Ciao. I’m Marco. If you’re anything like me, the memory of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which concluded just a few days ago, doesn’t just conjure up images of world-class skiing and gold medals—it brings to mind the smell of fresh alpine air, the grip of winter tires on a salted mountain pass, and the absolute freedom of the Italian open road, which always leaves me feeling invigorated and ready for adventure. With this in mind, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the most iconic Italian road trips, which you can check out here.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games were unique because they were spread across a massive swath of Northern Italy. Even now that the closing ceremony is behind us, this remains a “grab the keys and drive” kind of route. From the urban pulse of Milan to the jagged pink peaks of the Dolomites, I’ve mapped out the ultimate road trip that combines Olympic history with the authentic, rugged soul of Italy. I’ve shared this in detail in my ultimate guide to the most iconic Italian road trips, which I’m sure you’ll find helpful as you plan your own post-Olympic mountain adventure.
The Machine: Choosing Your Steed#
First things first: the car. If you’re landing at Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN), don’t just settle for the cheapest compact. If you’re driving in Northern Italy during the winter, don’t miss the chance to rent an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) vehicle. This is especially important if you want to tackle some of the region’s more challenging routes, like the ones I’ve explored in detail in a driving masterclass in Lake Garda. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a warmer destination that captures the heart of the Mediterranean, my colleague Luca has a wonderful guide to Forget Capri: Discover Marettimo, the Wild Secret Heart of the Mediterranean, which might just inspire you to swap your wheels for a boat and explore the region’s stunning islands.
Since I wrote about navigating Italy’s most stunning drives, my own experience with handling mountain roads in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has led me to recommend ensuring your vehicle is equipped with Pneumatici Invernali (winter tires). In Italy, from November 15th to April 15th, winter tires or snow chains (catene a bordo) are legally required on most mountain routes. If you’re planning a road trip, you might find my more recent guide, Iconic Italian Road Trips Guide, helpful in planning your route. Update: My colleague Elena has recently published a comprehensive guide, A Stress-Free Guide to Venice with Kids, which is a valuable resource for families looking to explore the city of canals.
Phase 1: The Milanese Kick-off#
The Olympics begin at the iconic San Siro Stadium for the Opening Ceremony. But before you head north, you need to navigate Milan’s “Area C” (the restricted traffic zone).
Practical Tip: Most rental cars aren’t automatically exempt from the congestion charge. You’ll need to buy a ticket online or at a “Tabacchi” shop to avoid a hefty fine. For parking, skip the street spots and head to a secure garage like Garage Velasca near the Duomo. It’s central, safe, and saves your bumpers from the “creative” Italian street parking style.
While in Milan, grab a quick espresso at Bar Magenta—one of the oldest spots in the city—before hitting the A4 motorway toward Venice.
Phase 2: The Gateway to the Alps (Milan to Verona)#
On the road, I discovered that the stretch between Milan and Verona is more than just a transit route; it’s a culinary goldmine.
Most tourists fly past Bergamo, but you should take the exit for “Bergamo Alta.” Park your car at the Parcheggio Piazza Libertà and take the funicular up to the old town. The drive up the winding walls of the Città Alta gives you a great view of the Lombardy plains.
Continuing east on the A4, you’ll pass Lake Garda. If you have time, take the Sirmione exit. The SP11 road hugs the southern coast of the lake. The best part of this route is the transition from the flat Po Valley into the pre-Alpine foothills.
Phase 3: Verona – The Olympic Heart#
Verona will host the Closing Ceremony at the Roman Arena. This is a city built for explorers. If you’re driving in Verona, don’t miss the Parcheggio Arena. It’s an underground lot just steps from the Piazza Bra.
For a real taste of the region, skip the tourist menus and find Osteria al Pompiere. Their selection of local cheeses and Valpolicella wines is unparalleled. You’ll need the fuel, because the real driving starts tomorrow.
Phase 4: Into the Dolomites (Verona to Cortina)#
This is where the magic happens. From Verona, take the A22 (Autostrada del Brennero) north. This is one of the most scenic highways in Europe, cutting right through the Adige Valley.
Technical Driving Tip: The A22 is notorious for “Tutor” systems—these are average speed cameras. They don’t just clock you at one point; they measure your speed between two gates. Keep your cruise control steady.
As you reach Bressanone (Brixen), you’ll exit the highway and head toward the Val Pusteria. This is the gateway to the Olympic venues in Anterselva (Biathlon). The roads here become narrower and more technical. You’ll be navigating the SS49, which can get congested during peak season.
The best part of this route is the final approach to Cortina d’Ampezzo via the Passo Cimabanche. The road (SS51) starts to climb, the rock faces of the Croda Rossa loom over you, and you realize why they call this a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Phase 5: Cortina d’Ampezzo – The Queen’s Realm#
Cortina is the crown jewel of the 2026 Games. It’s glamorous, yes, but it’s also a serious mountain town.
Parking in Cortina is a challenge. During the Olympics, expect many central zones to be pedestrian-only. Your best bet is the Parcheggio Multipiano Via dei Ronco. It’s a bit of a walk to the center, but it’s better than circling the narrow streets of the “Corso Italia” for hours.
Hidden Booking Secret: Don’t look for hotels directly in Cortina—they’ll be booked years in advance or priced for billionaires. Instead, look for a “Rifugio” or an “Agriturismo” in nearby towns like San Vito di Cadore or Borca di Cadore. You’re only a 15-minute drive away, and the roads are spectacular.
For dinner, you must visit El Toulà. It’s housed in an old barn and offers the kind of rustic elegance that defines the region. Order the Casunziei all’ampezzana (beetroot-filled pasta with poppy seeds)—it’s the fuel of champions.
The “Marco” Secret Route: Passo Giau#
If the weather is clear and you have a capable car, you cannot leave the region without driving the Passo Giau (SP638). It connects Cortina to Selva di Cadore.
This road is a masterpiece of engineering, featuring 29 hairpins. On the road, I discovered that the view from the top of the pass (2,236 meters) is arguably the best in all of Italy. You have a 360-degree panorama of the Nuvolau and the Marmolada glacier. It’s steep, it’s narrow, and it’s pure driving bliss. Just watch out for the occasional patch of black ice in the shadows!
Practical Tips for the 2026 Road Trip#
- Fuel Up Early: In the mountains, gas stations (distributori) close early and often don’t accept international credit cards at the self-service pumps after hours. Always keep half a tank.
- Arctic Diesel: If temperatures drop below -10°C (14°F), standard diesel can “wax” or gel. Look for pumps labeled “Gasolio Artico” at mountain stations—it has additives to prevent freezing.
- ZTL Zones: Almost every Italian town center has a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato). If you see a white circle with a red border, do not enter unless you want a €100 souvenir in the form of a fine.
- The “Telepass”: If your rental car comes with a Telepass device, use the yellow lanes at the Autostrada tolls. It saves you from fumbling with coins in the freezing wind.
Final Thoughts#
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be a spectacle, but the journey between the venues is where you’ll find the “real” Italy. It’s in the steam rising from a bowl of polenta in a mountain hut, the crisp click of a gear shift on a frozen pass, and the sun setting over the Pale Mountains.
Driving from Milan to Cortina isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the detours, the hairpins, and the thrill of the climb. See you on the road!
Ciao,
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Carnevale di Venezia, I’ve got a treat for you. As I wrote in my guide to the Veneto region, this magical celebration is the perfect time to explore the beauty and charm of northern Italy. But what if you want to make the most out of your trip and see more than just the crowds in Venice? If you enjoyed this, you’ll love my other post about taking a thrilling road trip to experience the Carnevale di Venezia in style - it includes insider tips and a unique itinerary that will take you on a fantastical journey through the regions of Veneto and beyond. Check out “My Essential Venice Carnival Road Trip Guide 2025” for all the details.