Baveno: Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour to 3 Borromean Islands

Baveno’s hop-on hop-off boat tour offers a delightful way to explore the captivating Borromean Islands at your own pace. Departing from the charming lakeside town, the tour takes you to the stunning Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori, with entry to the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and gardens included. Whether you’re drawn to the islands’ natural beauty or architectural wonders, this tour provides the freedom to customize your experience and uncover the secrets of this enchanting destination.

Key Points

• This hop-on hop-off boat tour departs from Baveno and allows visitors to explore the three Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori.
• The tour includes entry tickets to Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens on Isola Bella, and a small landing fee of €0.50 per person per island.
• The tour operates on weekends and holidays in spring and fall, and daily in the summer months, with departure times from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM.
• Guests have the flexibility to explore the islands at their own pace, with the option to hop on and off the boats as desired.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and inclement weather may lead to cancellations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Baveno Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour is an activity that allows visitors to explore the picturesque Borromean Islands at their own pace.

The tour departs from Baveno and visits three islands: Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori. On each island, guests have free time to wander the botanical gardens, palaces, and quaint fishing village.

The tour includes entry tickets to the Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens. Landing fees of €0.50 per person per island must be paid locally.

The tour operates on weekends and holidays in spring and fall, and daily during the summer season.

Itinerary

Departing from Baveno, the tour takes guests on a journey to explore the Borromean Islands. First, visitors stop at Isola Madre to wander through its botanical gardens and Palazzo Borromeo. Next, they explore the baroque palace and terraced gardens of Isola Bella. The final stop is the quaint fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. Throughout the day, guests have the flexibility to hop on and off the boats, taking their time to discover each unique island at their own pace.

| Departure | Stops | Return |

| — | — | — |

| Baveno | Isola Madre
Isola Bella
Isola dei Pescatori | Baveno |

Tour Features

With a hop-on hop-off style, the tour allows guests flexibility to explore the Borromean Islands at their own pace.

Visitors get free time on each island to discover its highlights. The tour includes entry tickets to Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens on Isola Bella. A small landing fee of €0.50 per person per island is paid locally.

Pets are allowed on board, though some restrictions apply. The tour operates on weekends and holidays in March, April, and October, and daily from May to September.

However, bad weather may cancel the tour.

Important Information

Departure times for the Baveno Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour run from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM, with the last return to Baveno around 5 or 6 PM.

The tour operates seasonally, with weekend and holiday service in March, April, and October, and daily service from May to September.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. Inclement weather may also cancel the tour.

The tour may be inaccessible for those with mobility issues, and inclement weather could lead to tour cancellations.

To board, visitors must have a printed coupon and meet the staff at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, identifiable by their Summer Boats logo t-shirts.

A landing fee of €0.50 per person per island must be paid locally.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

The Baveno Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 276 reviews.

Highlights of the tour include:

1. Excellent service and punctuality, providing a smooth transport experience.

2. Positive feedback on exploring all three Borromean Islands.

3. Some notable issues, such as rain impacting visits and occasional closures.

Customers appreciate the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to explore the islands at their own pace.

However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Baveno Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour is located at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno.

Tour staff, recognizable by their Summer Boats logo t-shirts, will be on-site to assist passengers. Guests must present their printed coupon for ticket exchange before boarding the boat.

The departure point is conveniently situated, allowing easy access to the Borromean Islands. Passengers should arrive at the meeting point during the specified departure times, which run from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM, with boats returning until 5 or 6 PM depending on the season.

Exploring Isola Madre

Upon disembarking at Isola Madre, visitors can explore the enchanting botanical gardens and the opulent Palazzo Borromeo.

The island’s highlights include:

1. Strolling through the lush, terraced gardens that showcase a diverse array of flora, from rare plants to vibrant flowers.

2. Touring the grand Palazzo Borromeo, a 16th-century palace that houses an impressive collection of art and antiques.

3. Enjoying panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps from various vantage points across the island.

The serene ambiance and natural beauty of Isola Madre make it a must-visit destination on the Borromean Islands tour.

Discovering Isola Bella and Isola Dei Pescatori

Next, visitors can explore the remarkable Isola Bella and the quaint Isola dei Pescatori.

On Isola Bella, they’ll find a Baroque palazzo and terraced gardens. The palace boasts lavish interiors, while the gardens feature ornamental plants and statues.

Isola Bella boasts a Baroque palazzo and terraced gardens, showcasing lavish interiors and ornamental plants and statues.

Then, it’s on to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village with narrow streets and local shops. Visitors can wander the quaint streets, discovering the island’s authentic character.

Whether marveling at the Baroque architecture or immersing in the tranquil fishing village, these two islands offer a well-rounded experience of the Borromean archipelago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the hop-on hop-off boat tour. However, there may be restrictions or designated areas for consumption, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available on the Islands?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on the Borromean Islands. Visitors can access public restrooms while exploring the islands during the hop-on hop-off boat tour, allowing for convenience throughout the day’s activities.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or child discounts. However, many similar boat tours in the area may offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring with the operator directly about any potential discounts.

How Long Should I Plan to Spend on Each Island?

You should plan to spend around 1-2 hours on each island. This allows enough time to explore the highlights, like the botanical gardens, palaces, and fishing village, without feeling rushed. The flexible hop-on hop-off format lets you customize your time on the islands.

Can I Pay With Credit Card on Board the Boat?

No, you can’t pay with a credit card on the boat. The tour requires you to pay the landing fee of €0.50 per person per island in cash when you arrive at each island.

The Wrap Up

The Baveno Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offers a delightful and flexible way to explore the enchanting Borromean Islands at your own pace. With entry tickets to the stunning Palazzo Borromeo and gardens included, you can make the most of your time on each island and experience the beauty and charm of this picturesque destination. It’s a must-try experience for anyone visiting the area.

You can check availability for your dates here: