Day Trips from Milan to Lake Maggiore

Leave Milan for a day and head to one of Italy's most tranquil swaths of land: Lake Maggiore. The shores are sprinkled with charming towns and villages and there's plenty of nature to marvel at. Spend a big part of the day cruising on a boat, gawking at the elegant villas and Mediterranean gardens. Take some free time on Isola dei Pescatori and then get a guided tour of Isola Bella to see the Baroque-bedecked Borromeo Palace. Finish the tour with a stop in the charming town of Stresa.

Visit the picturesque town of Stresa with a private guide on this full-day tour from Milan. Upon arrival at Lake Maggiore, ride the ferry to the Borromean islands. Visit the Borromeo Palace and gardens, and have lunch on the island. Afterward, have the option to stop at Eremo di Santa Caterina monastery and the 13th-century fortress, Rocca di Angera, before return drive to Milan.

The Italian lake district is close to Milan, but getting there without your own transport on vacation isn’t so easy. This day trip to picturesque Lake Orta offers a convenient way to do it, with private round-trip transport from Milan plus a tour of the main lake town and the island of St. Giulio. Medieval history and postcard-perfect lake sights await. Note that the boat ride to the island is extra.

Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore the stress-free way with this private day trip from Milan. Bookable for private groups of up to 10 people, the day trip includes everything you need for a hassle-free day out at the Lombardy lake. You’ll travel by train between Milan and Stresa, then take a boat to the three islands: isole Bella, Madre, and Pescatori. The best thing? A private guide is at your side the whole day.

Embark on a journey from Milan to the enchanting Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy, rich in nature, history, and cosmopolitan charm. In Stresa, you'll be captivated by grand historic hotels and unique Liberty-style buildings. On the Borromean islands, we'll discover the marvelous works of the Borromeo family, featuring enchanting palaces, gardens, and charming restaurants and bistros. Cruise the lake to discover the hidden gem, the Santa Caterina Hermitage, an iconic Lombardy landmark offering the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. As we wrap up our adventure, a stop in Arona, a picturesque and bustling town, awaits, where you can indulge in a fabulous lakeside aperitif.

Discover the picturesque medieval town of Orta San Giulio. Our guided walking tour will take you through its narrow-cobbled streets and little squares before embarking on the ferry that will bring you to San Giulio’s Island to visit the 12th-century Basilica. Sail back to Orta and enjoy leisurley time for lunch in one of the local restaurants. The journey continues to Stresa, where the majestic Alps seamlessly blend with the allure of the Borromean Islands, which you can admire in all their beauty during a relaxing stroll along the lakeside promenade. Our expert Tour Leader will share captivating stories about the town and the Borromean Islands and history. The day gracefully concludes in Laveno, a town adorned with charm and characteristic cafés, for leisurley time for personal exploration. Our luxury car will then bring you back to your hotel.

The Borromean Islands and Santa Caterina del Sasso offer a unique spectacle, deserving a visit to Lake Maggiore on their own. Additionally, Stresa and Arona are fantastic and lively towns, where you can breathe in the flavors of both yesterday and today, leaving the scent of life on the lake. The tour is highly customizable by clients, in agreement with the guide, with the possibility to modify the itinerary or add typical meals and tastings according to requests.

This small lake to the west of Lago Maggiore is one of the loveliest places I have ever been. It is telling that the Milanese call it La Cenerentola (Cinderella) because they have long considered it the secretly superior sibling to the larger, money-blighted lakes of Como and Maggiore. But, for me, what sets Orta apart is not its beauty – though the place is absurdly pretty – but the lake's mysterious, ethereal, almost supernatural quality. There is something for the soul there as well as for the eye.

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!

Every Sunday and Monday Leave urban Milan for the day and spend some time at picturesque Lake Maggiore, located in Italy's Lake District. Explore the chic town of Stresa, learning about the area's history from your guide and perusing the shops. Then hop on a boat for a cruise around the lake, and take in the scenery of the water and surrounding mountains. Visit Isola dei Pescatori, where you have free time to explore, and then explore Borromeo Palace in Isola Bella, before making the return trip to Milan.