Our Trip to Europe is Happening. Advice on Where to Go?
 

After deciding to go to S. America this year versus Europe (TR to come), I've been given the go ahead for a trip to Europe next summer, depending on when Dad gets time off. However I can't decide where to go. Since many of you have explored Europe in depth, I'd like your advice on that matter.

Some background information:
- Dad has explored Europe many a time. He has gotten a little bored of Paris and all the usual destinations the rest of us want to explore. I'd like to include something a little different for him. Budapest? Dubrovnik?
- Mum, being a Brit, has also explored Europe but has yet to bore of it. She adores Italy, especially Rome and has expressed interest in seeing Prague for the first time!
- I am dying to go to Paris. I love history, and especially French, and would love to take a day trip to Versailles and maybe the castles of the Loire Valley.
- My brother loves cars and wants to go to Modena and see the Ferrari factory. However, no one else has any interest in going. Is there a large dealership in Rome my dad could take him to while mum and I explore?
- Whole family loves history. We are also in good shape and love the outdoors. Dad and Mum are in their 50s, brother will be 15 and I will be almost 17 by the time the trip happens.

This is sort of what I was thinking for 3 weeks:
- Budapest (4 days)
- Prague (4 days)
- Rome (6 days)
- Paris (8 days)

And a few questions:
- Would it be unreasonable to take a day trip to the Champange region or Loire from Paris? Any experience with this?
- Any interesting small towns we could see (instead of above options?)
- Is it worth it going out of the way to Rome? Possible to fit in Venice?
- I've read a little bit about biking tours in France. My dad ADORES biking and this would please him (instead of going to Budapest). Has anyone here done one?
- Not totally sure on budget, but since we get free flights on a large airline I'm thinking 20,000 USD is reasonable esp. since the Euro is low. We like luxury though. Thoughts?

Any suggestions welcome (on any matter)!

What precisely do you mean by luxury? If you are talking about the 5* palace hotels - no there is no way that budget will cover it. If you are talking about 4* business type hotels and you shop around you should be OK.

But - a big issue. The usual room configuration in europe is one double bed for 2 people. So either you need to get two rooms (one double, one twin) or find hotels that will sleep 4 adults in one room with a bed configuration good for you. (When we traveled with out 2 tween/teen daughters we got them their own room - there was no way I was sharing a bath with them.)

I think the itinerary you have looks good - enough time to do a day trip here and there (perhaps a couple of bike days from Paris for your dad) - and you have left time to move form one city to another (although it's no listed in the itinerary).

We would never stay anywhere like the Ritz but would probably stay in nice apartments. Since we don't have to pay for transportation to or from Europe, that saves us money. Is 25,000$-30,000$ more reasonable? I ask simply because I'd to give my parents a budget spreadsheet before we go.

Edit: Talked to the parents. 30,000 is a bit excessive. I think 25,000 is reasonable, especially since we don't need to pay for airfare to and from.

Of course my first thought is you need to find someone familiar with the various options as $25,000 over 21 to 22 days, would give most people a ton of excellent choices. Budapest and Prague will be cheaper then Rome and Paris. Good luck in your research, and dream on.

Thanks @robert2353. I was rather surprised how cheap Budapest is! If