Dan Winterland is right of course, BUT if you want to any serious touring around Europe, sole ownership is almost your only option, as most clubs or FBOs will require a minimum flown (or paid) per day. This pretty much precludes just going somewhere for a few days.
That said, Albatross, I'd say keep the first a/c you buy simple and sweet. I cannot comment on the merits of the Thielerts, never having flown one, but I don't hear an awful lot of great things about them.
If you have the opportunity to do a leaseback to an FTO/FBO that maintains Cessnas then just get a bog-standard C172 and trade up later on. Even within the Cessna lineup you can go to a 172RG (my usual mount) or a 182 without having to jump through burning hoops in maintenance and certification issues.
Happy flying!