4 Beautiful Lake Iseo Boat Tours & Trips [2024]

One of the most beautiful places we’ve been to in Italy is Lake Iseo in the Lombardy region.

The Lombardy region is located in Northern Italy and is known for its stunning lakes. Lago d’Iseo is a prime example of that.

In this post, we’ve collated 4 different Iseo Lake boat tours and water experiences that we hope you’re going to love!

All 4 of these Lake Iseo tours are quite unique and different – one of them is actually a kayaking experience. There really is something for everyone!

We recommend spending at least a day or two near Lake Iseo because, along with the boat tours, there are some incredible hikes, villages to explore, and delicious Italian food to try out!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

4 of the Best Boat Tours in Lake Iseo, Italy

Pro tip: Most boat tours in Lake Iseo book out during the summer months so it’s best to book in advance if you know the exact dates.

There’s truly only one way to visit Monte Isola and it’s by boat! So if you want to visit this little island in the middle of Lake Iseo then a boat tour is your best way to do it.

Some say Monte Isola is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its narrow streets, cute shops, and authentic feel it almost gives you a sense of going back in time.

I remember looking down at Monte Isola from the top of the Corna da Trentapassi hike and it looked absolutely beautiful. This little island is right in the middle of the lake!

On this boat trip, you’ll first get to experience the beauty of being on Lake Iseo. Like with most lakes in northern Italy, the mountains that surround these lakes make for an incredible backdrop. 

You’ll spend a bit of time paddling with the guide to the island where you’ll have time to explore all the streets and even the Church of St Michael before heading back to the boat to continue the journey. 

A fun fact about Lake Iseo is that it’s actually the 4th largest lake in the Lombardy region of northern Italy! The three larger ones are Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore.

Check out prices and availability for the Monte Isola: The Pear of Lake Iseo boat tour here.

We know this isn’t a boat tour but this kayak tour still gets you out in Lake Iseo and it’s too good to miss out on!

Instead of taking you to the iconic Monte Isola, you’ll paddle to one of Lake Iseo’s hidden gems on the northwestern side of the lake: Baia del Bogn (also known as Bogn Bay in English).

You’ll paddle out with the guide to explore this beautiful bay and hopefully get to see a waterfall up close (depending on the time of year)!

If you want to explore Lake Iseo while being physically active, then kayaking is a perfect way to do it.

It’s not too intense that you’ll get tired but it’s a nice steady paddle to Bai del Bogn.

Once you reach the bay, you’ll have some time to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the bay, the mountains, and (hopefully) the waterfall.

This kayaking tour on Lake Iseo is a pretty incredible experience! We recommend pairing it with a boat tour to Monte Isola because they’re both fun but such different experiences.

Check out prices and availability for the Baia del Bogn kayak tour here.

This is another unique Iseo Lake boat tour since this one takes place on a sailboat!

On this adventure, you don’t actually get off the boat and explore Monte Isola. Instead, you’ll explore out on the lake.

During this sailing experience, you get up close to Monte Isola, San Paolo, and Loreto Islands! You’ll sail around them and take in the awesome views of these tiny islands in Lake Iseo.

Being out on a sailboat is so fun and we can’t imagine a better way to be out on the lake in such beautiful surroundings!

The ocean has always terrified me a bit so I feel way more comfortable being on a sailboat on a lake than out on open water.

Let the wind take you around the lake from corner to corner while exploring the beautiful lake, islands, and mountains!

Check out prices and availability for the Lake Iseo Sailing Cruise here.

There are plenty of day trips from Milan but this tour which takes you out in nature to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lombardy region has to be at the top of the list.

Lake Iseo is less busy than Lake Como and Lake Garda but in our opinion, it’s equally as beautiful! 

One of the highlights of this day trip is that you get the chance to visit the historic town of Bergamo where the famous Stracciatella Ice Cream was invented! 🍦

But before you make your way to Bergamo you’ll go by bus to Lake Iseo where you’ll get a boat tour to the town of Peschiera Miraglio on the Monte Isola island.

On the island, you will have some free time to explore a bit and go for a yummy, Italian lunch.

After lunch, the tour will take you to the famous, historic city of Bergamo where you will explore the Colleoni Chapel, try out the funicular, and enjoy the views of the lower city.

It’s a true Italian experience that takes you to both beautiful nature by Lake Iseo and the historic city center of Bergamo.

Check out prices and availability for the Lake Iseo cruise and Bergamo walking tour here.

Other related questions about Lake Iseo

Is it safe to swim in Lake Iseo?

Swimming is not recommended in Lake Iseo. There are a few beaches along the shores of some of the towns but, sadly, swimming isn’t recommended in the lake because the water is polluted.

Is Lake Iseo nice?

Lake Iseo is the 4th largest lake in the Lombardy region and even though it’s not as recognized or well-known as Lake Como or Lake Garda it’s just as beautiful.

The landscape and towns surrounding the lake are stunning. 

What is Lake Iseo known for?

One of the most famous things about Lake Iseo is the three islands you can find in the heart of the lake. The three islands are Monte Isola, San Paolo Island, and Loreto Island with the most famous being Monte Isola.

Lake Iseo is also known for its beautiful coastal towns that are located at the shore of the lake and the amazing hiking nearby.

What is the nicest town on Lake Iseo?

The town of Lovere is the most famous town on Lake Iseo and it is actually known as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy.

There are plenty of cafes in Lovere and the town square has a historic charm to it with the lakefront located within walking distance from the center.

You may also like…

• Hiking to The Tallest Waterfall in Italy – Cascate Del Serio
• The Best Way to Get From Bergamo to Lake Iseo
• Hiking to the Top of Monte Colombina Near Lake Iseo
• How to Hike The Breathtaking Corna Trentapassi Trail

Recap of 4 beautiful Lake Iseo boat tours & trips

This concludes the post about the different boat tours we recommend near the beautiful Lake Iseo located north of Bergamo.

Lake Iseo is a place you can go visit as a day trip from Milan or Bergamo but if you get the chance we definitely recommend staying there for a few days.

Stay in Lovere (a town on Lake Iseo) for the best experience and the most beautiful views.

Enjoyed this post? Pin & save it for later!