Relaxed 10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Düsseldorf to Cologne and Frankfurt

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 the Benrath palace in Dusseldorf, Germany
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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 10-day self-drive holiday in Germany. Along the way, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Oberhausen, Krefeld, Cologne, Brühl, Königswinter, Heisterbacherrott, Frankfurt, and Koblenz invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Germany, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Düsseldorf, 2 nights in Cologne, and 3 nights in Frankfurt, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Germany.

Your journey starts in Düsseldorf, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 10-day relaxed road trip in Germany to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Germany already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Phantasialand and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Germany road trip itinerary for 10 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Germany.

If you want to make your 10-day relaxed self-drive tour in Germany even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Germany includes 9 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 10 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 10-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Germany today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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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

  • Dusseldorf - Arrival day
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  • Hofgarten
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Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Düsseldorf, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Düsseldorf and begin your adventure in Germany.

Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf. 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 Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Düsseldorf and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Germany. Enjoy your first taste of Düsseldorf as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 29 km, 1 hour 9 min

  • Burgplatz
  • Rheinpromenade
  • Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf
  • Kunstsammlung
  • Schloss Benrath
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Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Düsseldorf has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in Germany!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 1 min

  • Wildpark Grafenberger Wald
  • Japanese Garden
  • Nord Park
  • Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf
  • More

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Düsseldorf.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Düsseldorf.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Dusseldorf
  • Cologne
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Drive 155 km, 2 hours 29 min

  • Duisburg Zoo
  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Gasometer Oberhausen
  • Krefelder Zoo
  • More

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Germany offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Cologne for 2 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Germany.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Germany as you make your way to Cologne. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Germany.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Cologne
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Drive 3 km, 41 min

  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Schildergasse
  • Belgisches Viertel
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Düsseldorf. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Düsseldorf that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Cologne. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Cologne
  • Frankfurt
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Drive 224 km, 3 hours 13 min

  • Phantasialand
  • Brühl Castle
  • Schloss Drachenburg
  • Siebengebirge
  • More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Frankfurt. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 8 km, 33 min

  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Alte Oper
  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • Zeil
  • Sachsenhausen
  • More

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Frankfurt.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Frankfurt
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Drive 4 km, 38 min

  • Städel Museum
  • Nizza
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Römerberg
  • Frankfurt Cathedral
  • More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Frankfurt, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Frankfurt’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Frankfurt
  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 300 km, 3 hours 52 min

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

Day 9 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Germany offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Düsseldorf. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Düsseldorf, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Düsseldorf’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Dusseldorf - Departure day
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  • Königsallee
  • More

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

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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.

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

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