Borromean Islands Private Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour From Stresa

Initially there was confusion as to where our pickup location was. After waiting a while, a phone call was made and the boat came and picked us up at the Grand Hotel boat landing. The office manager whom I spoke with was apologetic and accommodating. We expected a private boat for the day, but what we had was a transport boat. We were dropped off at an island of our choice for as long as we wanted and all we had to do was call the office and they would send a boat. These boats serviced the islands all day. Even though it wasn't what we expected, it worked out wonderfully for our group. The office answered promptly and a boat was picking us up at our determined spot within 10 minutes. We are so happy that we booked with this company and would recommend it.

A really unfortunate experience for us. We booked our ‘hop on, hop off’ ticket on line. We had planned to visit all 3 of the main islands on Lake Maggiore. Nothing really explained by the operator at the ticket desk before departure, the wrong information from the pilot on the boat and as a result we only managed to visit one island - Isola Madre’. We had no real idea of when ‘our boat’ would come for us! Indeed, we missed one transfer because the boat arrived and departed 10 mins early. Overall, a really disappointing experience for us. In this day and age you might have expected an app. with the movements of all the vessels and their real time arrivals and departures. Sadly the whole schedule was a bit of a shambles. If you’re looking to visit here and travel to these lovely islands, make sure you plan it properly and get a good handle on the arrival and departure times

Very quick to the islands and pick ups were always a call and 10 minutes away. Helped us on and off the boats. Thank you.

Terrible experience: - waiting first at Stresa for 20+ minutes (with other people) though the boat was there all time - at Madre, we were told boats come every 10 and 40 mins of the hour with the last one at 1:30pm (!!!). We came for the one at 12:10 and only at 12:32(!!!) it arrived (there were at least 3 for Italia, 2-3 for other companies) - - boars look smaller/tighter than other companies NEVER AGAIN WITH NIB! EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED! TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE!

Wonderful service. Easy to communicate and coordinate with the company. The private taxi makes it so easy and worth it.

The only downside was the lack of clear markings in order to find one's correct boat. Nonetheless, our boatman was great, the ride fun, and the scenery, beautiful. Yes, I would return. We wanted to take the ferry, but somehow took a private boat to Isola Bella. It was great fun.

Great experience with Marco! The ease of being picked up right at our hotel dock and having the capability to text him whenever we were ready to head to the next spot was great. We never waited more than two minutes for him to pull right up and help us aboard for the next adventure.

It was OK to have a boat for our group to move from one isle to other, but for the low season is too expensive compared to public service that was not busy at all.

Very enjoyable even though weather wasn’t so great. Marco our captain was always ready for our next stop. Easy to find and simple to call for your next leg of the trip.

Avoid this trip!!!!- Don't book this private tour with Viator. They don't give you any info on the meeting place, it simply says meet at the drop off and pick up locations. There someone who barely speaks English will put you on a ferry boat with 30-40 people. When you try to reach Viator help or the tour guide it's a continuous run around. No one is there to help. I requested a refund and it was rejected. We are out $583.00 and never got the tour I purchased. I'm never using Viator again. Stick with Get Your Guide or book directly with your hotel where you can get better instructions and people to communicate with when you have questions. Frank

Would not refund us when we reached out multiple times after our flight had to be changed. Ignored us and stole $400 from us :(

Lorenzo was perfect …. Dependable, prompt, polite and communicated with us constantly. Highly recommended !!!

Great way to see the Borromean Islands. Private boat was fantastic and easy. Fabian our Captain was wonderful. We had a fabulous day.

It was a much more relaxing way of touring the islands. The only problem was that it said we would get water and there was none and we had not brought any thinking we would get it. A little disappointed at that. Very nice boat captains.

The most magical day out - could not fault it - the food the people, everything about it was perfect,

Easy and safe. Pickups and drop offs went very smoothly. Captains were personable and responsive. Boats seemed very safe

Everything was excellent, good service. We call Alexandro and he arrived 10 minutes later. excellent service we all were very happy

I organized a tour for 32 academics from Stresa to Isola Madre and Isola Bella. The boat captains were extremely competent and friendly, picking us up at the convened time and place. The islands were magical and well worth the visit. I would have two suggestions, though: -provide a way to buy a combined boat and museum/garden ticket online. I had to wait in line at Isola Madre to buy tickets, always awkward when 32 people are waiting. -make it much clearer when buying the tickets online which boat company you are using, and how to find it. I lost fifteen minutes looking for the right boat company, giving added meaning to the name Stresa.

It's a fantastic service, usually on time, polite & efficient & not expensive. Of course, it's in Italy, so don't expect Swiss standards. The organisation, timetables, ticket prices are all a bit of a muddle but it does work, most of the time & they do an important job of ferrying all the workers on & off the islands, as well as us, tourists.

Excellent service and very punctual. The captain was very kind. The boat was very comfortable and we enjoyed it a lot. I highly recommend it. I would take it again. Thank you

The captain was very responsive. One call and 5 minutes later the boat was there. Really perfect!

Hello, this is a taxi boat that we call to not queue at the boats. For a group of at least 10 people this mode of travel is worthwhile. Below this, the Public Navigation Service works very well and costs less.

Availability, kindness and professionalism of all the speakers (Lorenzo and Marco) of "Servizio barca privata isole Borromee". We avoid the crowds and have time to visit the three islands quietly.

On time and especially regularly a boat leaves, there was always a place. Captains were all friendly.