The Gardens of Lake Maggiore

Five Days Among Historic Villas, Botanical Gardens and Blooming Islands

Thanks to its unique microclimate, Lake Maggiore is home to some of Europe's most spectacular botanical gardens. Historic villas, flowering islands and beautifully landscaped parks display thousands of plant species collected from around the world, creating an ever-changing spectacle throughout the seasons.

This tour explores the finest botanical treasures of the lake, from the elegant Borromean Islands and the world-famous Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens to the exotic Brissago Islands Botanical Park in Switzerland.

Tour Highlights

The Borromean Islands
Borromeo Palace and the gardens of Isola Bella
Botanical Park of Isola Madre
Isola dei Pescatori
Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
More than 20,000 botanical species
Brissago Islands Botanical Park
The elegant lakeside town of Ascona

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Lake Maggiore

Arrival at the hotel, check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – The Borromean Islands

Enjoy a full-day guided excursion to the beautiful Borromean Islands.

Travel by private boat to Isola Bella, where the magnificent Borromeo Palace is surrounded by one of Italy's finest Baroque terraced gardens overlooking the lake.

Continue to the charming fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori before visiting Isola Madre, home to the largest botanical garden on Lake Maggiore. Its collection includes camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, wisteria and numerous rare plants from across the globe.

Day 3 – Villa Taranto

Visit the celebrated Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, regarded as one of Europe's finest botanical collections.

Created by Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn in the 1930s, the gardens feature more than 20,000 botanical species and varieties from every continent. Throughout the year, visitors can admire spectacular seasonal displays, from spring tulips and summer water lilies to magnificent autumn dahlias.

Free time afterwards to stroll through the historic centre of Intra.

Day 4 – The Brissago Islands

Cross into neighbouring Switzerland for a visit to the remarkable Brissago Islands.

From Ascona, a short boat trip leads to the Botanical Park, home to more than 1,500 species of Mediterranean and subtropical plants from around the world.

After the visit, enjoy free time in elegant Ascona, famous for its picturesque lakeside promenade and internationally renowned Jazz Festival.