Excursion with the Lago Maggiore Express / Locarno

Important Note: This trip can only be done in the warm season, as the ships operate only seasonal (summer/autumn).

We were early March in Locarno and unfortunately two weeks too early, because start of the season was in 2008 at Easter. So we had to limit ourselves to the ride on the Centovalli railway. Will I come back one day, I will plan a better time of the year.
However, visiting the website of the ships it showed for 2012 season from June to October. So check it carefully in advance.

With the Lago Maggiore Express you have the possibility for a combined tour.
I would start from Locarno with the Centovalli railway which ends at Domodossola. Instead of driving back the same route, continue with Trenitalia from Domodossola to Arona. There change to the ship back to Locarno.

The tour can be started in several places.

As ticket buy a tourist-ticket which is valid for one day.
With this ticket you can have stopovers at Lake Maggiore, Stresa, Isola Bella, Ascona, Locarno, Vigezzo or Centovalli.

For the ride with the Centovalli railway calculate with a time just under two hours. The boat ride across Lake Maggiore takes three hours and crosses the famous Borromean Islands, the Castelli di Cannero, the Brissago Islands ...
The timing for the part with Trainitalia, please check in the schedules.

Price for the trip:
One day ticket in 2012 for adults: EUR 32

Food on the way:
On the ship you have the opportunity for lunch. According to their website, it is EUR 17 for a tourist menu. Note: must be ordered in advance.