So I'm back and working on my South Africa recap, and also trying to finalize my summer trip with my boyfriend (previous thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/july-2013-europe-northern-italy-or-corsica-parisbarcelonamarseille.cfm)

Due to his intractable nature and somewhat unforgiving industry, we cannot travel in June or July, but must go in August, the month that is the bane of my traveling existence (or something). We vetted the various destinations brought up on the previous thread, and dear boyfriend wants Italy and nothing else. It'll be the first trip to Italy for both of us. So here are the particulars, and my thoughts:

He wants: great food, beach time, some nightlife, fashion/shopping
I want: art + history (most interested in ancient and Renaissance), great food, relaxation, some great scenery.
Only must for both of us: Rome, with me stipulating at least 3-4 nights there.

He'd still like to go to Milan, but only really to people-watch for fashion, and I did mention a lot of locals will be on holiday during this time so it's a not a must.

We've got 10 total nights we can make this happen (arrive on Thursday Aug 1 , weekend, week, and weekend with a departure on Sunday Aug 11 afternoon back to New York). Here are the main combinations I think work between Rome and our array of interests within a short period of time. Haven't booked flights yet. Steer me to the best available idea???

1. Rome + Naples / Amalfi Coast - fulfills art + history in both places, cuisine of Rome and Campania of high interest, beach/coastal activity, great scenery along the coast, nightlife opportunities in Rome and Amalfi Coast (?) Would think about an even split of nights (5, 5)

2. Rome + Sardinia (+Milan) - could fly into Milan and spend a night or two there, then split time between beach on Sardinia and nights in Rome (2, 4, 4) seems like there's more to do in Sardinia besides beach, but would need to do further research.

3. Rome + Milan + Lakes - still getting art, history in Rome (and Milan to an extent, but less ancient history that I particularly am interested in), less excited about the food of Lombardy although that might just be lack of familiarity, lakes much quieter than Amalfi area? Even split of nights or weighted towards Rome (5 , 5 or 6 , 4).

We were looking at a Rome + coastal Tuscany (+ Milan) option, but neither of us have a feel for what the beach/coastal areas are like in Tuscany in August. Venice and Florence we scratched on account of previous trip reports saying they were sweatboxes and full of tourists, whereas Rome is big enough to not feel overwhelmed (although still sweltering).

Help as we finalize? We're close now and more targeted, but would love any feedback.

Thanks everyone!!!!