11-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg

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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 11-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Dortmund, Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Würzburg.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 3 nights in Dortmund, 3 nights in Cologne, 2 nights in Frankfurt, and 2 nights in Nuremberg. 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. Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle 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, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Würzburg, 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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Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Dortmund - Arrival day
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  • Team Crack - Live Escape Game Dortmund
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Say hello to Dortmund! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Dortmund for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Dortmund. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading 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 Dortmund, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Dortmund
  • More

Drive 8 km, 38 min

  • German Football Museum
  • Dortmund U-Tower
  • Museum Ostwall
  • Westfalenpark
  • More

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.

Dortmund 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 Dortmund.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Dortmund
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 104 km, 1 hour 58 min

  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • More

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Cologne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

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

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 64 km, 1 hour 47 min

  • Poppelsdorf Palace
  • Botanical Garden, Bonn
  • Bonner Münster
  • Beethoven-Denkmal
  • Beethoven-Haus Bonn
  • Kennedy Bridge
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Cologne, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bonn to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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

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.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 221 km, 3 hours 19 min

  • Koblenzer Kanten: Aussichtsplattform Rhein-Mosel-Blick
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Schloss Koblenz
  • Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
  • Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
  • Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
  • More

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Cologne, 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 Koblenz.

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

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

Cologne 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 Cologne.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Cologne
  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 349 km, 4 hours 31 min

  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Philosophers' Way
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Frankfurt, where will spend 2 nights.

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

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

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 416 km, 5 hours 4 min

  • Schlossplatz
  • Jubiläumssäule
  • Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
  • Mercedes-Benz Museum
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Frankfurt, where you have 1 night left to stay.

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

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

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Frankfurt
  • Nuremberg
  • More

Drive 225 km, 3 hours 19 min

  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • Albrecht Dürer's House
  • St Sebald - Sebalduskirche Nürnberg
  • Schöner Brunnen
  • Unschlittplatz
  • Handwerkerhof Nürnberg
  • More

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Nuremberg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Nuremberg, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg.

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Nuremberg
  • More

Drive 159 km, 2 hours 56 min

  • Gallows Gate
  • Blade Gate
  • Town Hall
  • German Christmas Museum
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • Plönlein
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Rothenburg ob der Tauber. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Nuremberg, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Nuremberg and your accommodation.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Nuremberg
  • Dortmund
  • More

Drive 442 km, 5 hours 45 min

  • Würzburg Residence
  • Four Tubes Fountain
  • Old Main Bridge
  • Marienberg Fortress
  • More

On day 10 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Würzburg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Dortmund. Dortmund 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 Dortmund, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Dortmund - Departure day
  • More
  • Rombergpark Botanical Garden
  • More

Day 11 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.

Wrap up your shopping with a drink and some pastries at a cozy cafe.

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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How it works

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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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