With the its summer timetable now in vigour, Lake Maggiore's public transport service Navigazione Lago Maggiore has forecasted a season rich in opportunitites for tourists to move from one lake destination to another on the boats, ferries and hydrofoil that make up its fleet. The Navigazione motor vessels have been crossing the waters of Lake Maggiore for over a century now, connecting its shores in Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland. Every year millions of tourists use this transport network.

One important novelty for the 2009 season is the arrival of the new Antares motor vessel on the Verbano waters: 41.6 m long and 8.1 m wide, it boasts two powerful diesel engines. It can hold up to 460 passengers, 284 of whom can be seated either covered (116) or on deck (168). The new entry of the Navigazione Lago Maggiore fleet will allow passengers to enjoy exciting cruises across Lake Maggiore's waters: Antares will leave from Arona daily at 11.30 and arrive in Stresa where, between 12.30 and 12.50 it will allow more passengers on to start a fascinating journey to the centre of the lake.The various stop of the daily timetable of Antares will be l'Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, l'Isola Bella, l'Isola Pescatori and l'Isola Madre. During the trip lunch will be available on board with a tourist or a la carte menu. The vessel will also reach the main town of Verbania, passing Villa Taranto. Once in Intra the boat will head off again at 14.35 towards Stresa. Passengers will be able to get off at Villa Taranto, Pallanza, Isola Madre, Baveno, Isola Pescatori or Isola Bella, or they can continue towards Stresa where the arrival time will be at approximately 15.30. From here it will start the home straight back to Arona, leaving Stresa at 16.15 and arriving in Arona at 17.15. The Antares motor vessel strengthens and completes a continually growing fleet: the last to be launched were the motor vessels Cicogna and Airone. In 2010 a twin vessel for Antares is due to hit the waters, offering a route between Intra and Laveno, as well as two more motor vessels.

Navigate with the family: This year Navigazione Lago Maggiore offers a series of opportunities to satisfy the needs of families. Thanks to the Open Day initiative promoted by the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi organisation, children under 12 travel free if accompanied by adults. To be precise, for every paying adult one child can travel free with a limit of two children per family. Navigazione Laghi tickets can also be used for obtaining discounts at partaking restaurants: more than 60 have adhered in the Lake Maggiore and Ossola Valley areas.

Information/bookings: Navigazione Lago Maggiore
Web: www.navigazionelaghi.it
email: infomaggiore@navigazionelaghi.it
tel.: (+39) 0322 233200 fax: (+39) 0322 249530