Further to my earlier posts to visit Lake Maggiore in August, I have my flights confirmed and Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, in Stresa staying 7 nights. I received very helpful responses to my earlier posts and now happy that I got a good deal at the hotel, which I found on a search engine, and contacted them directly to get a good rate with 10% discount. I booked B&B but it looks like a nice hotel with large dining room and might take half board when I arrive as will have dinner at the hotel day of arrival.
After browsing some of the Optional day trips offered by tour companies would like a few suggestions on day trips I could consider. I noticed some have optional day tour to see Matterhorn/Zermatt also Lake Lugano. I would book the day trips in Stresa and would appreciate any suggestions. I like lots of walking and visit to historical sites to take photos. My flight from Dublin arrives around 8pm so hope to be at hotel before dark. Looking forward to receiving some ideas. Thank you to all.

Watch for this thread to be moved to Europe branch. You posted in the Lounge and recently they (management) have a new policy of moving threads out of the Lounge into the other forums.

I have been to Lago Maggiore several times, always basing in Stresa, the last being at the end of November 2017. I have never taken a land tour of any kind from Stresa and never felt the need to, but there may be things you want to see that I wasn't interested in. Plus, I have a sort of ingrained aversion to tour companies.

It is very, very easy to make your way around Lago Maggiore to many wonderful sites by yourself, the obvious first ones being the three Borromean Islands, which could easily take up at least two full days of your week-long stay. Then there are the cable cars and mountain adventures, again at least a day or two of scouting around up in the mountains. You can go to Lake Orta, a real gem that's not far away and that many fewer tourists visit than go to the 3 major lakes. I never had any desire at all to try to get to Lugano from Stresa - for what? Another even more overrun tourist lake town? I never contemplated Matterhorn or Zermatt, either, but my caveat is that I am not a fan of Switzerland so it might be wonderful for you. Take the frequent ferries from the main boat dock in Stresa to other towns on the lake and enjoy the local markets and sights of each town.

Be sure to visit La Cambusa on Via Cavour in Stresa, just above the main piazza, for the most amazing local produce, olive oils, wines, pastas, sauces, etc. The offerings are amazing, and the owners are delightful.

Thank you very much for all the information. Will copy this and be glad having it as I plan my journeys. The only reason I mentioned Lake Lugano I had an overnight stop there on way back from Sorrento Amalfi Coast and thought it a very scenic drive. Am looking forward to having lots of time in Stresa. as I am active and keep very busy packing in many journeys in all the places I visit.

You can also travel to the northern end of Lake Maggiore by ferry to Locarno which is in Switzerland.
The trip to the Borromean Islands from Stresa is wonderful.i think you can go to Lake Orta by bus, not sure, as we had a car.

Day trips from Stresa:
3 Borromean Islands, Pallanza and Villa Taranto, by boat and my be bus;
Gondola to Mottarone and hike down to Agrano or Armeno. Back to Stresa by bus;
Train and bus via Verbania FS to Omegna, hike to Cireggio - Belvedere di Quarna (stunning views over Lake Orta!) - Costa Corte to Varallo Sanctuary. Back by bus via Romagnano - Arona, Arona - Sstresa by train;
Boat to Intra, bus to Premeno - Piancavallo, Hike to Trarego - Cannobio, back by bus via Intra and by boat to Stresa;
Train to Domodossola, bus to Macugnaga Staffa, gondola to Monte Moro (3000m, Swiss border);
Train to Domodossola, bus to Cascata Toce 1700m, (biggest waterfall of Italy, many short and long trails to mountain lakes);
Stresa - train Brig - Fiesch - gondola - Eggishorn (2900m, 2 hrs OW, stunning views to Aletsch Glacier and the highest mountains of Switzerland, from Mont Blanc via Matterhorn up to Jungfrau);
Train Stresa - Domodossola - Centovalli - Locarno and back to Stresa by boat Locarno dp 16.00;
Train Stresa - Gallarate - Varese - Stabio - Lugano (2 hrs OW);
Train Stresa - Gallarate - Varese - Capolago - Monte Generoso (1600m; 2 1/2 hrs OW);
Stresa - boat - Intra - passenger and car ferry - Laveno - train - Varese;
Day trip to Milan (1 hr OW);
etc etc., the possibilities are endless and there is no need to book any organized tour

Many thanks to all for giving me so many choices. I will be busy and looking forward to the lovely day trips. Will be able to see many places over 7 days. I have always avoided taking escorted tours, I do much better, doing it my way. and if I have half board at hotel I can return in time for dinner and will be able to relax at a nice hotel. I am fairly organized already and know I will not be disappointed. Greatly appreciated, kate