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Road trips in Germany

Relaxed 9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne

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Photo of Frankfurt Johannisburg palace, Aschaffenburg Germany.

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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 9-day self-drive holiday in Germany. Along the way, Frankfurt, Bonn, Königswinter, Brühl, Cologne, Keldung, and Koblenz invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Germany, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 5 nights in Frankfurt and 3 nights in Cologne, 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 Frankfurt, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 9-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 9 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 9-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 8 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 9 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 9-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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Day 1

Frankfurt - Arrival day
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Zeil
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Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Frankfurt, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Frankfurt and begin your adventure in Germany.

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

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Frankfurt and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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

Day 2

Frankfurt
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Drive 1 km, 17 min

Iron Footbridge
Römerberg
Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt
Frankfurt Cathedral
Frankfurter Römer
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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 Frankfurt. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Frankfurt 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.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Frankfurt. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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

Day 3

Frankfurt
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour 4 min

Palmengarten Frankfurt
Alte Oper
Zoo Frankfurt
Lohr Park
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.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Frankfurt, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in Germany!

Day 4

Frankfurt
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Drive 11 km, 51 min

Senckenberg Museum
Goethe House
German Film Museum
Städel Museum
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Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

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.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Frankfurt and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!

Day 5

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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On day 5 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.

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 it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cologne, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Germany.

Day 6

Cologne
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Drive 8 km, 49 min

Cologne Cathedral
Museum Ludwig
Cologne Zoological Garden
Rheinpark
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Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

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

Day 7

Cologne
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Drive 7 km, 46 min

Cologne Chocolate Museum
Old Market
Media Park Köln mbH
Schildergasse
Belgisches Viertel
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A visit to Schildergasse is a must on the agenda today. This street is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

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, 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.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Germany. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Germany tomorrow with new energy.

Day 8

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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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Germany offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Frankfurt, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

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

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Frankfurt. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Frankfurt and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 9

Frankfurt - Departure day
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Nizza
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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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