One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Düsseldorf traveling south to Cologne, Cochem, Heidelberg, Freiburg im Breisgau, and Stuttgart

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 the Benrath palace in Dusseldorf, Germany
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Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through Germany. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 2 nights in Düsseldorf, 1 night in Cologne, 1 night in Cochem, 1 night in Heidelberg, 1 night in Freiburg im Breisgau, and 1 night in Stuttgart. 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 Düsseldorf, 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 Düsseldorf, Cologne, Cochem, Heidelberg, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Freiburg im Breisgau, Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 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

  • Dusseldorf - Arrival day
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  • Hofgarten
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Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Düsseldorf and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Düsseldorf, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Düsseldorf 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Düsseldorf. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 Düsseldorf, 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!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Dusseldorf
  • Cologne
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Drive 64 km, 1 hour 35 min

  • Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge
  • Rheinboulevard
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Museum Ludwig
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • More

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Cologne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying 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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cologne's best restaurants.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cologne
  • Cochem
  • More

Drive 130 km, 2 hours 48 min

  • Wild- und Freizeitpark Klotten
  • Bundesbank-Bunker Cochem
  • Cochem Castle
  • Gemstone Museum & Historic grinding shops Cochem
  • Pinnerkreuz
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Cochem. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cochem, where will spend 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Cochem
  • Heidelberg
  • More

Drive 192 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Kornmarkt
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Philosophers' Way
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Heidelberg, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

Heidelberg is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Heidelberg.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Heidelberg
  • Freiburg im Breisgau
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Drive 243 km, 3 hours 41 min

  • Triberg Waterfalls
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Stadtgarten Freiburg
  • Freiburg Minster
  • Bertoldsbrunnen
  • Martin's Gate
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Triberg im Schwarzwald and Freiburg im Breisgau are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Freiburg im Breisgau, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Freiburg im Breisgau
  • Stuttgart
  • More

Drive 259 km, 3 hours 51 min

  • Stuttgart TV Tower
  • Jubiläumssäule
  • Mercedes-Benz Museum
  • Wilhelma
  • Frieden Church
  • More

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Germany includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Stuttgart, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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 Stuttgart, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Germany.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Stuttgart
  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 550 km, 6 hours 13 min

  • Plönlein
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • German Christmas Museum
  • Blade Gate
  • More

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Düsseldorf, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Düsseldorf, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Dusseldorf - Departure day
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  • Burgplatz
  • More

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.

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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How it works

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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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