PAZZALLO SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A private, full-day sweep from Lake Como to the Borromean Islands and Lugano — gardens, palazzos and Alpine lake light
This full-day private tour travels from Como-area or Lugano hotels to Stresa and the Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore, finishing with time in Lugano — a concise guide to logistics, highlights and what to expect.
A private, full-day sweep from Lake Como to the Borromean Islands and Lugano — gardens, palazzos and Alpine lake light.
Settle into a private car for a scenic drive to Lago Maggiore, then trade the road for ferry hops among three miniature island towns — Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre — where manicured palazzo gardens and a botanical island offer compact doses of Italy’s grand-tour glamour before a lakeside stop in Lugano, Switzerland.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three lakes, one day
The itinerary stitches together Lago Maggiore, the Borromean Islands and Lake Lugano in a single private day — giving you palace gardens, waterside promenades and a Swiss lakeside finale without the logistics stress.
Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Madre
Choose between the impeccably manicured rooms and terraces of Palazzo Borromeo and the exotic plantings of Isola Madre’s botanical gardens — both showcase why the islands drew wealthy European visitors from the 16th century onward.
Postcard towns and alpine backdrops
Stresa’s promenades and the tiny island towns deliver classic lakeside vistas framed by the snow-capped Alps — a highly photographable circuit that rewards short strolls and pauses for lunch.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves at a measured, private-tour pace: hotel pickup, a scenic transfer to Lago Maggiore, a brief stroll in Stresa, then ferry hops between Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre with options to tour palazzo interiors, wander cultivated gardens or linger over lunch on any island before crossing to Lugano for a lakeside stop and the return to Como.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private day trip suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day private tour lasting approximately nine hours.
Pickup is available from accommodations on the southern shores of Lake Como, from Como hotels, or from Lugano.
Bring a camera or phone for photos; plan to wear footwear appropriate for short strolls and for boarding ferries; consider arrangements for lunch on one of the islands.
The route crosses the Italian–Swiss border en route to Lugano; plan your day accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The private full-day Stresa and Borromean Islands tour runs for approximately nine hours.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is provided from Como-area accommodations, the southern shores of Lake Como, or from Lugano.
Which islands will we visit?
The ferry tour visits the three Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre, and you may hop off at one or more of them.
Can we visit the palazzo and gardens?
Yes — you can choose to visit Palazzo Borromeo and its manicured gardens or the Botanical Gardens of Isola Madre during the island stops.
Is there time for lunch and Lugano?
Guests often have lunch on one of the islands, and the itinerary includes about two hours to explore the lakeside in Lugano before returning to Como.
Can we extend the stay in Lugano or Stresa?
As an alternative, guests staying overnight in Lugano may choose whether to extend their stay in Stresa, visit a local cheese producer, or visit a nearby designer outlet.