivating Borromean Islands on a picturesque day cruise across Lake Maggiore with our exclusive luxury tour. Guided by experienced Tour Leaders, embark on a private journey through the captivating waters, traversing Lombardy and Piedmont in a single day. The adventure begins at your hotel and unfolds in Stresa, where the Alps meet the allure of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a lakeside promenade, board an exclusive boat to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Experience the art and nature of Isola Bella, step ashore on Isola dei Pescatori, known as the "Fishermen's Island," to immerse yourself in the charm of a classic fishing village, and visit the Santa Caterina Monastery, nestled on the cliffside. Opt for a self-guided tour or simply relax, absorbing the breathtaking views. Conclude the day in Arona, a town filled with historical charm. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

The surroundings of lake Maggiore are the homeland of some of the most prestigious Italian gastronomic specialties: varieties of cheese like the "Bettelmatt" are the natural match for elegant yet full-bodied wines like Nebbiolo, the king of Piemontese vines. This exclusive tour will lead you to discover some of these mouth-watering treasures: starting form Stresa, where you'll have an espresso or a cappuccino, together with a sweet specialty in a historical tea room. The following stage will be a cheese seasoning cellar, where you'll have a tasting matched by some varieties of wine. Finally, you'll reach Gattinara, a charming small town which has given its name to a fine red wine based on Nebbiolo grapes: the Gattinara DOCG. A guided tasting of this nectar will be held in an historical local winery.