Travel packages in Germany

Road trips in Germany

One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling east to Frankfurt and Nuremberg

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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 8-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, and Würzburg.

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, 2 nights in Frankfurt, and 3 nights in Nuremberg. 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 Heidelberg Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, and Würzburg, 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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Day 1

Cologne - Arrival day
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Cologne Cathedral
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Say hello to Cologne! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cologne for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2

Cologne
Frankfurt
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Drive 194 km, 2 hours 36 min

Palmengarten Frankfurt
Städel Museum
Iron Footbridge
Römerberg
Frankfurt Cathedral
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Frankfurt, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 3

Frankfurt
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Drive 187 km, 3 hours 2 min

Philosophers' Way
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Church of the Holy Spirit
Heidelberger Marktplatz
Heidelberg Palace
Hauptstraße
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Wake up to day 3 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Heidelberg. With 1 night to stay in Frankfurt, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Frankfurt.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Frankfurt and your accommodation.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 4

Frankfurt
Nuremberg
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Drive 236 km, 3 hours 37 min

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
New Museum - Nuremberg State Museum of Art and Design
Ehekarussell
Fleischbrücke (Nürnberg)
Schöner Brunnen
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Nuremberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Nuremberg, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Nuremberg. Nuremberg offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nuremberg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Day 5

Nuremberg
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Drive 162 km, 2 hours 56 min

Gallows Gate
Town Hall
Plönlein
Medieval Crime Museum
German Christmas Museum
Burggarten
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On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Nuremberg, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nuremberg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Day 6

Nuremberg
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Drive 125 km, 1 hour 57 min

Neue Residenz Bamberg
Old Court
Bamberg Cathedral
Bamberg old town
Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg im Alten Rathaus I Museen der Stadt Bamberg
old town hall
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On day 6 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Bamberg. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Nuremberg, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Nuremberg and your accommodation.

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Day 7

Nuremberg
Cologne
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Drive 408 km, 5 hours 7 min

Würzburg Residence
Würzburger Cathedral
Old Main Bridge
Marienberg Fortress
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On day 7 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Würzburg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Day 8

Cologne - Departure day
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Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Day 8 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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.

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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Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

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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.

We guarantee

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

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