re: How much to save for a 2 week European vacation?

Fly to Munich (lots to do there) on a flight leaving the US in the evening. Sleep on the flight(Xanax?) so you will arrive on the morning. Hit up some day trips to Fussen (Neuschwantstein Castle) and or Salzburg (high speed rail = 90 minutes each way). 3 nights

Take train to Venice or drive with a stop in Innsbruck.
Enjoy Venice, especially at night. 3 nights

Option A- take a day trip to Rome. The major sites can be seen in a day. Make it a long day so you can really enjoy it. The Vatican should be your first stop.

Next, take a Greek Island cruise out of Venice. These can include Croatia and or Turkey. Research it.

Option B
Venice to Rome (also high speed rail...2 hours)
Rome has tons to see and do. Stay off the 64 bus!
Day trip to Florence (high speed rail...90 min)
4 nights

Ferry to Barcelona overnight (cabin style). The ferries are pretty nice. Enjoy Barcelona.

Barcelona to Madrid on high speed rail (2 hours).
Enjoy Madrid.
4 nights

Fly home

I have done both. I prefer Option A as you get to chill a little more except for Rome. Stay a night in Rome if it is too much to cover. Still, I enjoyed both.

PS - don't get fricking Ebola!