re: Help travel w/ CC points

If redeeming on DL metal you're better off moving your AMEX points to Flying Club (Virgin Atlantic). Think there is currently a 30% bonus on transfers and you can find transatlantic business class for 50k each way. The award search and booking process is a PITA but you could Google and get some additional info.

ETA: I would also look into business going and a premium economy product coming back if you want to make it work with only miles. Some of those can be had for as few as 17,500 miles each way and are closer to US domestic business class. Don't let a European business class leg (Ex. LHR to Germany be a deal breaker. Their inter-europe biz class is just SW with an open seat in the middle.)

Also, pay attention to the Peak and Off Peak charts for the European Carriers when planning. It can save you quite a bit and they are all different.