1st trip to Europe!

My wife and I are planning our 1st trip to Europe and seem overwhelmed. The places we want to visit are: London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Venice, Uknown city in Germany, and Amsterdam.

I am confident that we do not want to take a planned tour. We want to plan a little of it, but still be able to tavel on a whim in some cities.

I initially thought we would fly into London, spend 3 or 4 days, and then take the train to Paris and spend 3 or 4 days. Then possibly fly to Madrid for 3 or 4 days and then fly to Rome for 3 or 4 days. At this point we thought we would rent a car and drive from Rome to Venice, maybe stopping in a small town for the night on the way. We would then spend 2 or 3 days in Venice.

We would then take a train to Germany. I think we only have time for one stop in Germany, question is which city to we chose, Munich or Berlin, or something else. From Germany, take a grain to Amsterdam for a couple of days and then fly home.

I would probably pre book flight and hotel in London, and a hotel in Paris, and then wing everything else, We want to the flexability to get to a city and then stay longer if we want (than if on a tour).

I have look at the Eurorail pass and it seems that it would cost alot ($700 or $800 a person) for what we would use.

My questions are:

Does the route I plan, make the most sense or should we fly into or out of different places?
Does it make sense to fly within Europe or book individual train trips?
What are the odds of getting a quaint hotel without booking anything in advance and keeping the price reasonable?
If you could pick only one city in Germany to visit, which would it be?
Goal is not to spend over $150/per night for hotel? We are not looking for the ritz carlton, and probably prefer something nice and unique for a hotel.
For this kind of trip, how much clothing and/or luggage should we take? Are there convenient places to do laundry in most cities?

Thanks for any replies and I will post additional questions as I think of them.

Boom
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I would fly within Europe rather than take the train, unless you are travelling somewhere relatively close. But taking a train from Italy to Germany can take a long time.
Of choosing between Munich or Berlin, I would choose Berlin easily. It's a great city, with tons to see and do.
easyjet is the cheapest way to fly from italy to berlin, and if you book early enough the airfare is rediculously low.
As for your idea of driving in Italy, I would seriously reconsider that. Italy is by far the craziest place to drive, and if this is your first trip to europe, you don't want to have to worry about getting lost, getting into an accident, reading italian road signs, and dealing with the craziest drivers you will ever see. Trains in Italy are really efficient and, I think, the best way to travel.
As for luggage, especially if you plan on flying within Europe, be sure to pack light because there will be a maximum weight allowed on the airplane-- which will be lower within europe than your international flight. Check your air carrier beforehand to make sure. Reply to this

All I can say and agree with hazel1050 and pmr, is: don't take a car in Italy, especially if you want to go to Venice! Venice is not a place to drive at all, it's a place to do by foot and/or by boat. The streets are extremely narrow and the parcking could cost you a fortune (if you find a parking place).
Traveling by train could be interesting if you have more time to spend but in your case I would rather take the plane which is faster and gives me more time to spend in one country.
As for accomodation... hotels are quite expensive... what we use to do when traveling to more than one place is to go in an internet caffee (if I don't take the lap with me) and look for accomodation in the next place we want to stay (generally we go for apartments). To have a pre-booked accomodation is more relaxing than having to wonder throughout the city to find a convenient place to stay over night, especially when you are tired and carry the luggage with you. Reply to this