Travel

Hotel

We recommend staying in Stresa, where we'll have a shuttle pick-up on the day.

Stresa is the lake's classic resort town: an elegant promenade, gardens, and a lineup of grand hotels that helped transform it from a quiet village into a destination for European travelers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Just offshore are the Borromean Islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—famous for palaces, gardens, and postcard-perfect views, and tied to the Borromeo family for centuries.

We strongly recommend booking sooner rather than later. And if you're staying longer (or want something more specific), tell us and we'll happily share more options around the lake.

A few favorites (though Stresa has many excellent options):

• Grand Hotel des Îles Borromées
• Regina Palace Hotel
• Hotel Royal

Milano Malpensa

The closest airport to Stresa is Milan Malpensa (MXP). From there, you have several options to reach the lake.

Alibus

The easiest way from Malpensa to Stresa is the Alibus, a direct shuttle that picks up at Terminal 1 (bus stop 6) and Terminal 2, and drops off directly in Stresa—no transfers needed.

Book in advance at safbooking.com by 11:00 AM the day before travel (Friday 11:00 AM for weekend/holiday trips). Walk-ons are possible if seats remain, but carry a €5 surcharge.

Heads Up: Line Closure

During the week of the wedding (July 20–26, 2026), regional trains on the Milano–Domodossola line are cancelled on the stretch that serves Stresa for major upgrade works. Trenitalia/Trenord run replacement buses with a stop in Stresa, so train journeys will be longer and less predictable.

We'd suggest the Alibus shuttle above as a simpler, direct way to reach Stresa from the airport. If you do plan to take the train, check the latest schedules and replacement-bus times carefully before you travel.

Confirm schedules, cancellations, and replacement-bus times at trenitalia.com before you travel.

Rental Car

Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore Lake Maggiore or nearby towns. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget are available at the airport.

Good to know: You should obtain an international driver's license prior to arrival. You can get one at your local AAA for a small fee.

Rideshare

Please note that rideshare services like Uber are not readily available in Italy. Ferries are a wonderful and scenic way to get around Lake Maggiore!