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

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Photo of Cologne sunset city skyline with Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River, Cologne, Germany.
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 13-day road trip through Germany. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 4 nights in Cologne, 2 nights in Heidelberg, 2 nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 3 nights in Munich, and 1 night in Bamberg. 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. Marienplatz and Neuschwanstein Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Koblenz, Remagen, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich, Karlsfeld, Hohenschwangau, Bamberg, 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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Day 1

Day 1

  • Cologne - Arrival day
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  • Schildergasse
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Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Cologne and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 3 nights and explore what to see in Cologne, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Cologne. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 13-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cologne
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Drive 23 km, 48 min

  • Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge
  • Duftmuseum im Farina Haus
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Museum Ludwig
  • Belgisches Viertel
  • More

You have 2 nights 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.

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.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 237 km, 3 hours 26 min

  • Stolzenfels Castle
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
  • Peace Museum Bridge at Remagen
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Koblenz-Stolzenfels, Koblenz, and Remagen. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

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.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Cologne
  • Heidelberg
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Drive 258 km, 3 hours 17 min

  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Church of the Holy Spirit
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Heidelberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Heidelberg, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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

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 Heidelberg, 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 5

Day 5

  • Heidelberg
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Drive 198 km, 2 hours 54 min

  • Battertfelsen Hohenbaden at the castle
  • Trinkhalle
  • Museum Frieder Burda
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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 Heidelberg, 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 Baden-Baden.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Heidelberg'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 6

Day 6

  • Heidelberg
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Drive 177 km, 2 hours 44 min

  • Toppler Castle
  • Blade Gate
  • Plönlein
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • Town Hall
  • More

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Drive 163 km, 2 hours 55 min

  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • St Sebald - Sebalduskirche Nürnberg
  • Schöner Brunnen
  • Nürnberg Altstadt
  • More

Wake up to day 7 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Nuremberg. With 1 night to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

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

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

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Munich
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Drive 258 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • English Garden
  • Dianatempel
  • Frauenkirche
  • Victuals Market
  • Marienplatz
  • More

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 3 nights.

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.

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

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Munich
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Drive 46 km, 1 hour 45 min

  • Nymphenburg Palace
  • Olympiapark
  • BMW Museum
  • Erholungsgebiet Karlsfelder See
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On day 9 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Munich, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Munich and Karlsfeld.

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

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

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

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Munich
  • More

Drive 252 km, 4 hours 17 min

  • Hohenschwangau Castle
  • Marienbrücke
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
  • More

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Munich, 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 Munich.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Munich
  • Bamberg
  • More

Drive 236 km, 2 hours 58 min

  • Michelsberg monastery
  • Bamberg Cathedral
  • Bamberg old town
  • Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg im Alten Rathaus I Museen der Stadt Bamberg
  • old town hall
  • More

Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Bamberg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bamberg, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

Bamberg 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 Bamberg.

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

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Bamberg
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 394 km, 4 hours 56 min

  • Würzburg Residence
  • Würzburger Cathedral
  • Old Main Bridge
  • Marienberg Fortress
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 12 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Würzburg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne, where will spend 1 night.

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.

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

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

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Day 13

Day 13

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Day 13 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.

For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.

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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