9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Düsseldorf to Cologne, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart

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the Benrath palace in Dusseldorf, Germany

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 9-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Düsseldorf, Cologne, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 3 nights in Düsseldorf, 2 nights in Cologne, 2 nights in Heidelberg, 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, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, 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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Day 1

Dusseldorf - Arrival day
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Rheinpromenade
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Say hello to Düsseldorf! 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 Düsseldorf for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

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 9-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2

Dusseldorf
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Drive 50 km, 1 hour 16 min

Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth
K20, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
Schloss Benrath
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You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

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

Day 3

Dusseldorf
Cologne
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Drive 43 km, 56 min

Cologne Zoological Garden
Museum Ludwig
Cologne Cathedral
Old Market
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On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cologne are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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.

Cologne 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 Cologne.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 4

Cologne
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Drive 23 km, 50 min

Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Schildergasse
Belgisches Viertel
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You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 5

Cologne
Heidelberg
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Drive 253 km, 2 hours 55 min

Neckarwiese (Heidelberg)
Theodor Heuss Bridge
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Heidelberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Heidelberg, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Heidelberg and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

Day 6

Heidelberg
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Drive 7 km, 55 min

Heidelberg Palace
Pharmacy Museum
Heidelberger Marktplatz
Church of the Holy Spirit
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Philosophers' Way
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Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Düsseldorf. You’ll stay in Heidelberg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7

Heidelberg
Stuttgart
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Drive 135 km, 1 hour 54 min

Killesberg Park
Wilhelma
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Schlossplatz
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Stuttgart. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart. Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 8

Stuttgart
Dusseldorf
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Drive 546 km, 6 hours 11 min

Plönlein
Medieval Crime Museum
German Christmas Museum
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Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Düsseldorf. 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 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.

Day 9

Dusseldorf - Departure day
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Königsallee
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Day 9 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.

If you’re in the mood for luxury shopping, high-end stores await you.

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!

How it works

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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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