Monday April 20th + Thursday April 23rd 2009 - at 10:00 AM in Pratolino (Vaglia), north of Florence, direction Futa path: Guided tour through the Medici Pratolino Park: Buontalenti chapel, Gigant of the Apenin by Giambologna, Juppiter Fontain, Montini hunting hut, stables by Buontalenti. Hiking clothes and shoes recommended, the tour lasts around 2 hours, it will be in Italian but still very enjoyable for foreign visitors. Free admission for only 50 visitors so it’s better to call and book at 055 2651819.

Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 – Visits at 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 4:00 PM at Cappella Rucellai, via della Spada 18, in the center of Florence. Free admission but boooking is required at 055 2651819. Guided tours of the Rucellai Chapel and Temple by Leon Battista Alberti. Inside the chapel one can see a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Gerusalem which the art historian Vasari ascribed to Alberti. It was build in 1467. Tours are in Italian, - but what is important is – that the chapel is open and you can go inside to see this little treasure!

Saturday April 25th – At 3:00 PM in

VALLOMBROSA, in the town SALTINO (REGGELLO), in via Gualberto # 331 – MEETING POINT: in front of Vallombrosa Abbey. The owners of the Villa-Castello di Acquabella  (see this link for accommodation) will open their beautiful property to the public. The villa was designed by the architect Corinto Corinti in the XIXth century and he planned it according to the “Gesamtkuntwerke” style. Before the visit there will be a brief  conference, and it will be in Italian – but what matters most is that this property will be open and you will be able to see it. Vallombrosa is also a special area up in the mountains especially appreciated by the people in Tuscany during summer.

For further information about guided tours in Florence, Tuscany and the whole of Italy log onto:  www.beautyinitaly.com