Looking for a holiday in Italy...advice needed!

[SideWinder]

Hey,

I'm looking to go on a weeks holiday with my girlfriend to Italy at the end of August or somewhere around that time. We want a city holiday with lots to explore BUT most importantly, a beach.

We've been looking on Expedia and found a few places but would appreciate some advice...what is Sicily like? Tuscany? Calabria?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SideWinder]

Very helpful, thankyou! Not sure the OH appreciated me waking her up at 3.30am just so i could read something off a forum to her....

Any other comments/advice?