12-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling east to Cochem, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, and Bamberg

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

Whatever your travel style is, Bundesbank Bunker is an essential stop in Cologne. This up-and-coming museum provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Reichsburg Cochem, a romantic castle, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Historische Senfmühle Dehren Gmbh, an increasingly popular museum.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant zum Onkel Willi, a top-rated dining destination in Cochem.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kelsey's Eck, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

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

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cochem, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Cochem, there’s no need to rush. Experience Keldung, Wittlich, Graach a der Mosel, and Traben-Trarbach to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Eltz Castle is an ideal stop early in the day. This interesting castle is a must-visit in the village.

One of the best things about exploring Cochem on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Zylinderhaus Museum Für Oldtimer Und Technik, an up-and-coming museum in the village. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Brückentor (traben-trarbach).

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

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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

Awaiting your discovery is the popular Old Bridge Heidelberg, an enchanting historical landmark in Heidelberg. Next, go to Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg.

After visiting Old Bridge Heidelberg and Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg, have a stroll along Heidelberg's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Kornmarkt. This instagrammable public square offers a unique experience. Heidelberg Castle is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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 Heidelberg's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a top-rated dining spot in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood for something new, try VINCIdue, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Essighaus. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heidelberg.

Continue your lively evening at Destille, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Orange Cafe Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Lenox Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where will spend 2 nights.

No visit to Heidelberg is complete without Plönlein, Wandbrunnen (rothenburg Ob Der Tauber). This frequently visited public square is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Medieval Crime Museum, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Heidelberg, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to German Christmas Museum. This up-and-coming museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Town Hall, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber's best restaurants.

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

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

Make time for Castle Garden, a locally appreciated park that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Nördlinger Stadtmauer, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Saint George Church. This church is one of the town’s most increasingly popular spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Rothenburg ob der Tauber at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Kirchturm Daniel. After exploring the church, head to the curiosity-inducing Noerdlingen Gate. Lastly, wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Dinkelsbühl Altstadt, a place of visually striking interest in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

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

Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

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.

On day 8 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Munich are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Munich, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the interesting Bmw Museum and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Hofgarten, a visually striking park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Frauenkirche, one of the city’s most notable spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the widely recognized Viktualienmarkt. When you're finished at the food market, Marienplatz awaits your visit. This public square is a visually striking highlight on today's itinerary.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Little London / Bar & Grill, an iconic dining spot in Munich. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ginkgo, a popular restaurant in Munich. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Wirtshaus Zum Straubinger, a hidden gem nestled in Munich. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Garçon, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Zephyr Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Holy Spirit 1 Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Bamberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bamberg, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Awaiting your discovery is the frequently visited Neue Residenz Bamberg, an enchanting palace in Munich. Next, go to Bamberg Cathedral.

After visiting Neue Residenz Bamberg and Bamberg Cathedral, have a stroll along Munich's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Bamberg Old Town. This UNESCO world heritage-listed historical landmark offers a unique experience. Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg Im Alten Rathaus I Museen Der Stadt Bamberg is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Rathaus, one of the most historic places to visit in Munich.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bamberg, 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 Bamberg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Würzburg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne, where you'll spend 1 night.

Enjoy all that Würzburg Residence has to offer. This is a frequently visited palace you should not miss. Another must-see is Wurzburg Cathedral, an up-and-coming church in Bamberg.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Four Tubes Fountain. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Old Main Bridge, another of the city’s notable attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Marienberg Fortress, an enchanting place of interest in the city.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Soul Bar Cologne, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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