This is an excerpt from the book “Milan and day trips to lakes and art cities“

One day trip without a car from Milano to the Borromean Islands
From Milano you don’t need a car to take this day trip to one of the most beautiful corners of the Italian Lakes: the Isole Borromee on the Lake Maggiore, you just hop on a train of the “TreNord” train company, and in a short time you are in a magic place of lakes, gardens, and palace.
This is especially recommended in spring or autumn when often you can leave the fog and cold of Milan to reach sun-shining lakefront views in the mild climate of the Lake Maggiore.
The following is a brief outline of the content of the guide:
Starting from Milan take the train to Laveno, then the boat for the Borromean Islands and end in Stresa.

Isola Madre
The Palace – Isola Madre
The Botanical Gardens – Isola Madre
The Borromeo family theater – Isola Madre

Isola dei Pescatori
Isola Bella

Isola Bella: Tha Palace
Isola Bella: The Gardens

Stresa
Where to stay in Stresa
There are hotels, apartments, villas and B&Bs available, check it out and make a reservation here.