Activities in Lake Maggiore

Culture

Take a stroll down the palm lined promenades and look out over the crystal clear lake to the lush green mountains and splendid villas surrounding the lake. Absorb the Mediterranean and cosmopolitan feel of Italy’s second largest lake. The splendid villas of Stresa have been greeting Europe’s high society since the 18th century.

Devour an oversized ice cream sundae in one of the many cafes that line the main square before exploring the lakeside. Approach the lake and look out to Borromean Islands with their ornate palaces and attractive gardens. A short boat ride from the main land, this lake archipelago is well worth visiting. As the name suggests Isola Bella is quite beautiful, join the white peacocks and stroll through the well kept gardens before entering the splendour of the palace. Inside, step back in time and uncover sumptuous rooms, ornate furniture and classic paintings.

Discover the fishing island Isola dei Pescatori with its narrow main street that runs through the island being the ideal place for finding boutique craft shops. On top of the list of things to do when visiting this island, is a leisurely lunch of fresh fish from the lake washed down with a glass of crisp white wine.

Join the likes of Queen Victoria, Churchill and Byron, all having been enticed by the picturesque setting and Baveno’s welcoming feel. Lakeside cafés serving the delights of the region will lure you into long relaxing lunches. Plus the depth of history is engrossing, visit the Romanesque church with its original bell tower and Roman tombstones.

Why not try -

• For awesome mountain and lake vistas take a cable car trip up Mount Mottarone
• Take a cruise over to the historic cliffside monastery Santa Caterina del Sasso
• For a fabulous picnic – stroll around a market and choose from the selection of fresh salads, artisan breads, meats and cheeses
• Even on one of those rare rainy days, you’ll keep dry in the umbrella museum
• Head across the border to the colourful Swiss town of Locarno – explore the narrow streets of the old town or unwind in the lido

Three Lakes Tour: Maggiore, Lugano, Como (Full Day Tues) from £50
A full day's guided excursion to three of Europe's most celebrated lakes; lovely Lugano, set against a backdrop of Swiss mountain scenery, romantic Como, haven to poets through the centuries and elegant Maggiore.

Zermatt & Matterhorn (Full Day Mon) from £67
A once in a lifetime trip along the shores of splendid Lake Maggiore into neighbouring Switzerland. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of the chic ski resort of Zermatt is unmistakable, even in the summer with that famous skyline, dominated by the magnificent Matterhorn.

Milan City Tour (Fri) from £48
Spend a day in Milan, a city of history, music, fashion and shopping. The city is best known for its mighty Duomo and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie housing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Also worth a visit are the impressive Sforzesco Castle and La Scala Opera Museum.

Lake Orta (Half Day Thurs) from £34
Lake Orta is one of Italy's hidden gems. Stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the historical buildings before relaxing by the lake with an ice-cream.

Islands Tour (Half Day Sun) from £10
Enjoy a tour of the famous Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore. Admire the visual beauty and romantic settings of the three main islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.

Wine Tasting Evening (Weds) from £17

Magic Maggiore (Fri) (bookable locally)
Enjoy a night out on Lake Maggiore. After a delicious dinner you will take a gentle cruise around the Barromean Bay in a private boat.