3-Day Germany Road Trip in Cologne

Aerial view of the cathedral in Cologne and Hohenzollern bridge over Rhein, Germany
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
3 days & 2 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
2 nights included
Car rental
3 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 3-day road trip through Germany.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Germany. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Cologne, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Germany. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Cologne and Essen. We'll help you experience the best 3 days in Germany you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Germany, including the stunning Old Market and Rheinpark.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Germany. From the magnificent Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord to the breathtaking UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein and LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne and Essen, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Germany. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Germany.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Germany.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Germany has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Germany. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 2 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 2 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Germany extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Germany today!

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Included

Hotel, 2 nights
Rental car, 3 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne / 2 nights
Essen - city in GermanyEssen
Duisburg - city in GermanyDuisburg

Map

Attractions

photo of view of Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord Industrial Culture Park Germany .Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, Stoppenberg, Stadtbezirk VI, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyUNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
Duisburg ZooDuisburg Zoo
Old Market, Altstadt-Nord, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyOld Market
photo of view of Rheinpark, Cologne, Germany.Rheinpark

Travel details

Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Cologne - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Cologne - arrival day

  • Cologne - Arrival Day
  • More
  • Old Market
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Cologne has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Market. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,413 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne, Craftbeer Corner Coeln. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne is Gruber's. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Locals recommend Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Cologne also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Toddy Tapper. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Cologne is ONA MOR Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 548 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 3-day vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

Day 2 - Duisburg, Essen, and Cologne

Day 2

Day 2 - Duisburg, Essen, and Cologne

  • Essen
  • Duisburg
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 186 km, 3 hours 5 min

  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
  • More

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations in the city of Essen is UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This amazing attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,439 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Germany more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Germany’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

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

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Gilden im Zims. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Gaststätte Lommerzheim is one of the top restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne is Jameson Pub Cologne. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Cologne, Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Cologne!

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Experiences

Day 3 - Cologne - departure day

Day 3

Day 3 - Cologne - departure day

  • Cologne - Departure Day
  • More
  • Rheinpark
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cologne. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,438 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cologne and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Germany.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Cologne at Servus Colonia Alpina before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend The Little Steakhouse for your last chance at a meal in the city of Cologne. The The Little Steakhouse restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Max Stark. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

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