6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling east to Heidelberg
Description
Included
Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through Germany. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Cologne and 2 nights in Heidelberg. 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 got 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 Heidelberg Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Lindt Chocolate Museum, learn more about the unique Deutsches Eck, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Limburg a der Lahn, and Aull, 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, accommodation, 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!
Travel details
Set your travel details to find the best price
Flights
Compare and choose from the best flights to Cologne
Car
Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Cologne - Arrival day
- More
- Cologne Cathedral
- More
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 2 nights immersing yourself in Cologne's charm 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 hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars 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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Reichard. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Grid Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2
- Cologne
- More
Drive 249 km, 3 hours 35 min
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
- Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
- Stolzenfels Castle
- Sesselbahn Boppard
- More
On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Today’s agenda in Cologne includes a castle, a tramway, and a monument. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is must-visit castle and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation, a frequently visited tramway, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Deutsches Eck, a picture-perfect monument, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Cologne. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the often recommended Stolzenfels Castle. If you’re looking for more, Sesselbahn Boppard is also a worthwhile attraction that is worthwhile a visit.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.
As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.
Day 3
- Cologne
- Heidelberg
- More
Drive 261 km, 3 hours 36 min
- Philosophers' Way
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Heidelberg Palace
- Scheffelterrasse
- More
Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Heidelberg, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Heidelberg. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Today's adventure in Cologne promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Philosophers’ Way. This mesmerizing hiking area is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Old Bridge Heidelberg, another respected attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its history-steeped features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Heidelberg Castle. This romantic castle is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Scheffelterrasse, a locally appreciated observation deck, and take a stroll around the area.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Dine in style at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Heidelberg.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Sonder Bar (pinte). This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Café Bar Goodfellas, another top-rated place in the area.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Heidelberg
- More
Drive 204 km, 3 hours 24 min
- Merkur Funicular Railway
- Gönneranlage
- Museum Frieder Burda
- Trinkhalle
- Kur Park
- The Baden-Baden Casino
- More
On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Heidelberg, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Heidelberg for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Baden-Baden to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Heidelberg is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a heritage railway, a park, a museum, a casino and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Merkur Funicular Railway and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Gönneranlage, a romantic park that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Museum Frieder Burda, one of the town’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the beloved Trinkhalle. When you're finished at the museum, Kur Park awaits your visit. This park is a romantic highlight on today's itinerary. Last up is a casino - the worthwhile The Baden-baden Casino.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Heidelberg.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Heidelberg's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heidelberg at VINCIdue, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Essighaus. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heidelberg tonight.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Destille, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Orange Cafe Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Heidelberg. Lenox Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Say good night to Heidelberg and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 5
- Heidelberg
- Cologne
- More
Drive 260 km, 3 hours 22 min
- Limburg Cathedral
- Alte Lahnbrücke Limburg
- Katzenturm
- Limburg an der Lahn Altstadt
- Schloss Oranienstein Diez
- More
On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Limburg a der Lahn and Aull. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Limburg Cathedral. This curiosity-inducing church is an enchanting place to see in Heidelberg. Continue your discovery at Alte Lahnbrücke Limburg, an enchanting historical landmark with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Heidelberg, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Katzenturm. This curiosity-inducing monument offers a culturally significant encounter with Heidelberg. Next, make your way to Limburg A Der Lahn Altstadt to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Schloss Oranienstein Diez, a worthwhile castle that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Heidelberg.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Limani, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Suderman, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!
Day 6
- Cologne - Departure day
- More
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- More
Day 6 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 Hohe Straße. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany. Elevate your style with pieces from high-end retail stores.
Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.
Savor the flavors at Cafe Riese Köln, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bangkok Thai Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings.
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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Germany
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.