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Northern Italy 2026: Best of Milan, Lake Como, & the Olympic Dolomites
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items Northern Italy is the place to be in 2026 for the Winter Olympics, world-class shopping, and alpine scenery. This guide is split into two sections—The City & The Lakes and The Mountains & The Games—to help you find the best 'skip-the-line' ti...
Sections
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Milan & Lake Como: Essential City Tours, Historic Villas & Boat Cruises
The Dolomites & 2026 Winter Games: Alpine Adventures, Cortina & Scenic Day Trips
Milan & Lake Como: Essential City Tours, Historic Villas & Boat Cruises
If you’re heading to Northern Italy in 2026, you’ve picked the perfect year to go. Between the energy of the Winter Olympics in Milan and the timeless charm of the Italian lakes, there is so much to see right now. I’ve put this list together to help ...
This is the one thing you can't skip in Milan. Make sure to book the "Terraces" option so you can walk among the white marble spires and see all the way to the Alps on a clear day
Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket
Tickets for this sell out months in advance because they only allow a few people in at a time. If you see an available, grab it immediately—it's the only way to guarantee a visit.
Milan: The Last Supper Entry Ticket & Guided Tour
If you only have one day for the lakes, this is the best value. It handles the transport from Milan and includes a private boat cruise so you can see the famous villas (like George Clooney's) from the water.
From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio & Varenna with Private Boat
Bellagio is known as the "Pearl of the Lake," but it gets very crowded. Taking a boat tour is the best way to see the colorful waterfront and the steep hills without getting stuck in the foot traffic.
Lake Como: Shared or Private 2 Hours Boat Tour with Aperitif
A must for any football fan. Even if there isn't a match on, you can go inside the locker rooms and walk through the tunnel—it’s a huge hit for families and sports lovers.
Milan: San Siro Stadium and Museum Guided Tour
Skip the generic restaurants near the Duomo and head to Brera. This tour introduces you to authentic Milanese street food in the city’s most artistic neighborhood.
Brera District: Local food tours
This ticket is a ‘two-in-one’ because it includes the public ferry ride. It’s the easiest way to see the famous movie-set gardens without booking an expensive private boat.
Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets
The Dolomites & 2026 Winter Games: Alpine Adventures, Cortina & Scenic Day Trips
This section is all about the Italian Alps and the Dolomites. Since the 2026 Winter Olympics are being held right here in Cortina and the surrounding peaks, it’s the best time to visit. I’ve picked these tours because they take the stress out of driv...
This is widely considered the most beautiful train ride in the world. You’ll cross the Swiss border and see massive glaciers—just remember to bring your passport since you're technically leaving Italy for the afternoon!
From Milan: St. Moritz Day Tour by Bernina Express
If you want to see the 2026 Olympic sites, this is the tour. It takes you right into the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo and stops at Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee), which is the most famous photo spot in the Italian Alps
From Venice: Cortina and Dolomites Mountains Day Trip
This tour hits two iconic spots in one go. You get to see Juliet’s balcony in Verona and then head to Sirmione, a town on a thin peninsula stretching out into Lake Garda that looks like something out of a movie.
From Milan: Verona, Sirmione and Lake Garda with Boat Cruise
For anyone visiting during the 2026 Winter Games who isn't a pro skier, this is the best way to get out into the snow. It’s a quiet, scenic way to experience the mountains away from the busy ski slopes.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Nature & adventure
This tour focuses on the "Three Peaks" (Tre Cime di Lavaredo), the most famous jagged peaks in Italy. The reflection in Lake Misurina is incredible, so make sure your phone is fully charged for photos.
Dolomites Day Trip: Lake Santa Croce to Cortina Adventure
In 2026, Verona will be packed because of its proximity to the Olympics. This priority access tour is the only way to see the ancient amphitheater without spending your whole morning in a queue.
Verona Arena
Most people only see the mountains during the day. This guided hike lets you see the "pink" sunset glow on the peaks and walk back with headlamps—a truly unique experience.
Dolomites: Walking tours
This is a long day, but it’s the easiest way to see the famous ‘Green Train’ route and the Swiss Bernese Oberland without having to plan the logistics yourself. You’ll cross the border at Domodossola and see some of the most dramatic mountain passes ...
From Milan: Interlaken & Swiss Alps Day Trip