Borromean islands

Hi, I have visited the Borromeo islands at Stresa three times. It’s a gorgeous area! I’ve never used a guide - just purchased entrance tickets. I think there was some information in rooms in English, if that is helpful for you.

Thank you. We have always done audio guides. This is the shortest trip we have ever taken in Europe. I just want to get the most out of the day.

No need for a private tour. Been twice. Everything is self explanatory.

Thank you!! We have never been to Stresa and trying hard to really make the most of every minute without being lost or overwhelmed

Did you visit the villa Balbianello – Lake Como, Italy? The Orta San guilio?
Or the Eremo Santa Caterina del Sasso ? I have one day devoted to the three islands with palace and gardens and lunch. Would like to do one of the others mentioned or go to Milan to see Last Supper

We thought villa Balbianello was absolutely spectacular. The setting is lovely, the villa and furnishings are beautiful, but the icing is learning the history of the owner and seeing his attic and artifacts from all his exploring. Highly Recommend! The ticket comes with an excellent English speaking tour guide.

I have been to villa Balbianello , Orta San Guilio and the Last Supper. Of those three I would go to either vila Balbianello or the Last Supper. Orta San Guilio was nice but underwhelming. But it was also pouring rain, and that might have affected by attitude. LoL.

My wife and I had a wonderful visit to the Borromean Islands, staying nearby in Baveno and loved every moment, we had no guide but with the literature and information boards we went everywhere and saw pretty much everything. We were there 4 days, 3 on the islands. April, by our own car from England, BC - Before Covid.

Are you thinking that you could see the Stresa islands, plus Milan in the same day? That would really be restricting your time at each! The islands are intended to be ones you stroll and enjoy. Rushing through them will not give you the ambience that makes me want to return for the fourth time.

I have been to the Eremo Santa Caterina del Sasso. It’s very nice, but I would prioritize Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori over S. Caterina. And it’s heading the opposite direction on the ferry, too.

We are doing the 3 islands on Saturday. I was looking at going to Milan to see Last Supper on Sunday but right now the tickets are sold out. They said it changes daily. Maybe we will go to villa Balbianello – Lake Como, Italy? I just didn’t know if we would be tired of lake things after Saturday

Now I realize I don’t know how we will get to lake Como without car. I thought there were tours but they all look like they are meeting there but not from Stresa

You can take a train to Varenna and a ferry to Lecco and walk to Villa Balbianello.

Oh my! I had no idea Lake Como was so far from Stresa. Now I’m wondering if we should stay there instead