Italy in winter transforms into a landscape of contrasts, where ancient cities meet snow-dusted mountains. Here, the thrill of the 2026 Winter Games blends seamlessly with art, culture, and alpine charm. From the dynamic streets of Milan to the historic elegance of Verona and the alpine serenity of Trento, each destination offers a unique stage to experience the Games while exploring the beauty and culture of Northern Italy.
Whether you are following the competitions or enjoying the journey between events, planning ahead ensures that every moment is effortless and memorable.
Milan: The city that hosts the heart of the games
Milan pulses with energy during the 2026 Winter Games, hosting indoor events such as figure skating, ice hockey, and short track speed skating. Yet the city is much more than arenas and stadiums. Exploring Milan with the Audioguide Milan allows visitors to move seamlessly between its most iconic landmarks, experiencing the city at their own pace while soaking up its vibrant winter atmosphere.
A visit to the Duomo is unmissable, especially with the Duomo Pass – Cathedral, Terraces and Museum, which offers breathtaking views over the city skyline. Culture lovers can step into Milan’s artistic soul with the La Scala Theatre and Museum Tour, while seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece during the Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with The Last Supper feels even more powerful against the backdrop of a city buzzing with Winter Games excitement.
Between competitions, Milan also offers moments of leisure and style. A dedicated Shopping Experience in Milan – Serravalle Designer Outlet, Shopping Tour from Milan provides the perfect opportunity to relax, combining winter shopping, comfort, and convenience.
From Milan to Verona and Sirmione: A Winter itinerary through history
From Milan, the journey naturally continues towards Verona and Lake Garda with the Verona and Sirmione Full-Day Trip from Milan, an ideal way to explore two of Northern Italy’s most captivating destinations in a single, well-paced experience.
In Verona, the elegant city chosen for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games, the timeless Roman Arena echoes with anticipation while cobbled streets invite slow exploration. Discovering the city with the Audioguide Verona allows visitors to uncover layers of history at their own rhythm, from medieval palaces to intimate piazzas and cosy cafés.
The journey continues to Sirmione, where Lake Garda reveals a softer side of winter. Tranquil lakeside views, winding streets, and renowned thermal baths provide a soothing contrast to the adrenaline of the Olympic venues. In Verona and Sirmione, culture, history, and the spirit of the Games come together in a seamless winter journey across time and landscape.
Trento: Between the Dolomites and the games
Nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, Trento offers a serene retreat for those following alpine events such as skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic competitions. Its Renaissance architecture, lively squares, and festive winter atmosphere make it an ideal stop between mountain venues.
Exploring the city with the Audioguide Trento allows visitors to discover hidden courtyards, historic palaces, and charming piazzas at their own pace, without missing a beat. Just beyond the city, snow-dusted alpine valleys and scenic trails open up, offering moments of quiet reflection between the excitement of the Games.
An Alpine Detour: A Scenic Journey Beyond Italy
While following the 2026 Winter Games in Northern Italy, travellers may find themselves surrounded by some of Europe’s most spectacular Alpine landscapes. From this region, it is easy to extend the experience with a memorable cross-border journey aboard the Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Full-Day Trip.
This iconic route winds through snow-covered passes, frozen lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery, offering a unique perspective on the Alps that perfectly complements the Winter Games atmosphere. Although crossing into Switzerland, the journey feels like a natural continuation of an Alpine itinerary, enriching the overall winter travel experience with breathtaking panoramas and a slower, more contemplative pace.
The Official Alpine Venues of the 2026 Winter Games
Beyond the cities, the heart of the 2026 Winter Games unfolds across a network of renowned Alpine destinations, each hosting key competitions in spectacular natural settings. Cortina d’Ampezzo welcomes alpine skiing events amid towering peaks, while Livigno becomes the centre for freestyle skiing and snow parks. In Val di Fiemme, Nordic skiing and ski jumping take place against the serene backdrop of forested valleys, and Anterselva (Antholz) hosts biathlon competitions framed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Together, these locations define the alpine soul of the Games, allowing visitors to experience winter sport immersed in nature, where competition, landscape, and atmosphere come together seamlessly.
Seamless planning for an unforgettable winter games experience
The 2026 Winter Games are an invitation to explore Northern Italy in winter, where sport, culture, and discovery converge. With Forexchange planning your journey becomes effortless. Reserve your currency exchange online, collect it at a convenient location, stay connected with a travel eSIM, and enrich your itinerary with audioguides and curated tours.
From the vibrant arenas of Milan to the historic streets of Verona, from the calm shores of Lake Garda to the alpine tranquillity of Trento and the Dolomites, each day unfolds naturally, blending the excitement of the Games with the timeless beauty of Italy in winter.
