Sunset on Lake Maggiore: where the sky meets water
- 4 hours
- 2 languages
- Private tour
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
The two sides of lake Maggiore are amazingly different: Westwards, the sweet sines of the gulf on which Stresa and Baveno lay, in front of the charming Borromean Islands with their botanical gardens and villas. Eastwards, the deep waters in which high and wooded cliffs tumble down. A private cruise will take you across the lake, coasting the Islands, to reach by a cableway an amazing viewpoint on mount Sasso del Ferro, on the East coast. Here you will stare at the astonishing landscape of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Isles and the Alps during a sunset in which the sun, the sky and the waters below will be as one. An exclusive aperitif will be served on a terrific terrace, where you will enjoy the quietness of the site.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private Tour Guide
- Exclusive aperitif at sunset, on a terrace with a view
- Private taxi boat with skipper at disposal
- Cableway tickets
What's not
- Gratuities
- Dinner
Itinerary
This small town, standing on the Western coast of Lake Maggiore in the so-called Borromea Gulf, is one of the most visited touristic sites of entire Piemonte. Its territory includes three of the four Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiora, also named Isola dei Pescatori. The first recorded file about the town is dated 998, but even in the Roman age, the way leading from Milan to the Sempione pass ran by this site.
This small island, formerly inhabited by a few fishermen, was deeply transformed by the Borromeo family, since 1632; in this year, Carlo III Borromeo started the construction of a gorgeous palace, dedicated to his wife Isabella, which was later completed, in 1671, by an amazing Baroque garden. Palazzo Borromeo also hosted Napoleon I with his wife and, later in 1935, the Conference of Stresa, held between the representatives of Italian, British and French government.
The only one, among the Borromean Islands, to be permanently inhabited, is also called "Isola Superiore" (Upper) due to its position, North of its "twin" Isola Bella. Its iconic skyline is dominated by the bell tower of the Church of San Vittore, mainly built in the 16th and 17th century but based on an 11th century chapel. The 35 inhabitants live on tourism and fishing.
The largest among the Borromean Islands was formerly named after San Vittore and then "Isola Maggiore". Its surface is mostly covered by gorgeous botanical gardens, planted between the 16th and the 19th century. A palace, belonged to the Borromeo family, also stands on the island.
You will climb to the top of Sasso del Ferro Mount; here you will enjoy a breathtaking panorama, overlooking Lake Maggiore and other smaller lakes, together to the Pre-Alps and Alps. At the panoramic terrace you will have a pleasant aperitif.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Book Your Italy
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Lake Maggiore
- Its from-price is 159% above the median of the 82 experiences we list in Lake Maggiore.
- It is longer than most of them.
About Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is a long Alpine lake shared by Italy and Switzerland, with the Borromean Islands, villa gardens and mountains at its back.
Lake Maggiore stretches for some 60 km from the Swiss canton of Ticino south into Piedmont and Lombardy, and it is the second largest lake in Italy after Garda. Its western shore holds the resort towns of Stresa, Baveno and Verbania, with grand 19th-century hotels along the water and mountains rising behind. The mild climate allows palms, camellias and azaleas to flourish in the lakeside gardens.
Top-ranked sights in Lake Maggiore: Palazzo Borromeo, Gardens of Villa Taranto (Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto).
