If your dates are relatively fixed, it may be hard to get a reward flight. I've noticed that on the routes I have reviewed, availability is almost non existent until shortly before the flight, when it may or may not improve. I wouldn't plan a trip on that basis.

So the advice to call continental and ask them to review their resources including partners is good. I would also consider doing an upgrade if they cannot get reward seats. This far in advance, you could probably get H tickets at a not unreasonable price, and get a miles upgrade at the same time. Again, a call to continental (perhaps even the same call, if you get a good agent) is the best way to investigate this, as the upgrade fee with less than an H fare could make it advantageous to buy a very cheap ticket, pay the upgrade fee, and get the miles upgrade. I'm not a gambler, so I would not want to be put on a waiting list; this far in advance, I would hope they would be able to find a flight where the upgrade can be granted at the time of purchase.

To make the agent's task easier, I suggest you start with a firm itinerary, but be prepared to suggest alternatives if that is not available (if you are industrious, you could look up all partner flights that would be suitable, and suggest some of them if the agent cannot find availability). I think saying you want to fly to Europe is too vague, and no agent would be able to research all alternatives in a single sitting.