Stresa

Spend a day at the stunning Lake Maggiore with this day trip from Milan. At a short distance from Milan, the Borromeo's Islands are the highlight of a stay at Lake Maggiore or you can reach the lake by train from Milan in just one hour. Visit Stresa, a charming village caught between the mountains and the lake with its beautiful XIX century mansions and gardens. First settled over a millennia ago, the town of Stresa was heavily influenced by Milan's aristocratic Borromeo family, who commissioned the beautiful 15th - 17th century palaces and villas for which Stresa and the neighboring islands are renowned.

From Stresa you will reach the Borromean Islands by boat. Your guide will introduce you to the sumptuous Isola Bella, the charming villas, gardens and theatres on Isola Madre, and the traditional fishing village of Isola Pescatori. Isola Bella will surprise you with its sumptuous baroque palace and its terraced Italian-style gardens. It is the most well known of the Borromean Islands. Lying offshore from Stresa it is just a 10 minute boat ride away. Visit the opulent palace and monumental gardens. On Isola Madre the atmosphere is more authentic, with a wonderful botanical garden, it is home to a traditional Italian Villa decorated with frescoes and ornate furniture and the rambling gardens are a welcome retreat in the summer;