Baveno: Hop-on Hop-off Tour to Isola Bella

Exploring the enchanting Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore has never been easier. The Hop-on Hop-off Tour from Baveno offers a convenient and affordable way to experience this stunning island’s historic gardens and picturesque landscapes. With a quick 10-minute speedboat ride and two hours of free time, travelers can enjoy the charm of this iconic destination. Whether you’re drawn to the island’s palace, its lush terraced gardens, or the breathtaking vistas, this tour provides the perfect introduction to the wonders that await.

Key Points

• This tour provides a convenient way to explore Isola Bella, one of the stunning islands in Lake Maggiore.
• The tour price ranges from $8.74 to $9.71 per person, with the option to make reservations and pay later.
• The tour includes a 10-minute speedboat ride to Isola Bella and 2 hours of free exploration time.
• Admission to Isola Bella Palace and gardens is not included, and a landing fee of €0.50 per person per island applies.
• The tour operates daily from May to September, with weekend and holiday availability in March, April, and October.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Baveno: Hop-on Hop-off Tour provides visitors with a convenient way to explore the picturesque Isola Bella. Priced attractively at $8.74 to $9.71 per person, the tour offers a flexible option to visit the island on one’s own schedule.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. The tour is valid for 1 day, giving guests ample time to wander Isola Bella’s grounds at their leisure.

Whether seeking a budget-friendly or convenient experience, this hop-on hop-off tour delivers a seamless way to discover the stunning Lake Maggiore islands.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at Piazza IV Novembre, 2, where visitors can board the speedboat for the 10-minute ride to Isola Bella.

The tour begins at Piazza IV Novembre, 2, where visitors can board the speedboat for the 10-minute ride to Isola Bella.

Once on the island, guests have 2 hours to explore freely. The last daily return to the mainland is between 17:00 and 18:00, depending on the season.

The tour operates daily from May to September, and on weekends and public holidays in March, April, and October.

Visitors will see Isola Bella first, then have the option to visit Isola Pescatori. The order of the stages is flexible, allowing guests to customize their experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The hop-on hop-off tour includes the speedboat ride to Isola Bella and free time to explore the island.

It doesn’t include admission to Isola Bella Palace and gardens, nor the landing fee of €0.50 per person per island or the entry ticket for Isola Bella Palace.

Children under 4 are exempt from the landing fee, and small dogs travel for free, while medium dogs incur a €3 supplement.

Travelers must arrive 10 minutes before departure to scan the QR code for their sailing ticket.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, and in bad weather, the service may not operate.

Important Information

To use the hop-on hop-off tour, travelers must arrive 10 minutes before departure to scan the QR code for their sailing ticket.

The meeting point is the Summer Boats office, identifiable by its signage and staff uniforms.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

In case of bad weather, the service may not operate, but the coupon can be used on another day.

Travelers should be aware that:

• Arrive 10 minutes before departure

• Scan QR code for sailing ticket

• Meet at Summer Boats office

• No alcohol or drugs allowed

• Service may not operate in bad weather

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Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the Baveno: Hop-on Hop-off Tour share their insights, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 14 reviews.

The transportation received a 4 out of 5 rating, while the value for money was highly praised at 4.7 out of 5.

Customers highlighted the tour’s beautiful landscapes and gardens, though some noted accessibility issues regarding the Isola Bella Palace, which requires an additional €22 per person for entry.

Getting to Isola Bella

Though the starting location is Piazza IV Novembre, 2, the hop-on hop-off tour conveniently transports visitors to Isola Bella via a 10-minute speedboat ride.

Visitors are conveniently transported to Isola Bella via a 10-minute speedboat ride from the starting location at Piazza IV Novembre, 2.

This efficient transfer allows guests to:

• Enjoy a scenic boat journey across the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore

• Arrive directly at the enchanting Isola Bella, without the hassle of navigating on their own

• Spend up to 2 hours exploring the island’s captivating gardens and palaces

• Take advantage of the flexible hop-on hop-off format to visit at their own pace

• Catch the last return boat between 17:00 and 18:00, depending on the season

Exploring the Isola Bella Palace and Gardens

Once visitors step foot on Isola Bella, they’ll be captivated by the island’s magnificent Baroque-style palace and stunning gardens.

The palace boasts intricate frescoes, ornate furnishings, and regal rooms. Visitors can explore the lush, terraced gardens, filled with exotic plants, statues, and fountains.

While the palace and gardens aren’t included in the hop-on hop-off tour, guests can purchase separate tickets for €22 per person. This allows them to fully enjoy the island’s architectural and natural beauty.

With ample time on the island, travelers can savor the serene atmosphere and picturesque vistas.

Tips for an Enjoyable Tour Experience

To make the most of the Baveno Hop-on Hop-off Tour, visitors should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early to scan their QR code for the sailing ticket.

Plus, here are some tips for an enjoyable tour experience:

• Follow the instructions regarding alcohol and drugs, as they’re strictly prohibited on the tour.

• Be prepared for potential service interruptions due to bad weather.

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as you’ll be exploring the islands on foot.

• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially when boarding the speedboat.

• Plan your time wisely, as the last return is between 17:00 and 18:00, depending on the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens?

There are no specific discounts mentioned for senior citizens on this tour. However, children under 4 are exempt from the landing fee, so a similar discount may be available for seniors. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any senior citizen offers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Island?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to Isola Bella. The tour doesn’t include any restrictions on bringing your own picnic items to enjoy on the island during the free time provided.

What Types of Activities Can I Do on Isola Bella?

Visitors can explore the stunning Isola Bella island, stroll through its beautiful gardens, and tour the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo. They can also enjoy the island’s shops, cafes, and beautiful lakeside scenery during their free time on the island.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Palace and Gardens?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting the Isola Bella Palace and gardens. Casual, comfortable attire is generally fine, but visitors should avoid overly revealing or dirty clothing. Smart casual wear is recommended to blend in with the elegant surroundings.

Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of the tour. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, and you can also purchase tickets directly from the Summer Boats office on the day of your visit.

The Wrap Up

The Baveno Hop-on Hop-off Tour to Isola Bella offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the stunning landscapes and historic gardens of Lake Maggiore. With a scenic speedboat ride and two hours of free time on the enchanting island, visitors can enjoy the charm of this breathtaking destination. Whether seeking a relaxing day trip or a cultural adventure, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: