10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Düsseldorf, Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, and Aachen and surrounding area

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Photo of Cologne sunset city skyline with Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River, Cologne, Germany.
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Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 10-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cologne, Wuppertal, Oberhausen, Krefeld, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Koblenz, Keldung, Bernkastel-Kues, Graach a der Mosel, Sosberg, Trier, Schalkenmehren, Weiersbach, Cochem, Aachen, Brühl, and Königswinter.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 3 nights in Cologne, 3 nights in Düsseldorf, 1 night in Bernkastel-Kues, 1 night in Trier, and 1 night in Aachen. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Germany. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Cologne, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Germany on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Germany. Phantasialand and Cologne Cathedral are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Wuppertal, Oberhausen, Krefeld, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Koblenz, Keldung, Bernkastel-Kues, Graach a der Mosel, Sosberg, Trier, Schalkenmehren, Weiersbach, Cochem, Aachen, Brühl, and Königswinter, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Throughout your road trip in Germany, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Germany.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Germany today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Cologne - Arrival day
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  • Schildergasse
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Welcome to Cologne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Cologne before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Cologne is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cologne. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 10-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cologne
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Drive 9 km, 50 min

  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Belgisches Viertel
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You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cologne
  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 205 km, 3 hours 1 min

  • Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal
  • Gasometer Oberhausen
  • Krefelder Zoo
  • Hotel Schloss Dyck
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 places, which are Wuppertal, Oberhausen, Krefeld, and Rubbelrath. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Düsseldorf, where will spend 3 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 104 km, 2 hours 20 min

  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • Tiger & Turtle
  • Hofgarten
  • Schloss Benrath
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Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Duisburg and Düsseldorf. With 2 nights to stay in Düsseldorf, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Düsseldorf.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 13 km, 48 min

  • Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf
  • Nord Park
  • Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf
  • Rheinpromenade
  • Burgplatz
  • More

Day 5 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cologne. You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Dusseldorf
  • Bernkastel-Kues
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Drive 297 km, 4 hours 28 min

  • Maria Laach Abbey
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
  • Eltz Castle
  • More

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Germany includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Glees, Koblenz, and Keldung. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bernkastel-Kues, where you'll spend 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bernkastel-Kues. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bernkastel-Kues. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Bernkastel-Kues
  • Trier
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Drive 137 km, 2 hours 32 min

  • Zylinderhaus Museum für Oldtimer und Technik
  • Geierlay Suspension Bridge
  • Trier Amphitheater
  • Porta Nigra
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Graach a der Mosel, Sosberg, and Trier are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Trier, where you will stay for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Trier, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Trier is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Trier.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Trier
  • Aachen
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Drive 273 km, 3 hours 54 min

  • Schalkenmehrener Maar
  • Wildlife and adventure park Daun
  • Cochem Castle
  • Historische Senfmühle Dehren GmbH
  • More

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Schalkenmehren, Weiersbach, and Cochem. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Aachen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Aachen. Aachen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Aachen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Aachen
  • Cologne
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Drive 160 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Elisenbrunnen
  • Aachen Cathedral
  • Carolus Thermen
  • Phantasialand
  • Schloss Drachenburg
  • More

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Aachen, Brühl, and Königswinter. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Say good night to Cologne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Old Market
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Day 10 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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