6-Day Germany road trip from Cologne to Heidelberg and Frankfurt

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

Description

Summary

Duration
6 days & 5 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
5 nights included
Car rental
6 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 6-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 3 nights in Cologne, 1 night in Heidelberg, and 1 night in Frankfurt, 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, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt. We'll help you experience the best 6 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 Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Chocolate Museum.

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 Heidelberg Palace to the breathtaking Deutsches Eck and Mercedes-Benz Museum, 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, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt, 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 5 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 5 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, 5 nights
Rental car, 6 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 / 3 nights
Photo of beautiful aerial view of Frankfurt at sunset Germany financial district skyline.Frankfurt / 1 night
Heidelberg - city in GermanyHeidelberg / 1 night
Photo of historical city of Speyer, Germany.Speyer
Koblenz - city in GermanyKoblenz
Photo of Tuebingen in the Stuttgart city ,Germany Colorful house in riverside and blue sky. Stuttgart

Map

Attractions

Photo of the German theme park Phantasialand.Phantasialand
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Photo of Spectacular modern architecture and home of Museum Mercedes-Benz Welt in Stuttgart, Germany.Mercedes-Benz Museum
Photo of "Rheintor" (River Rhine Gate) with the former Customs House was the entrance gate to Linz and to "Schloßplatz" (Castle Square) with its half-timbered houses.Schloßplatz
Deutsches EckDeutsches Eck
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
Cologne Zoological Garden, Riehl, Nippes, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Zoological Garden
Zoo FrankfurtZoo Frankfurt
Iron Footbridge
Technic Museum Speyer, Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyTechnic Museum Speyer
Römerberg, Altstadt, Innenstadt 1, Frankfurt, Hesse, GermanyRömerberg
PalmengartenPalm Gardens
photo of view of Alte Oper, Frankfurt Oder, Germany.Alte Oper
Old Market, Altstadt-Nord, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyOld Market
Cathedral of Speyer, Rheinland Pfalz, germanySpeyer Cathedral
Killesberg Tower, Killesberg, Stuttgart-Nord, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyKillesberg Tower
photo of view of Rheinpark, Cologne, Germany.Rheinpark
Media Park Köln mbH

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

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 3 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 top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,654 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.

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 Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals also enjoy Gilden im Zims. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 6-day vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Cologne

Day 2

Day 2 – Cologne

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 10 km, 1 hour 9 min

  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Media Park Köln mbH
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Cologne. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Cologne, like the extraordinary Media Park Köln mbH. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,883 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Cologne, which gets around 5,000,000 annual visits, is the spectacular Cologne Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Cologne.

Your discovery of Cologne does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Cologne on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Germany, be sure to eat at Servus Colonia Alpina, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cologne is the popular The Little Steakhouse. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Gaststätte Lommerzheim is one of the best bars in the city of Cologne for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Jameson Pub Cologne is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cologne!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Bergheim, Mainz, and Heidelberg

Day 3

Day 3 – Bergheim, Mainz, and Heidelberg

  • Speyer
  • Koblenz
  • Heidelberg
  • More

Drive 328 km, 4 hours 9 min

  • Phantasialand
  • Deutsches Eck
  • Speyer Cathedral
  • Technic Museum Speyer
  • More

You’ll stay in Heidelberg for 1 night.

To experience the local culture, see more of Germany, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Germany. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Deutsches Eck for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a headland and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,451 visitors.

This outstanding catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,839 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Technic Museum Speyer. This attraction, a stunning museum, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 23,618 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Heidelberg.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Heidelberg, Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,422 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like HANS IM GLÜCK - HEIDELBERG Heiliggeistkirche. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,229 customers.

Sahara Restaurant is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Heidelberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,850 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt

Day 4

Day 4 – Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt

  • Heidelberg
  • Stuttgart
  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 338 km, 4 hours 29 min

  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Mercedes-Benz Museum
  • Schloßplatz
  • Killesberg Tower
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Heidelberg Palace. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 53,614 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Heidelberg is another excellent way to spend your new day in Germany. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Germany’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Germany’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Germany’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Mercedes-Benz Museum for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is an automobile museum and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 42,121 visitors. Each year, Mercedes-Benz Museum is visited by more than 876,109 travelers, so don't miss out!

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Schloßplatz. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,090 visitors, this square deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Killesberg Tower. This attraction, a stunning observation tower, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,026 travelers.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Frankfurt.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try African Queen Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Frankfurt. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,731 customers.

After dinner, visit Der Fette Bulle, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Frankfurt. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,097 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like o'reilly's Irish pubs. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,367 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Frankfurt and Cologne

Day 5

Day 5 – Frankfurt and Cologne

  • Frankfurt
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 194 km, 2 hours 28 min

  • Römerberg
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • Alte Oper
  • Palm Gardens
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Frankfurt and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Cologne. You will stay in Cologne for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Frankfurt is the amazing Römerberg. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,079 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible must-see tourist destination, Iron Footbridge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,822 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Frankfurt is the outstanding Alte Oper. This popular concert hall and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,197 visitors.

The spectacular Palmengarten is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating botanical garden and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,771 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Frankfurt by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Cologne, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After dinner, visit Max Stark, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Cologne - departure day

Day 6

Day 6 – Cologne - departure day

  • Cologne - Departure day
  • More
  • Rheinpark
  • More

Day 6 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 6,259 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’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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