Relaxed 7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Frankfurt

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Photo of Cologne sunset city skyline with Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River, Cologne, Germany.
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Description

Set out on this 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany, where Cologne, Keldung, Koblenz, Frankfurt, Bonn, Königswinter, and Brühl offer rich culture, beautiful views, and memorable experiences at every stop!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Germany, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in Cologne and 3 nights in Frankfurt, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Germany.

Your journey starts in Cologne, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Germany already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Phantasialand and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Germany road trip itinerary for 7 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Germany.

If you want to make your 7-day relaxed self-drive tour in Germany even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Germany includes 6 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 7 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 7-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Germany today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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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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  • Schildergasse
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Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Cologne 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Cologne. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Cologne. The bars in Cologne make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Germany. Enjoy your first taste of Cologne as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cologne
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Drive 9 km, 50 min

  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Belgisches Viertel
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Belgisches Viertel. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Bring home unique finds from Cologne's bustling shopping hub, Hohe Straße. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique high-end stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Hohe Straße offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Cologne as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cologne
  • Frankfurt
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Drive 279 km, 4 hours 23 min

  • Maria Laach Abbey
  • Eltz Castle
  • Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
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On day 3 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Germany, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Frankfurt. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Germany.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Frankfurt.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Germany.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Frankfurt
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Drive 3 km, 39 min

  • Iron Footbridge
  • Römerberg
  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • Zeil
  • Sachsenhausen
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Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Frankfurt has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Frankfurt. The bars in Frankfurt make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Frankfurt
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Drive 11 km, 1 hour 8 min

  • Senckenberg Museum
  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Alte Oper
  • Nizza
  • Städel Museum
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Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cologne. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cologne that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable.

Exploring the food culture in Frankfurt offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Frankfurt and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Frankfurt
  • Cologne
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Drive 263 km, 3 hours 33 min

  • House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • Rheinaue
  • Schloss Drachenburg
  • Phantasialand
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Day 6 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Germany lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. By evening, drive toward the Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Germany as you make your way to Cologne. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Old Market
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.
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.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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