One month trip in Europe

Okay, I have no idea what to do. I know I need to book and plan everything right now if I plan to leave Poland on July 13(Friday the 13th). Places I would like to see are the south of France, Paris, Nice, Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Greece, Prague, Germany. I love architecture, castles, beautiful scenery. I want to avoid touristy places but also want to hit the big places such as Milan, Paris, Greece and Rome. I do not want to stay more than a couple of days in one place because I have no one to enjoy it with and I want to see as much as possible. I plan to travel Europe many times, but this is my first.

I will be traveling alone for the first 21 days. Around August first my mother and her sister will join me. I will not have to cover any cost except to return to Poland once they leave. I have around $1500 for the whole trip. I have family willing to loan me more money but I only want to do that if something happens. I plan to stay in hostels the whole time and have found several for around $10/night or even as cheap as $5 but for one night a week only. The max I can spend on housing is $20/night. I plan to buy local foods and not dine out, I don't drink alcohol so no issue there. I will not buy clothes or souvenirs... I already have too much to take back with me to the states from living one year in Poland.

My mother wants to castles and the town where my Great-Great Grandparents lived in Germany. She will only have 10days of sight seeing. She also wants to see castles. I remember my German teacher telling me that Cinderella's castle is in the Black Forest part of Germany. I am thinking of leaving Poland and hitting Prague first and coming back to Poland through Berlin.

I cannot get a interial pass because I am not a citizen of an European country, but a USA citizen. Is it worth it to get a Rail pass and does anyone have any idea which one. I have been looking at the one month continuous pass but I would be pushing my money limits if I did. I do not plan to go north west or west. Is Spain a viable option for me or should I stick with France, Germany, Italy, and the eastern Europe countries?

Any help would be great

Don't try and do too much so miss Spain out this trip. Even travelling takes quite a bit from your allotted time.

The places you want to see are touristy places. The time when you are going, July and August, is in the high season when the kids are off school in Europe, so expect crowds everywhere. A good idea to book now as rooms and transport fills up, but that time of year nothing is cheap. Also many French rush down to the south of France so really busy.

Be aware that there are some cheapish flights about so they may be better than rail or bus, and a lot quicker on long journeys.

Be careful of pick pockets, even little kids. They flock to European tourist sites in summer and mix with the crowds at tourist sites and on public transport.

Check out www.couchsurfing.org, you can stay with hosts for free and meet locals who will show you some non-touristy stuff. You can save some money and you'll get the experience I think you're looking for.