I'd like to echo what a few others have said here in saying that you're trying to fit in too many is such a short period of time. Heck, when I did 2 weeks backpacking in Europe in 1996, I only managed 4 countries (Switzerland, France, Netherlands and England). I do understand the feeling to cram as much in as you can, believe me. But I don't think you're aunt would truly enjoy Europe if this were done.

I'm assuming you're flying into Rome, so that's pretty much taken care of. Borrowing what Robertino posted, I'm going to suggest a different itinerary:

Rome - 3
Venice - 2
Salzburg - 2
Munich - 3
Amsterdam - 3

I cut out London due to the fact that the exchange rate isn't the greatest right now (as I'm sure you've seen quite a few topics about it in the forums), plus if you're going to have a Eurorail pass then you're going to want to get the most out of it as possible.

Good idea about cutting out London, given the exchange rates right now.

BDJ -- nothing yells "tourist" like wearing sports' team clothing, but while over here, I will display my Maroon and Gold proudly! :) Go Gophers!

&quot;<i>Good idea about cutting out London, given the exchange rates right now.</i>&quot;

Hope you realize the exchange rate to the &euro; is just as bad as to the &pound; . . . . The &pound; at $2.05 is about the same as the &euro; at $1.45. Neither is better than the other - Both are bad.

And if you think UK is dear go to Switzerland or Scandinavia where things are even more dear.

Much of this itinerary will be spent travelling. Seven hotels....Why not search out a tour company and use its services. Still want to be independent? Organize your tour on a map. Set up a spread sheet. Enter travel times between cities as well as access and egress times to the hotel. Estimate the time you will have to tour each city. Depending on your finances you might well consider a car and guide!

My advice is MINIMUM 2 night at each stop...one night stops are killer and should be avoided.

Yes indeedy - i like base city strategy - unpacking, packing, getting to and from hotel, etc. can consume half a day

maybe keep the number of overnights down and base city

like in Interlaken day trip to Lucerne, around the Berner oberland, etc.

Or Munich and day tripping to Salzburg, or v.v.

Plus base city or staying longer in one place you get more a feel for the city and area you are staying in

Given that the minimum train journey from Munich to Amsterdam is 7.30 hours I think you should reconsider this part of the trip. Not that I want to discourage a visit to Ams but that is a whole day out of your precious two weeks just getting from one city to another.
So either drop Amsterdam or maybe consider flying, though that will take nearly as long nowadays.