'Could've stayed': Italy travel highlights you won't want to miss
With the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 starting, the eyes of sports fans from around the world are going to be on Italy.
The venues are spread across the city of Milan and the slopes of Cortina, with the action running until February 22, 2026 and then again in March for The Paralympic Games.
There is no doubt the wintery locations seen on screen are set to provide a big dose of holiday inspiration.
READ MORE: Places you'll want to visit now Milano Cortina 2026 is underway
From the Dolomites to Verona, Livigno and Cortina d'Ampezzo as well as Milan its self. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Viewers will get to enjoy sights from the Dolomites to Verona, Livigno and Cortina d'Ampezzo, as well as from Milan itself.
Channel Nine is the official broadcaster of the Games, so to make the start of the action we asked some of the team to share their favourite places to visit in Italy.
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Leila McKinnon
"Years ago I went to Bergamo in Lombardy, it's a beautiful walled town with a gorgeous piazza, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bergamo has an incredible collection of Renaissance art including works by Raphael and Botticelli.
Bergamo in the Lombardy region of northern Italy is Leila's favourite. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"A great day trip is a visit to the old spa town of San Pellegrino which has some gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings, and nearby is the abandoned medieval village of Cornello De Tasso, it's like time has stood still there for hundreds of years."
James Bracey
"My wife, Margot, and I were lucky enough to escape to the Amalfi Coast after the Paris Olympics in 2024," James tells us.
"We could've very easily stayed in Positano sipping a Limoncello Spritz for the rest of our lives… but the kids were waiting for us back in Oz with their grandparents. Oh well."
James went to Positano on the Amalfi coast, southern Italy. Getty
Lauren Tomasi
"My grandfather is Italian, so loving this country is in the Tomasi blood," Lauren says.
"I love the mountains in the north. Bergamo is an incredible town and the snow through the region is incredible.
"An Aperol spritz tastes extra great after a day on the slopes.
"My husband and I were also married in Tuscany, so that region is particularly special."
Lauren Tomasi is in Italy for the Olympics. Instagram
"For food, a personal favourite is in a small town in Tuscany - it's a agritourism farm run by a family, with three generations all working there.
"It's called La Mandriola, and the food is cooked to perfection. There's a great wood fired pizza oven, the pasta was incredible and the farm has its own vineyards, so naturally, you've got to have a wine pairing."
Danika Mason
"I love everything about Italy but I have to say top three would be Sicily, Positano and Sardinia.
"If I had to choose one it would be Sardinia. Beautiful beaches, food and incredible cute little towns."
Danika Mason broadcasting from Italy. Instagram
Meanwhile, there is one town we think may be set to shoot to the top of travellers' 'must-visit' lists.
Some events will be held in the town of Bormio.
The charming alpine spot is known as the "Magnificent Land," thanks to its stunning mountain views, natural hot springs and surrounding forests.
Bormino, Italy is known as the "Magnificent Land." Supplied
Bormio will host men's alpine skiing and the brand-new ski mountaineering events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
As well as being a world-class skiing destination, Bormio is also a wellness hub, with travellers flocking to the town for relaxing escapes year-round.
Watch the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event live & on demand, every medal in 4K, and exclusive international coverage on Stan Sport.
