13-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hanover traveling west to Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt

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Photo of Hanover, Germany. Building of New Town Hall reflecting in water on sunset.
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Description

Explore the best of Germany on a remarkable 13-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Hanover, Laatzen, Hamburg, Bremen, Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, 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 Hanover, 3 nights in Hamburg, 2 nights in Cologne, and 4 nights in Frankfurt. 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 Hanover, 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. Miniatur Wunderland and Elbe Philharmonic Hall are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Hanover, Laatzen, Hamburg, Bremen, Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, 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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Flights

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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

  • Hanover - Arrival day
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  • Opernplatz
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Welcome to Hanover, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Hanover before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Hanover 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 Hanover. 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 Hanover, 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

  • Hanover
  • More

Drive 33 km, 1 hour 12 min

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • Maschpark
  • Eilenriede City Forest
  • Hanover Fairground
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Hanover, 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 Hanover.

Hanover 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 Hanover.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Hanover
  • Hamburg
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Drive 160 km, 2 hours 32 min

  • Speicherstadt
  • Elbphilharmonie
  • Planten un Blomen
  • St Nikolai Memorial
  • Mönckebergbrunnen
  • More

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

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Hamburg
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Drive 8 km, 1 hour 23 min

  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Hamburger Hafen
  • St Michael's Church
  • Panoptikum
  • Elbe Tunnel
  • St. Pauli Piers
  • More

You have 2 nights left in Hamburg. 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Hamburg'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

  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 253 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Bremen Town Hall
  • Town Musicians of Bremen
  • Schnoor
  • Universum Science Center
  • 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 Hamburg, 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 Bremen.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Hamburg. 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 6

Day 6

  • Hamburg
  • Cologne
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Drive 451 km, 4 hours 56 min

  • Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge
  • Museum Ludwig
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Old Market
  • 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 Cologne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne, where will spend 2 nights.

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

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.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Cologne
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Drive 10 km, 41 min

  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Schildergasse
  • Belgisches Viertel
  • More

You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night.

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 Cologne's best restaurants.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Cologne
  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 192 km, 2 hours 41 min

  • Städel Museum
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Goethe House
  • Römerberg
  • Frankfurt Cathedral
  • More

Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Frankfurt. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, where you'll spend 4 nights.

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

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.

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 11 km, 49 min

  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Senckenberg Museum
  • More

Day 9 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Hanover. You’ll stay in Frankfurt for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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.

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt.

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

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Frankfurt
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Drive 187 km, 3 hours 19 min

  • Peterskirche
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Philosophers' Way
  • Hauptstraße
  • More

On day 10 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Frankfurt, where you still have 2 nights left to stay.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Frankfurt'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 11

Day 11

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 367 km, 4 hours 16 min

  • Plönlein
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • German Christmas Museum
  • More

On day 11 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Frankfurt, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Frankfurt, 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 for the day, you’ll return to Frankfurt and your accommodation.

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 12

Day 12

  • Frankfurt
  • Hanover
  • More

Drive 486 km, 5 hours 35 min

  • Old Main Bridge
  • Four Tubes Fountain
  • Würzburger Cathedral
  • Würzburg Residence
  • More

On day 12 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 Hanover, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 13

Day 13

  • Hanover - Departure day
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  • Schillerdenkmal
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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.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

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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