Length
- 3 hours
Highlights
- Exclusive private and romantic cruise on Lake Maggiore
- A knowledgeable professional guide at your disposal
- Panoramic spots
- Gourmet Italian aperitif
Perfect for
- Romantic couples
- Luxury experience seekers
- Music enthusiasts
- Photography lovers
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Description
Floating Through Liquid Elegance
First of all, your original and romantic Lake Maggiore experience begins in Stresa, “the pearl of Lake Maggiore”. Here, you will meet your private licensed tour guide. Then, you’ll embark on a pleasant cruise on Lake Maggiore by private taxi-boat, which allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the Borromean Gulf and both lakeshores. For instance, the first part of the cruise takes you along the western lakeshore, so you can admire the parks and buildings on Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori directly from the water. Afterwards, the cruise continues along the notably deeper eastern lakeshore. Throughout this peaceful navigation, your guide will share fascinating information and anecdotes about the landscape.
Stop at the Hermitage of St. Catherine – A peaceful and historical site
A key stop during your cruise is the charming Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Here you will disembark for a guided visit to this religious complex, which the merchant Alberto Besozzi founded in 1170. As the story goes, the Mergozzo wind overturned his boat near Sasso Ballaro. Desperate, he invoked St. Catherine of Alexandria, and miraculously, she saved him. In fulfillment of his vow, he retired from business and started a solitary life in a cave. Some years later, after a plague passed and the Saint saved the local inhabitants, the grateful community built a votive chapel at Alberto’s request. In fact, he wanted to dedicate it to St. Catherine, similar to the one on Mount Sinai. The hermit died in 1205, and his followers later buried him near St. Catherine’s chapel. Its location is superb, clinging to the rock near the lake’s deepest zone. Consequently, the convent is also an ideal destination for its peace and spirituality.
Enjoying A Gourmet Aperitif
Of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without a treat. During the cruise, we will arrange a tasty aperitif for you. Therefore, you can sip a glass of Italian wine and enjoy some finger-food, feeling like a true V.I.P!
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Inclusions
- A private licensed tourist guide (3 hours’ length)
- A private taxi-boat with a skipper
- Admission tickets to the Hermitage
- Aperitif on board
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Meeting point and notes
You will meet the guide in the lobby of your hotel if it is in Stresa downtown. Otherwise, you will meet the guide directly at Piazzale Marconi in Stresa. Please let us know the name of your hotel. We always confirm the trip, even in case of rain. Our company will only contact you if conditions are dangerous. We recommend comfortable dress and shoes.
