What to Do After Milan Olympics 2026? 6 Epic Italy Destinations & Itineraries

The Milan Olympics 2026 will be an unforgettable milestone for sports fans around the world. After witnessing world class competition, cheering in stadiums, and experiencing northern Italy’s vibrant culture, you may find yourself asking “What to do next in Italy?” and “Did I really fly halfway across the world just to turn around and go home?” The answer is simple. Turn the rest of your trip into an adventure.

If you're heading to Milan for the Winter Olympics in February 2026, you've already made the biggest decision. You've committed to the flights, booked the accommodations, and cleared your schedule. But here's the thing most Olympic visitors don't realize until it's too late: Italy in late February and early March is absolutely magical, and you're already there.

Italy is packed with history, cuisine, coastlines, mountains, and towns that feel like stepping into a dream. In this guide we cover six epic Italy destinations perfect for post-Olympics extensions, complete with detailed itineraries, insider tips, and everything you need to turn your three-day sports trip into the Italian journey you'll actually remember in ten years.

Venice (3 Days)

Best for: Couples, photographers, anyone wanting to experience this unique city before summer crowds

Travel time from Milan: 2.5 hours by train

Why Venice After the Olympics?

Late February catches the tail end of Carnival season in Venice. Venice feels like no other city in the world. Its canals replace streets, and every corner reveals art, history, and charming bridges.

3-Day Venice Itinerary

Day 1: Grand Canal & San Marco

• Take the vaporetto down the entire Grand Canal (40 minutes)
• Visit Rialto Bridge by 10am before tour groups arrive
• Explore St. Mark's Basilica early; upgrade to museum ticket for terrace access
• Skip overpriced St. Mark's Square restaurants, walk to Castello for bacari (wine bars) with cicchetti and local wine (€15-20 vs €60)

Day 2: Islands & Hidden Venice

• Take a gondola or vaporetto tour.
• Visit Murano to see glassblowing artisans at work and continue to Burano for colorful houses and lace shops.
• Explore Cannaregio neighborhood and the original Jewish Ghetto
• Aperitivo hour (6-8pm) at a spritz bar

Day 3: Art, Churches & Departure

• Accademia Gallery for world's best Venetian Renaissance art
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute for panoramic views
• Final lunch in Castello: sarde in saor and black cuttlefish risotto

Travel Tips

• Venice is best on foot. Leave room to wander lost in charming alleys.
• Go early to popular sites to avoid peak crowds.
• Try seafood risotto and local Venetian dishes.

Florence & Tuscany (4 Days)

Tuscany, Italy

Best for: Art lovers, wine enthusiasts, foodies

Travel time from Milan: 1 hour 40 minutes by train

Why Florence & Tuscany After the Olympics?

Florence houses the Renaissance's greatest artistic treasures, while Tuscany's rolling vineyards create landscapes straight from Renaissance paintings. Late February/early March offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal crowds.

4-Day Florence & Tuscany Itinerary

Day 1: Florence Foundations

• Start at the Duomo; climb the 463-step dome for terracotta roof views
• Uffizi Gallery at 4pm (smaller crowds, better light)
• Ponte Vecchio at sunset, dinner in Oltrarno neighborhood

Day 2: Art & Hidden Spots

• Accademia Gallery opening time to see Michelangelo's David
• San Lorenzo Market for leather goods and lampredotto sandwiches
• Boboli Gardens for Renaissance grottos and sculptures

Day 3: San Gimignano Day Trip

• Medieval hill town with 14 remaining towers (90 minutes by car)
• Sample Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine
• Stop at Chianti winery for tastings (€15-20 with cheese/salumi)

Day 4: Markets, Food & Final Florence

• Sant'Ambrogio Market at 7am (watch locals shop)
• Travel to Siena by bus or train. Walk the Piazza del Campo then climb Torre del Mangia for city views. Enjoy pici pasta with wild boar sauce at a local osteria.
• Visit Basilica di Santa Croce (Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli buried here)

Florence, Italy

Travel Tips

• Book ahead. Uffizi and Accademia tickets sell out weeks in advance
• Enjoy early meals to avoid crowds in popular restaurants.
• Bring a hat and comfortable shoes for walking historic streets.
• Stay 10 minutes outside historic center walls to save money

Lake Como (3 Days)

Best for: Luxury travelers, nature lovers, mountain and water scenery

Travel time from Milan: 1 hour to Como, then ferry connections

Why Lake Como After the Olympics?

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most scenic destinations. This alpine lake has attracted wealthy Milanese since Roman times. Late February through early March is the quietest season because there are fewer crowds, occasional sunny days with temperatures in the 50s, and snow-capped mountain views.

3-Day Lake Como Itinerary

Day 1: Como Town & Funicular Views

• Explore Como's historic center (Duomo, waterfront)
• Ride the Funicular to Brunate for panoramic panoramas of the lake.
• Take a ferry to Bellagio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como

Day 2: Varenna & Villa Exploration

• Ferry to Varenna village, walk Passeggiata degli Innamorati
• Explore Villa Monastero gardens (early spring blooms)
• Visit Villa Carlotta for art and spectacular gardens

Day 3: Lenno & Mountain Villages

• Take a ferry to Lenno to visit Villa del Balbianello, one of Italy’s most beautiful villas with gardens that overlook the lake (James Bond/Star Wars filming location)
• Cable car to mountain viewpoints from Argegno
• Final evening in Como watching sunset over the lake

Travel Tips

• Stay in Varenna. 30-40% cheaper than Bellagio and more authentic
• Go light on luggage since many towns have cobblestone streets
• Try local cheeses from the Lombardy region

Cinque Terre (3 Days)

Best for: Hikers, photographers, seafood lovers

Travel time from Milan: 3 hours to La Spezia, then local train

Why Cinque Terre After the Olympics?

Cinque Terre’s five cliffside villages are iconic. The five villages are clinging to cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, connected by hiking trails.

4-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary

Day 1: La Spezia Base & Riomaggiore

• Stayin La Spezia (hotels cost half, trains run every 15 minutes)
• Afternoon train to Riomaggiore (colorful buildings stacked vertically)
• Check if Via dell'Amore coastal path is open

Day 2: Manarola & Corniglia

• Classic Cinque Terre photo opportunity in Manarola
• Hike to Corniglia through terraced vineyards
• Lunch in Corniglia's authentic main square
• Train to Vernazza (most beautiful village with natural harbor)

Day 3: Monterosso & Beach

• Visit Monterosso for a relaxed beach time
• Waterfront lunch: grilled catch of the day
• Hike Monterosso to Vernazza (2-3 hours, rocky and exposed)
• Aperitivo with local white wine at beachfront bar

Travel Tips

• Check trail status. Park website shows which sections are open
• Stay in La Spezia or Levanto. Half price, better food, 15-minute train access
• Get good hiking shoes, rain gear, trekking poles for steep sections

Amalfi Coast (5 Days)

Best for: Coastal scenery enthusiasts, luxury travelers, photographers, lemon lovers

Travel time from Milan: 5 hours to Naples by train, then transport to coast

Why Amalfi Coast After the Olympics?

The Amalfi Coast offers dramatic cliffside villages, stunning Mediterranean views, and authentic southern Italian culture. Late February/early March means quieter towns, lower prices, and pleasant weather (50-60°F) without summer's oppressive heat and crowds.

5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Day 1: Naples & Coast Transfer

• Morning train from Milan to Naples (4.5 hours)
• Quick Naples pizza lunch (birthplace of pizza margherita)
• Transfer to Sorrento (train or private car, 1 hour)
• Evening exploration of Sorrento's historic center

Day 2: Positano & Coastal Views

• Bus or boat to Positano (30-40 minutes)
• Descend the village's vertical streets to Spiaggia Grande beach
• Explore boutiques and ceramic shops in stepped alleyways
• Lunch at terrace restaurant overlooking the coast
• For active travelers, hike the Path of the Gods. This trail offers breathtaking panoramas over the Tyrrhenian Sea

Day 3: Amalfi Town & Ravello

• Ferry or bus to Amalfi town
• Visit Amalfi Cathedral with Arab-Norman architecture
• Bus to Ravello (mountain village, 30 minutes)
• Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens with panoramic terraces
• Sunset views over the entire coastline

Day 4: Capri Day Trip

• Ferry to Capri island from Sorrento (20 minutes)
• Visit the Blue Grotto and chairlift to Monte Solaro for sweeping view
• Wander Capri town for shopping and lemon desserts.

Day 5: Pompeii & Return

• Morning visit to Pompeii ruins (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Walk ancient Roman streets frozen in 79 AD
• Afternoon return to Naples for evening train to Milan

Travel Tips

• Stay in Sorrento (central, affordable) or splurge on Positano
• SITA buses connect towns (€2-5). Consider water taxis for private transfers between towns
• Popular restaurants and hotels fill up even in shoulder season, so book ahead
• Try limoncello, lemon pasta, and delizia al limone dessert

Florence to Rome (7 Days)

Best for: First-time Italy visitors, history buffs, art lovers

Travel time from Milan: 1 hour 40 minutes to Florence; 3.5 hours to Rome

Why the Florence-Rome Extension?

Hit Italy's big three in one trip: Milan (Olympics), Florence (Renaissance), and Rome (ancient history). Late February/early March means manageable crowds and lower hotel prices.

7-Day Florence to Rome Itinerary

Days 1-3: Florence

• Duomo and dome climb
• Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli, da Vinci)
• Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David)
• Cooking class
• Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno dinners

Day 4: Travel & Rome Introduction

• Morning train Florence to Rome (1.5 hours)
• Lunch in Trastevere (cacio e pepe pasta)
• Gianicolo Hill for panoramic orientation
• Campo de' Fiori evening aperitivo

Day 5: Ancient Rome

• See the Colosseum early (book underground/third tier tour)
• Explore Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same ticket)
• Lunch near Circus Maximus
• Visit Pantheon in late afternoon light
• Dinner in Jewish Ghetto (carciofi alla giudia)

Day 6: Vatican & Beyond

• Explore Vatican Museums when they open
• See the iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling (Michelangelo)
• St. Peter's Basilica and dome climb (551 steps)
• Evening in Prati neighborhood (local dining)

Day 7: Villa Borghese & Final Rome

• Visit Borghese Gallery (timed entry, Bernini sculptures)
• Take a walk in Villa Borghese park
• Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (three coins guarantees return)

Travel Tips

• Book all tickets in advance (Uffizi, Accademia, Colosseum, Vatican, Borghese)
• Walk within cities. Best way to experience both Florence and Rome
• Don't overschedule. Hit highlights, then wander and experience daily life

Essential Italy Travel Tips

Booking Trains

• Trenitalia and Italo: Book advance for 50% discounts on high-speed routes
• Regional trains: Cheaper but slower; fine for short trips like Milan-Como

Accommodation

• Mix types: Splurge in one city, mid-range another, Airbnb third
• Location matters: Basic hotel in great neighborhood beats fancy hotel in poor location

Luggage

• Pack light: Medieval stairs and cobblestones make large suitcases difficult
• Station storage: Available for day trips

Food & Dining

• Lunch cheaper: Same restaurant, 2 courses and wine for €15-20 vs dinner €40-50
• Aperitivo: Order drinks 6-8pm for free buffet food

Money

• Cash essential: Carry €50-100; many small places don't accept cards
• ATMs best rates: Use bank ATMs, not independent machines

Language

• Basic Italian: Ciao (hello), per favore (please), grazie (thank you), il conto per favore (check please)
• Attempt Italian: Shows respect, often improves service

Ready to Explore Italy After the Milan Olympics?

Your post Olympics adventure can be as exciting as the games themselves. From lakeside tranquility to coastal magic, Italy’s destinations deliver unforgettable memories. With the itineraries and tips in this guide you have a roadmap to plan your journey with confidence.

Connecting with locals transforms your trip from checking boxes on an itinerary into actually experiencing Italian life. When you're walking through Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, or any Italian city with someone who lives there, you're not following a predetermined tour. You're discovering the city through the eyes of someone who loves it enough to call it home.

Lokafy connects travelers with local guides in over 300 cities, including every destination mentioned in this guide. These are locals who are passionate about their cities and eager to share them with curious travelers. Think of it as exploring with a friend who happens to live in the exact place you're visiting. Start planning your Italy adventure today and see more of this incredible country.