Regarding Sardenia, I thought this "travelogue" made for a good read:
http://www.hitherandthither.net/2010...september.html

Look at Villa Le Sirene in Positano. We rented the large apartment a few years ago and absolutely loved it. The views are fabulous, it is in a great location, the owners are lovely ... I could go on and on.

One of the things I love about Positano is there are lots of great options for relaxing on the beach, from the large beach in town to secluded beaches only available by boat. Sure, they are not long stretches of sandy beaches like the Caribbean, but they are a different lovely experience.

We love the AC - but do go in May to avoid the crowds. And we don't do beaches - most are not that pleasant but stick by the hotel pool.

The thing about the AC and much of the Riviera - is that the beaches are not sand. They are pebbles or even rocks and often are found in town centers - with fishing boats pulled up on one side and rental loungers and shops right behind.

So it depends on what you want. Being from Long Island - with incredible beautiful soft white sand beaches that stretch for more than a hundred miles - I am disappointed by many in europe.

Wow, I think of Hawaii as the most relaxing place. No need to go snorkeling, ziplining, etc. But we prefer Kauai. It's more lush and less populated than Oahu or Maui. The Big Island is not dense either. It has two sides, the Hilo side (200 inches rain/year) and the Kona side (very dry, mostly lava.) There's Lanai and Molokai, if you want really remote.

Back in Europe, the most relaxing place I've found is the beautiful Adriatic coast of Croatia. There are a few sandy beaches, but most places people swim from and sunbathe on rocks. Lots of pretty little seaside towns along the coast, and lots of relaxing islands. We loved Korcula. Plus some sights to see if you choose.

Croatia is very laid back and slow-going, like Italy in the 1950s.

Totally with you Mimar...I like Kauai, but didn't love the afternoon rain (but what makes it lush). Dying to get to The Big Island!! Totally agree that it is so laid back and beautiful....you don't have to do a thing.

Thank you all so much for the input. I will check out the T&L article! And will look into the Positano place.

I have thought about Croatia coast but I feel like it might not be as warm as I would like and is the food up to par?

Don't get me wrong about Hawaii, I really do want to go sometime. Just personal preference I feel like I would want to save it for a non-honeymoon trip.

September is a perfect time for the Croatian coast, but you may want to read up on the beaches (primarily rock and pebble, but gorgeous). Food not as good as Italy (what is?), but is good quality--if you like seafood. It is simple grilled fish, that kind of thing. Your budget would go quite far.

Villa Le Sirene is a lovely place, but there are many staircases to get to it from the main street, Via Pasitea. I also think since this would be your first visit that a hotel would be a better choice since you'd have a front desk/concierge available, services, and some flexibility in changing rooms if you encounter any problems.

We've stayed many times at HOTEL POSEIDON, which is almost across the street from LE SIRENE. It's a four star boutique hotel with incredible views of town and beach from most rooms and its restaurant terrace. I've also checked out BUCA DI BACCO at the beach level, and those rooms looking out over the water were really special. Another one to look at: ALBERGO MIRAMARE.

And on a totally different subject, I agree with the assessment above of Croatian food. Loved Croatia, but the food was only OK, whereas in Italy it is often extraordinary.

Thanks so much for the Positano suggestions.

I will second WWK's suggestion for Hotel Poseidon if it is within your budget. Great location and smashing views.

There are 65 steps to get down to Villa Le Sirene from the main road (and 65 steps to get back up). I always figure that the steps allowed me to consume more pasta and vino! if you rent Villa Le Sirene, they will arrange porters to take your luggage to/from the villa.

As you can see WWK and I share an affinity for Positano!

Two more hotels in Positano to check out that I forgot to mention: PALAZZO MURAT, at ground/beach level. Has a beautiful garden, good food, and almost in town and at the beach. Only note of caution: Some rooms have almost no view, and others don't offer the same panoramic view you get from hotels higher up from town.

Also: HOTEL MARINCANTO. GORGEOUS!!!

Thanks for the hotel suggestions.

Any tips for when to buy flights and itinerary help? For example, say the wedding is on a Saturday, should we spend the entire day Sunday flying and arriving what would essentially be late Sunday early Monday then spend 7-10 days until the return trip middle of the following week? I have read several places that 1-3 months prior to trip is best opportunity to purchase plane tickets, but that seems cutting it close. What about January? Obviously I know that on Tuesday/Wednesday fares are cheapest.

Most of the old tricks/rules about when to buy plane tix are no longer true. I think the best bet is to get e-mail alerts from various online search engines ( Farecompare, etc) and buy your tix when/if you find pricing that is almost bearable. Be prepared for some sticker shock, especially if you are going during the peak summer months. Also be prepared for heavy crowds on the Amalfi Coast if you are going from mid-June- end of August.

I buy when the price is right for me, whether 5 months out or 1 month out.
Talk with your fiance about when you wish to depart--if it is a big wedding, the day after may not be ideal.
I think you should expect to pay roughly 1500-2k per ticket for east coast US to Italy in late August or early September. The date was in flux before--do you still have the September option? I have seen pretty good flights to Naples, with only one plane change.

Interesting, I shouldn't be surprised with peak Summer months = high price tickets.

We are still trying to set a date so September is still in play. Good flights to Naples around then?

I did a lot of browsing for tickets to Naples from US in date ranges between very end of August, all of September and beginning of October. The lowest prices I saw were at the time the flights were first released (I forget how many months in advance that is) and then again around 60 days out, I saw those same lower fares again after a rise for several months in between. And the flight times/routes were great. Just one stop & a few convenient departure times to choose from. I ended up pulling the trigger at the 60 day mark. It was just under $1500. They had been over $1700 at points earlier when I checked.

If you're having a very big or fussy wedding you will likely be very tired for a couple days after. You might like to delay your departure a bit. But I understand that could interfere with your vacation time away from work or other obligations too. You could also look at it in a way of you might as well be tired on the plane anyway, rest then. And recovering on a lounge chair in Positano is also pretty nice. Just don't plan much moving around or activities your first full day there. And be fully packed & ready to go before the wedding if leaving the next day. I was a zombie after mine & couldnt have packed for a trip to the corner store the day after! September is beautiful time to be there. Have fun!

Thanks for sharing!

I have also heard many times that the beaches of Sardinia are as good as the Caribbean and can believe it - especially as to me the beaches of Skiathos are much better and yet more likely to be inferior to those of Sardinia. You certainly won't find the best beaches on Santorini. Also, you shouldnt dismiss alternatives to Provence like the Languadoc which I found much more interesting than Cannes etc.

What's your U.S. departure city?

Thanks for the tips "Stevelyon"

"WWK - Departure City would be Washington DC or NYC.