13-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling south to Stuttgart, Munich, and Nuremberg

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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 3 nights in Cologne, 1 night in Pleikartsförster Hof, 2 nights in Stuttgart, 4 nights in Munich, 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 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, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Stuttgart, Constance, Friedrichshafen, Munich, Hohenschwangau, Horn, Füssen, Dachau, Karlsfeld, 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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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 2 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cologne. 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 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 3 km, 40 min

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Old Market
  • Rheingarten (Köln)
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Belgisches Viertel
  • More

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Belgisches Viertel. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

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.

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.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 260 km, 3 hours 23 min

  • Neckarwiese (Heidelberg)
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Pleikartsförster Hof, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Stuttgart
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Drive 328 km, 4 hours 53 min

  • Merkur Funicular Railway
  • Gönneranlage
  • Museum Frieder Burda
  • The Baden-Baden Casino
  • Triberg Waterfalls
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Baden-Baden and Triberg im Schwarzwald are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stuttgart, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Stuttgart'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!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Stuttgart
  • More

Drive 17 km, 56 min

  • Mercedes-Benz Museum
  • Wilhelma
  • Schlossplatz
  • Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
  • 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.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Stuttgart
  • Munich
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Drive 466 km, 6 hours 1 min

  • Stadtgarten
  • Island Mainau
  • Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
  • Uferpromenade Friedrichshafen
  • More

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Constance and Friedrichshafen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Munich, where you’ll be staying for 4 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Munich. Munich 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 Munich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Munich
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Drive 266 km, 4 hours 33 min

  • Hohenschwangau Castle
  • Marienbrücke
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme am Kurpark Schwangau
  • Lechfall
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Munich, where you have 3 nights left to stay.

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

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.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Munich
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Drive 20 km, 51 min

  • Marienplatz
  • Olympiapark
  • English Garden
  • Altstadt
  • Schwabing
  • More

You’ll stay in Munich for 2 nights.

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 Munich'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 9

Day 9

  • Munich
  • More

Drive 60 km, 1 hour 51 min

  • Waldschwaigsee
  • Erholungsgebiet Karlsfelder See
  • Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
  • Dachau Palace
  • More

Greet day 9 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Munich, 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 Dachau and Karlsfeld.

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

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

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

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
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Drive 170 km, 2 hours 36 min

  • Handwerkerhof Nürnberg
  • Germanisches Nationalmuseum
  • Ehekarussell
  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • Schöner Brunnen
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Nuremberg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Nuremberg, where will 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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nuremberg. 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 11

Day 11

  • Nuremberg
  • More

Drive 159 km, 3 hours 1 min

  • Gallows Gate
  • Blade Gate
  • Burggarten
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • Plönlein
  • More

On day 11 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Nuremberg, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Nuremberg, there’s no need to rush. Experience Rothenburg ob der Tauber 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 Nuremberg.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Nuremberg
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 408 km, 5 hours 8 min

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

Your itinerary for day 12 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Würzburg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, where you'll spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cologne, 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 Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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 13

Day 13

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Rheinpark
  • More

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.

Discover boutiques with stylish fashion choices to upgrade your wardrobe.

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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