Luxury 7-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip Vacation from Cologne to Essen

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Cologne, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Cologne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Old Market. Around 12,740 visitors have rated this fascinating must-see tourist destination and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne 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.

An excellent example is Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Limani serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cologne has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 reviews.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,282 customers, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cologne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Toddy Tapper, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 590 reviews.

Soul Bar Cologne offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cologne. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 292 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,228 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Rheinpark. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,361 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,361 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,704 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Bangkok Thai Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Servus Colonia Alpina, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Servus Colonia Alpina is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,757 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Little Link. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 971 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

The charming Essen is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

This famous park has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 4,644 people.

Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

In Bonn, you’ll find the magnificent House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany. This popular museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,523 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Bonn by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular Rheinaue. This popular site is a wonderful park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,226 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Essen for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit 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 Essen.

We highly recommend going to Pottsalat. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 780 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Traumkuh - Burger & Poutine. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,460 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,013 customers.

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

Check out Südrock rock pub for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 293 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is gentleM. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 319 customers.

You may also try Diamond Cocktail Lounge, another top-rated bar in the city. About 141 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Bonn! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Germany!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Essen at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Essen, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Museum Folkwang. This incredible art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,007 travelers, and is visited by 800,000 people every year.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Essen, the wonderful Stadtgarten. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,007 travelers and gets around 800,000 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible Shaft XII. This must-see tourist destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,311 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,866 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous kokerei zollverein. This amazing site is a wonderful coke plant with more than 2,081 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Essen itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Essen. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant Artemis. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at SAUSALITOS, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. SAUSALITOS is rated 4.2 stars out of 5 by 2,214 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurant tablo. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 501 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Temple Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 502 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Café Goldbar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 526 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Cafe Nord. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Cafe Nord has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,856 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Essen at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Essen, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck. This incredible top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,908 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Essen itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Essen. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Café LIVRES. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 812 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at DER LÖWE Becker Gastro GmbH, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. DER LÖWE Becker Gastro GmbH is rated 4.2 stars out of 5 by 2,056 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Hülsmannshof. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,570 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular LouiS Café & Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Duisburg. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,756 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Duisburg Inner Harbour. This unique inland port is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,467 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Tiger & Turtle. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,699 visitors, this must-see tourist destination is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Sechs-Seen-Platte. This popular group of lakes and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,089 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Duisburg has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cologne. In Cologne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,308 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Jameson Pub Cologne.

Locals also recommend Barney Vallely's as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Barney Vallely's as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 956 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Gruber's. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 customers.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cologne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Media Park Köln mbH is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cologne. This top sight is a popular top-tier point of interest, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,953 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Peters Brauhaus. Dining at Peters Brauhaus is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cologne. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,437 customers.

Another top recommendation in Cologne is Gaststätte Lommerzheim. If you go to Gaststätte Lommerzheim, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Craftbeer Corner Coeln. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Craftbeer Corner Coeln is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. 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.