Explore the southern tip of Lake Maggiore by road. Arona’s lakeside promenade and giant Sancarlone statue, combined with Angera’s fortress across the water, showcase the region’s scenic variety—no boat crossing needed.
Expect 45 minutes each way to Italy's second largest lake. A private driver from Malpensa Airport ensures you discover the Borromean Islands and palace gardens at your own pace.
The famous Borromean Islands are further north near Stresa, requiring additional travel from Arona or Angera. While not included on this day trip's main stops, your driver can advise on options if you want to extend the journey. Public ferries serve the islands from Stresa, with frequent crossings during peak season.
Arona and Angera form the lake's southern gateway, offering authentic small-town charm with fewer crowds than Stresa or Verbania further north. Both have rich medieval history, lakeside promenades, and excellent dining without the higher prices of more famous destinations. They are ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed introduction to the lake.
Lake Maggiore's southern tip sits about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Malpensa Airport. The drive to Arona takes around 45 minutes, with Angera reachable by car in another 20 minutes via the lake's eastern shore. A private day trip lets you visit both lakeside towns without dealing with public transport schedules.
Yes, Lake Maggiore offers many family-friendly experiences. Children love climbing inside the Sancarlone statue in Arona and exploring the medieval fortress in Angera, which also houses the Doll and Toy Museum. Boat rides, lakeside playgrounds, and gelato stops along the promenades keep younger travelers happy throughout the day.
Arona's most famous landmark is the Sancarlone, a colossal copper statue of Saint Charles Borromeo standing over 35 meters tall, with stairs you can climb inside for views. The lakeside promenade lined with restaurants, the medieval Rocca Borromeo ruins, and the Church of Santi Martiri are other top sights worth seeing.
Lake Maggiore's cuisine blends Lombard, Piedmontese, and Swiss-Italian influences. Local specialties include lavarello (lake fish) prepared various ways, polenta with mountain cheeses, and risotto with seasonal mushrooms. Try gnocchi al castelmagno, and pair your meal with a glass of Ghemme or Gattinara, distinguished red wines from the northern Piedmont hills.
Angera is dominated by the Rocca di Angera, a medieval fortress perched on a hill with panoramic views over Lake Maggiore. The Doll and Toy Museum inside houses one of Europe's largest historical doll collections. The fortress's Hall of Justice features stunning 14th-century frescoes, making it a highlight for art and history lovers.
Late spring through early autumn (April to October) is ideal, with mild weather, blooming gardens, and full ferry service. The Borromean Islands are at their most beautiful in May and June when camellias and azaleas bloom. Summer is busiest, while September and October offer fewer crowds with still-warm days.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.