The beauty of the enchanting Villa Taranto's Botanical Gardens is like a wave of emotions enchanting your senses with its brilliant colors, the persistent scents of flowers and plants and the relaxing sounds of this exceptional natural setting. Their today's appearance is not natural, but the result, moulded during the years, of an arduous elaboration undertaken by Captain McEacharn in 1931. After a relaxing and pleasant visit to the Villa Taranto's Botanical Gardens, the tour will allow to explore the Borromean Islands.

Situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands (It. Isole Borromee) lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The Borromean Islands, with their stunning palaces and ornamental gardens, are an unmissable destination for aesthetes. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. On the Isola Bella and Isola Madre there are sumptuous palaces and rare plant gardens where peacocks, parrots and pheasants roam wild against an exotic backdrop reminiscent of faraway lands. In contrast, the Isola dei Pescatori is famous for the charming simplicity of its old fishing village, which is considered one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Maggiore.

Detailed Program and Tour Info

The fascination of Lake Como mainly arises from the small characteristic villages and the ancient residences situated along the shores, each one having its own peculiarities. This tour offers the opportunity of discovering two of the most famous locations of Lake Como, the neoclassical residence Villa Carlotta and the village of Bellagio, called "the pearl of the lake" for its unique position at the top of a flourishing promontory with one of the best view of Lake Como.

While Rome is Italy's political capital, Milan is the country's economic and financial heart. Situated only 90 km away from Lake Maggiore, Milan is the second-largest city in Italy. Its business district hosts the Italian Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the largest national banks and multinational companies. The city is recognized as a major world fashion and design capital. The historical centre offers beautiful treasures: the Duomo Cathedral, one of the most famous Gothic constructions of the world; the La Scala theatre, one of the world's best known Opera Houses; the Sforzesco Castle and its art museums, with unique pieces of art like the Rondanini Pietà by Michelangelo; the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the famous Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper".