5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Düsseldorf

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Photo of Cologne sunset city skyline with Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River, Cologne, Germany.
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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 5-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cologne, Düsseldorf, Cochem, and Monschau.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 2 nights in Cologne and 2 nights in Düsseldorf. 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. Cologne Cathedral and Lindt Chocolate Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Cologne Zoological Garden, learn more about the unique Reichsburg Cochem, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Market.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Düsseldorf, Cochem, and Monschau, 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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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Welcome to Cologne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night discovering what to see in Cologne before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Cologne is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Cologne Cathedral, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cologne. 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 Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SAVOY Hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café Reichard is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into The Grid Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Legends Bar & Terrasse, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cologne
  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 43 km, 1 hour 2 min

  • Rheingarten (Köln)
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Königsallee
  • More

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

Enjoy all that Rhine Garden Sculpture has to offer. This is an increasingly popular park you should not miss. Another must-see is Old Market, an interesting public square in Cologne.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Cologne Zoological Garden. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Königsallee, another of the city’s up-and-coming attractions.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Brewery Schumacher, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Brewery im Füchschen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The ASH Düsseldorf is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Düsseldorf.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Engelchen, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Cherie, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Auberge Rock Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 317 km, 4 hours 48 min

  • Pinnerkreuz
  • Cochem Castle
  • Hofgarten
  • Burgplatz
  • Rheinpromenade
  • Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf
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On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Düsseldorf, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Let Pinnerkreuz set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this symbolic monument before continuing your journey. Reichsburg Cochem is your next stop. This notable castle is one of the best-rated sights in Düsseldorf.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Hofgarten. This mesmerizing park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Burgplatz and Rheinpromenade. If time allows, end your day with Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf, an instagrammable boardwalk that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

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

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

Dine in style at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Coffee Fellows. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Düsseldorf.

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Dusseldorf
  • Cologne
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Drive 205 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Monschau
  • Foundation Scheibler Museum Rotes Haus Monschau
  • KuK - Kunst- und Kulturzentrum der StädteRegion Aachen in Monschau
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Monschau. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne, where will spend 1 night.

Your adventure in Düsseldorf is only getting started when you visit Monschau, an underrated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Foundation Scheibler Museum Rotes Haus Monschau. This often recommended museum is known for its respected appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Düsseldorf's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Fotografie-forum Der Städteregion Aachen In Monschau. This instagrammable art gallery offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Soul Bar Cologne. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Lindt Chocolate Museum, an eye-catching museum before you head out.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Cologne’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel). Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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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