Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este: The Weekend Programme

The Saturday at Villa d'Este: the concours

Everything begins in the park. From 9am, some fifty cars take their places under the trees, by the water; the jury examines them one by one, class by class, on their originality, their design and their historical importance. Visitors vote for the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este and for the design award for concept cars and prototypes.

From 2pm to 5pm, the cars parade on the terrace, in front of the jury and the public, each presented in turn. The day ends with the presentation of the Coppa d'Oro and the special awards. It is the moment people come for — and one that is rarely open.

The Saturday at Villa Erba: the clubs

A few hundred metres away, the park of Villa Erba hosts « Amici & Automobili » from 10am to 3pm, a gathering of enthusiasts and clubs from many countries, open to all marques and all eras: a freer, more relaxed display.

At the end of the day, an auction of collector cars is held at Villa Erba, preceded by a display of the lots during the day. We represent no one there; we can arrange your attendance.

The Sunday at Villa Erba: the public day

From 9.30am to 6pm, Villa Erba opens its park to the public: the Concorso cars on display, special exhibitions, craftspeople at work, a space for children, places to have lunch. Visitors vote for the design award; the youngest for the Trofeo dei Ragazzi.

From 1.30pm to around 5.30pm, the cars parade in front of the jury and the public, before the awards presentation: the winners of each class, the Prix d'Honneur, the design award, the Trofeo dei Ragazzi, and the trophies of the president of the jury and of the presidents.

Around the weekend: the lake

On Friday, no public programme is published: it is the day of arrivals. It is happily spent on the lake, by boat, in the gardens of a villa open to visitors, at a table by the water.

On Saturday evening, the dinners reserved for participants and their guests cannot be bought; we tell you so frankly. We compose yours: a table in Cernobbio or in Como, or a private dinner in your villa.

Hour by hour

The table below follows the programme published by the organisers for 2027; we confirm it before your stay.

Attire and comfort: a park by the lake

The Concorso is experienced outdoors, in parks, on gravel paths and lawns. In late May, the days are often mild by the lake; the evening turns cool. No code is published for the day, but a polished appearance is expected: a light jacket, a day dress or a day ensemble, a hat for the afternoon sun.

Shoes made for walking, sunglasses; the chauffeur keeps the rest on board. For a Saturday evening dinner, we tell you the attire expected according to the venue.