Borromean Islands Tours

All Tours at a Glance

Prices are approximate and vary by date and availability. All tour links are affiliate links via GetYourGuide — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Our Top Recommendations

These four tours cover every type of Borromean Islands traveller. Verdicts are based on value for money, inclusions, operator reliability, and real traveller feedback.

Most Popular

Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

Stresa pier · group boat · all 3 islands · from $14/person · Free cancellation

The most-reviewed Borromean Islands tour on GYG — 4,210 verified reviews, 4.4 stars. Buy a day pass, hop between ferries every 30 minutes, and explore all three islands at your own pace. Palace admission (Isola Bella €27) is purchased separately at the island entrance.

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Top Rated

Stresa: Borromean Islands All-Inclusive Day Pass

Stresa pier · day pass · landing tax included · from $14/person · Free cancellation

4.6 stars, 487 reviews. Same hop-on hop-off access as above but with the landing tax (normally €0.50–1.50 per island, cash) pre-bundled in the price. Removes the need to carry loose change for each pier. Palace entry is separate.

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Best Structured Tour

Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour

Stresa pier · group boat · all 3 islands · from $18/person · Free cancellation

4.5 stars, 714 reviews. The best-reviewed fixed-schedule boat tour from Stresa, covering all three islands: Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Preferable over a flexible pass if you want a set itinerary rather than planning island order yourself.

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Best 2-Island Option

Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat

Stresa pier · 2 islands (Pescatori + Bella) · from $14/person · Free cancellation

4.6 stars, 305 reviews. Covers the two most-visited islands only — Isola Bella for the baroque palace and gardens, Isola Pescatori for a lakeside lunch and the authentic village atmosphere. The right pick if you're skipping Isola Madre to keep the day relaxed.

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Tips Before You Book

• Tours from Milan vs. going by train: The all-in cost of a good Milan day-trip tour (€100–140) is roughly equal to train + ferry + two island tickets + lunch independently (~€95–125). Tours win on convenience; going solo wins on pace and flexibility.
• Check what "all-inclusive" means: Confirm whether the Isola Bella palace ticket is included or just the ferry. Some operators include ferry only. If not included, book directly at terreborromeo.it for a specific time window to skip queues in July–August.
• Private boats don't include island tickets: The private charter price covers the boat only. Add €40 per person for the Bella + Madre combo ticket if you plan to enter both palaces.
• Spring for gardens, summer for atmosphere: Isola Madre camellias and rhododendrons peak in April–May. Isola Bella is spectacular year-round but July–August is very crowded. September is the sweet spot — warm, quieter, gardens still in good shape.
• Group size matters for private charters: The private boat tour makes best economic sense at 5–10 people. Couples and solo travellers are better served by the group boat or all-inclusive options.
• Book early for July–August: Popular tour slots sell out 3–4 weeks ahead in peak summer. Free cancellation means there's no downside to booking early.