9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dresden traveling west to Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Erfurt
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through Germany. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Dresden, 2 nights in Berlin, 1 night in Leipzig, 2 nights in Nuremberg, and 1 night in Erfurt. 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 got you covered.
Upon arriving in Dresden, 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. Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Potsdamer Platz, learn more about the unique East Side Gallery, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Zwinger.
As you hit the open road and drive through Dresden, Berlin, Potsdam, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Erfurt, and Weimar, 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, accommodation, 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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Day 1
- Dresden - Arrival day
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- Zwinger
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Say hello to Dresden! 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 Dresden for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Dresden is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Zwinger, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Dresden. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
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 Dresden, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Schwerelos – Das Achterbahn-Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Dresden. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dresden at Luisenhof, Dresden, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Bakery Wippler GmbH. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dresden tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Hebeda's, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bbc – Bar Brasserie Cassis provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Blondes offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2
- Dresden
- Berlin
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Drive 200 km, 2 hours 46 min
- Alexanderplatz
- Berlin Cathedral
- Potsdamer Platz
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Berlin. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Berlin, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Alexanderplatz. This iconic public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Berlin Cathedral, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Potsdamer Platz, one of the most extraordinary places to see in Dresden. This public square is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Berlin. Berlin offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Berlin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Don’t miss out on dining at NENI Berlin, a top-rated dining destination in Berlin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Steglitz International. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Berlin this evening.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Monkey Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Saint Jean is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Green Door Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.
Day 3
- Berlin
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Drive 87 km, 2 hours 16 min
- East Side Gallery
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag
- Charlottenburg Palace
- Sanssouci Palace
- Flatow Tower in Babelsberg
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Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Berlin, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
A blend of family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots await you in Berlin on today’s itinerary. First up is the famous street art, East Side Gallery. Afterward, continue to Brandenburg Gate, a monument every traveler should visit.
As you explore Berlin’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Reichstag Building. This locally appreciated historical landmark is an essential stop. Following that, head to Charlottenburg Palace, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Sanssouci, a captivating palace in the city. Finally, end your day with a visit to Flatow Tower In Babelsberg, a romantic monument that offers the perfect conclusion to your sightseeing of the day.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Berlin and your accommodation.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Berlin's best restaurants.
Don’t miss out on dining at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, a top-rated dining destination in Berlin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Berlin TV Tower. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Berlin this evening.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Sharlie Cheen Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Berlin Icebar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Curtain Club also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 4
- Berlin
- Leipzig
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Drive 200 km, 2 hours 45 min
- Wildpark Leipzig
- Holocaust Memorial
- Bach-Museum Leipzig
- Neues Bach-Denkmal
- St. Thomas Church
- Marktplatz Leipzig
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Leipzig. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Leipzig, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Berlin, featuring family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views. Start at Wildpark Leipzig, a worthwhile wildlife reserve in the city. Then, head to Holocaust Memorial and soak in the ambiance of this heritage-rich monument.
There are many interesting places to see in Berlin, and when you are ready for more, go to Bach-museum Leipzig. This is one of the city’s most increasingly popular eye-catching spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the curiosity-inducing Neues Bach-denkmal. Not far away, you'll also find St. Thomas Church. This church is a heritage-rich highlight in Berlin. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Marktplatz Leipzig, an interesting public square in the city.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Leipzig, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Leipzig's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at IMPERII, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Seminaris Hotel Leipzig offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Lerchennest Leipzig. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Leipzig.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Mephisto, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Brick's Der Cocktail is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Skala also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!
Day 5
- Leipzig
- Nuremberg
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Drive 280 km, 3 hours 38 min
- Germanisches Nationalmuseum
- Albrecht Dürer's House
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- Schöner Brunnen
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Nuremberg, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Nuremberg. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Leipzig today. One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Germanisches Nationalmuseum. This photogenic museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Albrecht Dürer's House and learn what makes this heritage-rich museum unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the interesting Nuremberg Castle. After exploring the castle, head to Schöner Brunnen. This worthwhile monument is a highlight in Leipzig.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nuremberg. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nuremberg. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Burgwächter, a top-rated dining destination in Nuremberg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Alte Küch'n & Im Keller, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nuremberg this evening.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Irish Castle Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Mata Hari Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Undecided Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!
Day 6
- Nuremberg
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Drive 127 km, 2 hours 1 min
- Naturkundemuseum Bamberg
- old town hall
- Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg im Alten Rathaus I Museen der Stadt Bamberg
- Bamberg old town
- Bamberg Cathedral
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On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Nuremberg, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Bamberg. You still have 1 night left in Nuremberg.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Naturkundemuseum Bamberg. This beloved museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Rathaus, one of the town’s best highlights.
Next, check out Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg Im Alten Rathaus I Museen Der Stadt Bamberg, one of the most often recommended places to see in Nuremberg. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Bamberg Old Town. Wander around and soak in the UNESCO world heritage-listed atmosphere this historical landmark offers. Then, head to Bamberg Cathedral, a top-rated church that adds another dimension to your day.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Nuremberg.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nuremberg. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Katzentempel Nürnberg, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, dasPaul Restaurant & Hotel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Zeit & Raum - vegetarisch & vegan. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Nuremberg tonight.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Ludwigs Bar & Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bierwerk, another bar with an inviting ambiance.
Say good night to Nuremberg and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 7
- Nuremberg
- Erfurt
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Drive 231 km, 2 hours 52 min
- Egapark
- Erfurt Cathedral
- Domplatz
- Old Synagogue
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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 vibrant destinations - Erfurt. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Erfurt. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Nuremberg. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Egapark is the perfect place to start. This botanical garden is one of the most well-known places to visit in Nuremberg. Next, head to Erfurt Cathedral, an increasingly popular church, known for its history-steeped features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Domplatz. This symbolic public square is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Old Synagogue. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Erfurt. Erfurt offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Erfurt's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Andreas Kavalier, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Augustiner Erfurt? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Oma Lilo as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Erfurt.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Tarantula after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Speicher for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.
Say good night to Erfurt and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 8
- Erfurt
- Dresden
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Drive 233 km, 3 hours 6 min
- Park an der Ilm
- Duchess Anna Amalia Library
- Goethe's House
- Schloss Belvedere
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On day 8 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Weimar. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dresden, where you will stay for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Erfurt, including a park, a library, a museum, a castle and much more! Start your day at Park A Der Ilm. This serene park is a curiosity-inducing place to see in Erfurt. Then, wander over to Duchess Anna Amalia Library. If UNESCO world heritage-listed sites excite you, this library will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Goethe's House. This standout museum is a favorite among visitors.
Erfurt offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Schloss Belvedere is a beloved spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Dresden, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dresden. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Ristorante "Mamma Mia", an iconic dining spot in Dresden. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant brennNessel Dresden, a popular restaurant in Dresden. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Old Beams Pub & Dining, a hidden gem nestled in Dresden. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Gin House Dresden. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Madness Bar Pub, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Nightfly Shisha And Cocktail provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.
Day 9
- Dresden - Departure day
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- Frauenkirche, Dresden
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Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dresden before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Church Of Our Lady. This captivating church is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dresden’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Prager Straße. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.
Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dresden.
Savor the flavors at Ristorante e Pensione La Campagnola, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Watzke am Goldenen Reiter beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Dresden. 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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