Another +1 for stu's itinerary!

We've taken our kids several times to Europe and less is more, truly. You (and they) will be so much happier with less stops. (Although I completely understand and agree that Europe has so much that it is hard to cut down!)

Re: only making it to Europe every ten years or so...it took my DH and I 21 years to make it back after our initial trip, but then only 6 to return for a second trip with the kids, and hoping to make it only 3 for the next one. Once you take the kids, you may find that you return more often so that you can show them all Europe's wonders.