Arona Piedmont is a charming town on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, boasting stunning lakeside scenery, colorful streets, and a relaxed Italian pace. It’s a perfect place for exploring through engaging tours that bring out its beauty and character. We especially love experiences like the Arona Photo Tour, which combines sightseeing with a hands-on photography workshop—ideal for capturing the town’s best views while learning some tricks of the trade. Whether you’re a shutterbug or a casual visitor, this tour offers intimate access to both iconic and lesser-known corners of Arona.
Beyond that, Arona offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes. From a full-day private trip exploring Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands to quick food and photo experiences, there’s something for all. If you’re curious about combining scenic boat rides with local history, the Lake Maggiore: Rocca & Angera Private Boat Tour might be a top pick. For a taste of local flavors and photography, the Food & Photo Experience offers a lively, small-group immersion. Here’s a detailed look at each of these top-rated tours.
1. Arona Photo Tour – Capture Lake Maggiore with your own shots
This Arona Photo Tour blends sightseeing with a photography workshop, making it stand out. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll explore Arona’s most photogenic spots with a small group, ensuring personalized attention. The tour starts at a panoramic vantage point and includes stops at a local bar for a quick coffee, a secret photo stop, and a walk through a traditional village—each chosen to showcase both the well-known and hidden sights of the town.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on learning to take better photos while discovering Arona’s charm. The guide, fluent in Italian and English, shares tips tailored to your smartphone or camera, making it a practical experience for amateurs and hobbyists alike. The route includes comfortable benches for resting and plenty of opportunities for creative shots. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and private groups, making it flexible for different travelers.
Expect to leave with at least 5 professional-quality photos and a fresh perspective on Arona’s beauty. Perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a skill boost, especially those who enjoy a relaxed pace and personalized attention. The only potential downside is the relatively short duration, so if you’re after a deep dive into photography, you might prefer a longer workshop.
Bottom Line: A compact, highly personalized tour that’s ideal for photography enthusiasts eager to capture Lake Maggiore’s charm and learn some new tricks along the way.
2. From Milan: Private tour, Maggiore Lake & Borromean Islands
This full-day private tour offers a comprehensive experience of Lake Maggiore’s highlights. Starting in Milan, you’ll travel comfortably by van for about an hour to Stresa, where a guided 30-minute tour introduces you to the area’s elegant hotels and lakeside atmosphere. The day continues with a photo stop at Isola Bella, famous for its baroque palace and lush gardens, as well as a scenic boat ride to the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch of local specialties.
The highlight is the visit to the Hermitage of S. Caterina del Sasso, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to explore and snap photos of the rock monastery and stunning lake views. The boat transfers are included, making this a seamless day without the hassle of navigating by yourself. During the trip, your guide shares insightful stories about the area’s history and culture, enriching the experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a luxurious, all-in-one day that combines sightseeing, history, and leisure. The private aspect means flexibility and personalized attention, but the price reflects that exclusivity. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a deep dive into Lake Maggiore’s most famous sights without the hassle of organizing transport.
Bottom Line: An elegant, all-inclusive private tour that balances sightseeing, travel comfort, and storytelling—great for those wanting a hassle-free, premium experience.
3. Food & Photo Experience – Arona (Lake Maggiore)
For a short, lively taste of Arona’s culinary and photographic delights, this Food & Photo Experience is a lovely choice. Lasting about 2 hours, it combines a mini photo tour of the town’s best viewpoints with tastings of local products like wine, cheese, honey, and regional dishes. Led by a professional photographer and guide, the small group explores a viewpoint for about 15 minutes, then visits a secret stop perfect for capturing memorable shots.
The highlight is the pairing of photography tips with authentic flavors. You’ll learn how to frame the perfect shot while savoring regional specialties in a cozy local restaurant. The guide shares stories about Arona and Lake Maggiore, adding context and depth to your experience. Expect to leave with five high-quality professional photos and a richer understanding of the area’s culinary traditions.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a fun, interactive experience that combines sightseeing, photography, and tasting. It’s accessible and flexible, with options for private or small groups. The main limitation is the relatively short duration, so if you’re after a more extensive culinary tour, you might want to combine this with other experiences.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and budding photographers looking for a quick, engaging taste of Arona’s flavors and scenery.
4. Lake Maggiore: Rocca & Angera Private Boat Tour
At around 2 to 3 hours, this Rocca & Angera Private Boat Tour offers a personalized way to see Lake Maggiore’s stunning scenery. Starting from Arona, your skipper takes you on a private cruise past majestic cliffs and lakeside castles, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The highlight is the Rocca di Angera, a hilltop fortress that you’ll admire from the water, along with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
What sets this tour apart is the relaxed, exclusive atmosphere—perfect for couples or small groups wanting privacy and flexibility. During the cruise, you can enjoy coffee, juice, and a croissant on board, making for a leisurely ride. The boat can also accommodate activities like stand-up paddleboarding, adding to the fun, active options during your trip.
The skipper shares interesting stories about local history and legends, providing context for the sights you see. The tour is ideal if you want a combination of scenic beauty, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. The only potential downside is the weather dependency—good weather really enhances the experience.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, private boat ride that offers fantastic views of Angera’s fortress and Lake Maggiore, suitable for those seeking intimacy and scenic beauty.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When selecting the best tour for your trip to Arona Piedmont, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If photography is your passion, the Arona Photo Tour is a superb way to improve your skills while exploring. For a comprehensive, hassle-free day with sightseeing, the private Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands tour offers a luxurious experience. If you’re short on time but want a flavor of local life, the Food & Photo Experience delivers a quick, enjoyable taste of Arona’s culinary scene.
The Lake Maggiore boat tour is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic cruise with privacy and a bit of adventure. Think about your physical activity level, weather preferences, and what you hope to get out of the experience to find the best fit. Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours, which tend to fill up quickly in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Arona Piedmont offers a variety of engaging tours that showcase its lakeside beauty, rich history, and delightful flavors. For those who want to capture its charm through photos, the Photo Tour is a highlight. For a full exploration combined with travel comfort, the private lake and island tour is a top choice. And if you crave a relaxing boat cruise with scenic views, the Rocca & Angera private boat will deliver.
No matter your interests or timeframe, booking your preferred tour early ensures a smooth experience. With options suited for photographers, food lovers, history enthusiasts, and leisure seekers alike, Arona has a lot to offer. Prepare to explore, learn, and enjoy one of Italy’s most picturesque lakesides.
