Thank you again for all the replies... I agree it is very city based but I'm planning on some more focused vacationing after this initial trip. I'm an architecture buff as well and wanted to knock out some specific sites.

As far as Germany, I think we're locked into Munich as far as the wife is concerned Which is fair because the Alps were a main attraction to me. I was thinking skiing but at that point in the year it seems like it may be a little in question and renting and/or lugging equipment TALT doesn't appeal to me since we're hopping around. I'm thinking it's going to be some cable cars and some light hiking with a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle possibly thrown in.

I agree about Dublin. I'm planning on renting a car for our time there and doing some exploring. That’s actually a place that for some reason stands out in my mind as a little cliché. I'll do the touristy things the first day or so and then I'm thinking heading out to the coast.

What I'm stuck on for the most part now is 1 May in Munich. It looks like most hotels are booked solid... Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonably priced room within a decent walk to the city centre? I wouldn't be too terribly concerned about price if I didn't plan to be closing on my home at or around this period too.