The queens of the lake

An entire day devoted to discovering the Borromeo Islands: elegant Isola Bella, lush Isola Madre, and rustic Isola Pescatori will be the protagonists of this excursion.

From the botanic diversity of Isola Madre to the sumptuous halls of Isola Bella’s Baroque palace, with a stroll through the narrow alleyways of Isola Pescatori: a day-trip bursting with contrasts, history, art, nature and natural beauty.

#Art
#Nature
#Architecture

Famous ladies of the Borromeo Gulf

Royalty, intellectuals, actresses, scholars, and artists: timeless beauties and experts on culture! Whether their stay was short or long, these grand dames stayed in historical buildings. We’ll admire them from the boat, and reveal the secrets hidden within.

#History
#Culture
#Customs

From luxury to spirituality

Departing from the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, we’ll admire the splendor of the historical, top-end luxury homes that characterize the Borromeo Gulf.

The undisputed star of these exclusive properties is, without a doubt, Isola Bella. Here, starting in the XVII century, the first and perhaps only stately villa was built on the lake.

As our boat navigates along the shore and skirts the islands, we’ll admire some magnificent buildings before heading towards the Lombard shores of the Verbano area, where we’ll be welcomed by the Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro hermitage. Perched on a rocky cliff, the genuine nature of the buildings that comprise this timeless monument convey humility and simplicity.

#Art
#History
#Religion

What was the water route all about?

We’ll take a look at: the historical importance of Lake Maggiore as a means for communication; the use of this water route for transporting precious materials; local manufacturing; an entire economy based on the extraction, cutting and shipping of lapidary materials… and more.

Following in the footsteps of a glorious past, we’ll discover where and how stone from the lake area and the Ossola Valley has been used throughout the world – in the past and today.

#History
#Economy
#Architecture

Green spaces

Gardens and botanical parks abound amongst the extravagant villas which shadow them. Embellished with extraordinary exotic species, today these green spaces are part of a natural show that has been fashioned by the human hand and cleverly introduced as part of the landscape setting.
Travelling along the shore, you’ll discover what characterizes the green spaces of Lake Maggiore as we pause to explain the history behind the most important gardens.
A visit to Isola Madre will amaze you with its incomparable lushness and botanic diversity.

#Art
#Botanic
#History

The Borromeo Gulf is the elite of the Belle Époque

The architecture and decorations of these buildings reveal a time in history when everything was changing quickly: the industrial revolution, Russia, and the decline of totalitarianism led to the emergence of the middle class, which left signs of its passing in the elegance and lightness of this floral style.
On this cruise, we’ll take you on an exploration of these buildings and reveal the locations of the ones that no longer exist.

#Architecture
#Landscape
#History

The center of power

On more than one occasion, the lake’s strategic position has been a crucial factor in making it the center of power, and its owners have always declared it as such. Unassailable buildings were designed to protect and control the lake and all other passageways.

Angera and Arona: the Torriani, Visconti, Borromeo, Sforza and then the Borromeo once again: these are the families that have had dominion over the two fortresses, and have thus controlled the lake. The fortress in Angera – definitely one of the best-conserved castles in Lombardy – continues to rise up above the town’s residential area, while we can only see some ruins of the Arona castle. On this excursion we’ll look at the historical and political importance of these two buildings.

#History
#Nature
#Politics

Love stories in the Borromeo Gulf

Secret romances, official romances, stolen romances and… romances that have never been revealed.

At sunset, the Borromean Gulf is imbued with a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. The frantic hustle and bustle of tourism that fills up the day will be left behind as you experience peace and tranquility gliding along on a boat that is reserved just for you.
Our lovely lake has provided the setting and been the witness to stolen and imagined kisses: passions, joys, sadness, complicity… great little tales that, luckily, haven’t been lost amongst the waves.

#Romantic
#Nature
#FoodandWine

Lights and reflections on the lake

The shimmer of lights amongst the waves, the terrace gardens of Isola Bella lit with elegant discretion, the glorious hotels lined up along the promenade, Pallanza and Baveno mirrored in the lake and a relaxing soundtrack in the background… a very relaxing experience designed especially for you!

#Romantic
#Relaxing
#Lights