For the first time in Olympic history, Italy is hosting five distinct destinations instead of one purpose-built venue, showcasing centuries-old hospitality traditions and cultural significance. The country's decision to spread its Games across Lombardy and Veneto promises an unparalleled experience for travelers.
As the world converges on northern Italy from February 6 to 22, savvy visitors can explore beyond the competition schedule. In Milan, now a luxury hotel destination that rivals Paris and London in terms of sophistication, the city's culinary scene is finally catching up with its fashion credentials. For those willing to drive northeast for two hours or take a 90-minute detour, Cortina d'Ampezzo awaits – a town known as the "Queen of the Dolomites" once again, after hosting the 1956 Games and introducing live international television broadcasting.
As travelers venture further into the mountains, Stelvio Pass beckons with its legendary driving roads featuring 48 hairpin turns. Bormio, another Olympic venue, boasts a unique selling point: 2,000 years of thermal bathing tradition combined with the world's most demanding downhill course. The journey through mountain tunnels leads to Livigno, where historic Napoleonic-era tax exemptions offer 22% savings on luxury goods like Gucci and Barolo.
Verona, accessible by train from Milan in just over an hour, concludes the Olympic experience within a Roman amphitheater predating Christianity. This venue is nestled amidst three-Michelin-star dining establishments and wine country renowned for producing Italy's most sought-after reds.
To experience these five Italian destinations like an insider, travelers can consider the following: where to stay, what to eat, which bars are essential, and how to navigate the intersection of athletic competition and Italian hospitality.
As the world converges on northern Italy from February 6 to 22, savvy visitors can explore beyond the competition schedule. In Milan, now a luxury hotel destination that rivals Paris and London in terms of sophistication, the city's culinary scene is finally catching up with its fashion credentials. For those willing to drive northeast for two hours or take a 90-minute detour, Cortina d'Ampezzo awaits – a town known as the "Queen of the Dolomites" once again, after hosting the 1956 Games and introducing live international television broadcasting.
As travelers venture further into the mountains, Stelvio Pass beckons with its legendary driving roads featuring 48 hairpin turns. Bormio, another Olympic venue, boasts a unique selling point: 2,000 years of thermal bathing tradition combined with the world's most demanding downhill course. The journey through mountain tunnels leads to Livigno, where historic Napoleonic-era tax exemptions offer 22% savings on luxury goods like Gucci and Barolo.
Verona, accessible by train from Milan in just over an hour, concludes the Olympic experience within a Roman amphitheater predating Christianity. This venue is nestled amidst three-Michelin-star dining establishments and wine country renowned for producing Italy's most sought-after reds.
To experience these five Italian destinations like an insider, travelers can consider the following: where to stay, what to eat, which bars are essential, and how to navigate the intersection of athletic competition and Italian hospitality.
What's up with Italy spreading out its Olympic venues? Like, I get it, they wanna show off their culture, but now travelers gotta be like "okay, I'm just gonna drive around for 2 hours to check out Cortina d'Ampezzo". And don't even get me started on the roads - 48 hairpin turns?!?! You're either a pro mountain biker or a crazy person 
. On the other hand, the thermal baths and tax exemptions are kinda cool, but I'm more about that Verona Roman amphitheater vibes 
. And can we talk about the food? Italy's culinary scene is finally on par with Paris and London?! 
Guess I'll have to try those 3-Michelin-star spots out
. It's gonna be so much fun to explore Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Stelvio Pass, Bormio, and Verona - I mean, who wouldn't want to drive through the Dolomites or experience 2,000 years of thermal baths? 
. Now that Italy's spreading its Games across multiple destinations, I think this is gonna be a game-changer for travelers 
. From luxury hotels in Milan to thermal bathing traditions in Bormio, there's so much to explore beyond the competition. Cortina d'Ampezzo is basically a winter wonderland, and Stelvio Pass? Forget about it! 
Those hairpin turns are not for the faint of heart 
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. But seriously, Italy knows how to put on a show, and this Olympic experience is gonna be unforgettable 
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I'm so stoked Italy's hosting the Olympics for the first time with multiple destinations! 
. The food scene in Milan is finally stepping up its game, and I'm loving that Cortina's back as the "Queen of the Dolomites" 
. And can we talk about the thermal bathing tradition in Bormio? 2,000 years old? 
. Verona's got the historic Roman amphitheater and wine country – I'm sold! 
What are you most excited to see or do during the Olympics? 
, you know? like, i get that it's a big deal for Italy to host the Olympics but can't they just pick one spot instead of spreading themselves too thin across 5 different areas? it's gonna be super confusing for visitors who want to actually experience the games. and what about the locals? are they gonna have to deal with even more tourists in every single town? and btw, 90-minute detour to Cortina d'Ampezzo sounds like a total trek 
It's gonna be a logistical nightmare trying to get around between all these different spots. And what about the athletes? They've got enough to deal with already... 
, I mean, who needs one big fancy venue when you can have 5 smaller towns? 
The Dolomites are basically calling our names now and I'm so ready for some mountain life 
. Stelvio Pass is already giving me major road trip vibes 
. I do hope they have a good selection of coffee shops in all these towns though, a girl's gotta get her caffeine fix 
️!
And I'm curious about this whole tax exemption thing in Livigno – sounds like a sweet deal! 
As for Verona, I love that it's got its own Roman amphitheater amidst all that foodie heaven 
. Milan's luxury hotel scene is also looking fire 
. Can't wait to see how everything comes together and what kind of insider tips travelers will get from this Olympic experience 
it's just another excuse for people to overcrowd our beautiful country and drive up prices on hotels and food in Milan is literally becoming a luxury hotel city now it's like paris and london or something 
but you know what's not overpriced yet? Cortina d'Ampezzo my heart still belongs to that queen of the dolomites 
stelvio pass is on my bucket list already! has anyone been to livigno? what's it like shopping for luxury goods with tax exemptions 
. But on the other hand, isn't it kinda crazy to have so many different places to explore? Like, how are you gonna choose where to go? It's all just a bit too much for me 
. I mean, who doesn't love exploring new places and experiencing local culture? Italy's got some serious hospitality vibes going on, from luxury hotels to thermal baths and wine country... talk about a taste of la dolce vita 
! But, you know, as awesome as this all sounds, it's also kinda overwhelming 
. Milan sounds like a luxury hotel haven rivaling Paris & London, and Cortina d'Ampezzo is like a queen again after hosting the games back in '56 
. And can we talk about Stelvio Pass tho? 48 hairpin turns? 
You know when you're trying something new and it's overwhelming? Like, there's so much to take in and not enough time to do it all justice? That's kinda what Italy is doing with the Olympics right now 
. That way, you can still have an amazing time without feeling like you're spreading yourself too thin 
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! I mean, who wouldn't want to experience centuries-old hospitality traditions, luxurious hotels, and world-class food? It's like they're saying, "Hey, come for the sports, stay for the gelato" 
. But seriously, it's awesome that Italy is showcasing its different regions and cultures in such a unique way. The idea of exploring beyond the competition schedule and discovering hidden gems like Stelvio Pass and Bormio is just incredible 
cant believe they're spreading the Olympics across 5 diff locations in Italy?! i mean, thats just perfection 
and cortina d'ampezzo is back as the queen of the dolomites 
and live a little bit of history in verona. 2k yrs of thermal bathing tradition in bormio? that sounds like my next self-care Sunday 
lol did u know you can get 22% savings on luxury goods in livigno? shopping spree incoming 
, we're talkin' 5 distinct destinations instead of just one - can't wait to explore 'em all! 
- sounds like a total adventure! And let's not forget Verona, nestled in a Roman amphitheater 
... 3-Michelin-star dining is callin' my name 
! If I were planning the trip, I'd def wanna hit up some of those essential bars and navigate the Olympics vibes with the local hospitality 