Tony, I'm sure these are great places.

But if you compare the sights with Rome and the Colosseum and the Vatican or the night life with Berlin, then they just don't come out on top.

I'd say exactly the same about my hometown which is also a pleasant place with a lot of students. Great place but I think in comparison to the competition just not the number one.

Great suggestions and fun to read.

Fat Tire bike tours are great! Check out the e-bike evening dinner tour in Berlin.

Going to Europe for the first time to get fall down drunk and who-knows-what-else, doesn't sound too smart to me. Be smart. :)

Remember the adage: bring half as much stuff, and twice as much money, as you think you'll need.

I like the Munich-Salzburg-Vienna combo but if you go to Berlin skip Sancoucci!

However, assuming its in your budget, my number one choice would be Rome-Florence-Venice with open jaw flights if you can get them for a reasonable price! With day trips to Pompeii, Tuscany etc. this makes for a great trip! And because there are so many english speaking tourists you won't have a problem with a language barrier.

London and Amsterdam. Alternatively, if you have only one week then the Greek island of Santorini.

At 17/18 the last things I or my kids had any interest in were Architecture and Museums. Have you asked Them what They want to do??

Amsterdam. Weed, booze, and hookers. Surely that can appeal to every 18 year old. The 17 year olds will have to stand by the sidelines though.

At 17/18 the last things I or my kids had any interest in were Architecture and Museums>

Yup my French son and his buds made several trips to Amsterdamned whilst in high school and the only museum they saw was the Hash Museum and Sex Museum!