From 18 to 27 January 2026, Veneto becomes the stage for the journey of the Olympic Flame, which will cross some of the most evocative and distinctive places in the region. The route starts in Peschiera del Garda, overlooking Italy's largest lake and guarded by Venetian walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a spectacular entry into a region that thrives on sport amidst unique landscapes, from the Dolomites to the Adriatic beaches. The relay continues through the vineyards and hills of Valpolicella, reaching Verona, a romantic city par excellence, where the Roman Arena will host the Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games and the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games. Among characteristic villages and typical flavours, the Flame crosses Villafranca, the medieval village of Valeggio sul Mincio, the historic Custoza, Isola della Scala, home of rice, and the elegant Soave, dominated by its castle.

The journey continues towards Polesine, between the history of Nogara and Legnago, to Rovigo and Adria, the cradle of Etruscan civilization. Then it's the Veneto of hills and thermal springs: Monselice, Este, Abano Terme, to arrive at the refined Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Villas of Palladio.

On 21 January, this fascinating itinerary touches Schio, the 7 Municipality Plateau of Asiago, Bassano del Grappa with its iconic Ponte degli Alpini, Asolo the "city of a hundred horizons", Montebelluna, Castelfranco Veneto, and the medieval Cittadella, up to the historic Padua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Padova Urbs Picta – Giotto, the Scrovegni Chapel and the pictorial cycles of the fourteenth century.

The Flame then enters the beauty of the lagoon: Chioggia, "Little Venice", Stra with its Venetian villas, elegant and liveable Treviso, Mestre and finally Venice, a unique world among streets, squares, and sparkling waters. On 23 January, it touches the seaside and historic resorts of the coast: Jesolo, Musile/San Donà, Concordia Sagittaria, Portogruaro, and the colourful Caorle.

The trip heads to the mountains on 25 January, with the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then Feltre and Vittorio Veneto, up to the Dolomites. On 26 January, it goes to Farra d 'Alpago, Longarone, the valleys of Cadore and SanVito, finally reaching the queen of the Dolomites: Cortina d'Ampezzo, which celebrates the70th anniversary of the 1956 Games.

On 27 January, the Flame salutes Veneto, immersed in two of the most iconic places in the Alps: the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and Lake Misurina, an enchanted body of water between the peaks. A journey that becomes a story: that of a Veneto that combines art, nature, sport, and beauty in a single, extraordinary experience.

Follow the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Flam