Travel packages in Germany

Road trips in Germany

10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling west to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Essen

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Photo of Phoenix See lake is an artificial lake on the former steelworks Phoenix East in Dortmund.

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Explore the best of Germany on a remarkable 10-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Dortmund, Cologne, Bonn, Königswinter, Brühl, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Solingen, Wuppertal, Oberhausen, Essen, Bochum, and Feldhausen.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 2 nights in Dortmund, 2 nights in Cologne, 3 nights in Düsseldorf, and 2 nights in Essen. 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 Dortmund, 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 Dortmund, Cologne, Bonn, Königswinter, Brühl, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Solingen, Wuppertal, Oberhausen, Essen, Bochum, and Feldhausen, 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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Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Dortmund - Arrival day
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Westfalenpark
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Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Dortmund and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Dortmund, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Dortmund 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 Dortmund. 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 Dortmund, 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!

Day 2

Dortmund
Cologne
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Drive 98 km, 1 hour 40 min

German Football Museum
Dortmund U-Tower
Dortmund Zoo
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Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Dortmund. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Germany.

Day 3

Cologne
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Drive 9 km, 49 min

Cologne Zoological Garden
Cologne Cathedral
Old Market
Cologne Chocolate Museum
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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.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Cologne.

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.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

Day 4

Cologne
Dusseldorf
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Drive 160 km, 2 hours 36 min

House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany
GOP Varieté-Theater Bonn
Rheinaue
Schloss Drachenburg
Phantasialand
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On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bonn, Königswinter, and Brühl are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Düsseldorf, where you will stay for 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 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.

Head back to your accommodation in Düsseldorf and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

Day 5

Dusseldorf
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Drive 39 km, 1 hour 13 min

Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf
Nord Park
Japanese Garden
Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf
Schloss Benrath
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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 Düsseldorf'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.

Day 6

Dusseldorf
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Drive 79 km, 1 hour 40 min

Rheinpromenade
Burgplatz
Hofgarten
Duisburg Zoo
Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
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Greet day 6 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Düsseldorf, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Düsseldorf and Duisburg.

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

Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Day 7

Dusseldorf
Essen
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Drive 190 km, 2 hours 57 min

Hotel Schloss Dyck
Burg Castle
Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal
Gasometer Oberhausen
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Rubbelrath, Solingen, Wuppertal, and Oberhausen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Essen, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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

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

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Day 8

Essen
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Drive 34 km, 1 hour 27 min

Villa Hügel
Hügel Park
LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck
UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
Shaft XII
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Day 8 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Dortmund. You’ll stay in Essen 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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Essen's best restaurants.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Germany.

Day 9

Essen
Dortmund
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Drive 131 km, 2 hours 1 min

Bochum Park
Botanical Garden
Movie Park Germany
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Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Bochum and Feldhausen. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dortmund, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 10

Dortmund - Departure day
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Rombergpark Botanical Garden
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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.

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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Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

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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.

We guarantee

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

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