4-5 weeks in Europe, where should we go?

We took a 2 week trip to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague--by train. You could also add Dresden and Berlin to this itinerary--all in a straight line. They're all fantastic cities in every way.
With the advent of budget European airlines, I like the idea of touring a region properly--and then flying to a completely different place. You could fly to Scotland, or Ireland, or Portugal or Copenhagen on the way home for a different travel experience.
I also like catching an ocean cruise like we recently did from Rome thru the Greek Isles to Turkey and Athens before ending in Venice. Last year, we loved our Scandinavian cruise that included two days in St. Petersburg--starting and ending in Copenhagen. Most cruises are so much cheaper than trying to travel via ground in those regions--a true bargain in travel.
Good luck to you, as you're going to have a wonderful time.

"We have been leaning toward going to Switzerland, Dolomites, Austria, and Prague but would love input! If you think these are your recommended picks for our time frame, which cities/towns should we spend our time?!"

Sounds good to me very generally speaking, but hard to say where exactly you should go as there are no hints in your post as to what interests you about these places or what you hope to see/experience. I'd have a look through some guidebooks and see what tugs at you.

With 5 weeks you could probably do a little more. If you visit Switzerland, you'll be pretty close to two other excellent destinations worth considering - the French Alsace (Colmar, Strasbourg and more) and the nearly adjacent Black Forest in Germany. Think great scenery, hiking, half-timbered, old-world towns, traditional local culture, and good food (Baiersbronn is a bit of a Mecca for fine meals.) In September you can think wine fests. Beer lovers might visit the Rothaus Brewery or the monastery/brewery in Alpirsbach.

I truly loved Spain - however, it will be really hot, especially in Southern Spain, in Aug Sept. I would maybe save that and Portugal for another trip....

We are going to Prague/Vienna/Berlin this Christmas and pretty excited about that! Wish we had time to add Budapest....

Kim

Such a nice problem to have. For sure see all of switz and the gorgeous dolomites for about 3.5 weeks then take a guided tour to the adriatic. U did not mention croatia, slovenia but it is a wonderful tour. I took a Smartours based out of new york there this yr and was delighted i finally went. All my life i have been an indep traveler.
But this was a wonderful option since the sights are spread apartband english is not always poss. It might be a nice finish to yor 5 wk adventure for a reasonable price. It is priced with or without air..

I see your bucket list:

• France (we loved Paris and want to see more of France, especially the French Riviera)

France outside of Paris is great, and so many super places to see. Provence (SE France, especially the Rhone River Valley and rivera is great) We took a week long river cruise that was wonderful) St. Paul de Venice, Monaco, Nice, Arles, Pont du Gard and more.
Strasburg on the Rhine is a great city to visit, also, if interested in WWI history, Verdun. Normandy and the Loire Valley are great. I haven't been to Bordeaux, but that is another area.

• Portugal
  Portugal is like Spain, but we loved the people even more. They are the best. Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Evora and Porto (loved Porto).

• Spain (we loved Barcelona and would love to see more of Spain)
  Around Madrid you have wonderful Toledo and Segovia then Seville in the south. Granada is great, but Seville is a must.

• Switzerland
  This is your most expensive country on the list. Much to see and do in this scenic and wonderful country. Check out Interlaken and Lucerne.

• Austria
  Salzburg and Vienna are great, if time also Innsbruck.

• Prague
  Graat city, combine with Vienna, Salzburg and Munich.

• More of the lakes of Italy, especially near Verona and the Dolomites
  lots of choices there

• Greece, Montenegro, and Southern Italy
  I suggest a cruise that visits Athens and several Greek Islands, and perhaps Dubrovnik. For islands, Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos are huge. I have never been to Sicily, can't help you there.

• Baltics (Scandanavia, Denmark, etc)
  Expensive as Switzerland. Scandinavia is almost like going to Britain, since everyone speaks English. Norway has the fantastic Fjords, but Denmark has lots to see. Haven't been to Sweden or Finland.

• Ireland - Scotland
  I suggest a separate trip for Ireland and Scotland. Both are special, Edinburgh is amazing. as well as Lock Ness/