6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling east to Heidelberg
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Experience the freedom of the open road in Germany as you embark on an unforgettable 6-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Limburg a der Lahn, and Aull.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Cologne and 2 nights in Heidelberg. 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 Cologne, 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. Marvel at the remarkable Lindt Chocolate Museum, learn more about the unique Deutsches Eck, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Limburg a der Lahn, and Aull, 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
- Cologne - Arrival day
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Welcome to Cologne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Cologne's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Cologne 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 Cologne Cathedral, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Cologne. 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 Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Reichard. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.
Keep the evening going at The Grid Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Toddy Tapper, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Legends Bar & Terrasse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2
- Cologne
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Drive 249 km, 3 hours 35 min
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
- Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
- Stolzenfels Castle
- Sesselbahn Boppard
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Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
Cologne is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a tramway, and a monument. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally renowned Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation, an enchanting tramway that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Deutsches Eck, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the underrated Stolzenfels Castle. When you're finished at the castle, Sesselbahn Boppard awaits your visit. This tramway is an eye-catching highlight on today's itinerary.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of RheinZeit, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Soul Bar Cologne, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.
Day 3
- Cologne
- Heidelberg
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Drive 261 km, 3 hours 36 min
- Philosophers' Way
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Heidelberg Palace
- Scheffelterrasse
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Philosophers’ Way is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this peaceful hiking area before continuing your journey. Old Bridge Heidelberg is your next stop. This captivating historical landmark is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg. This history-steeped church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Heidelberg Castle and Scheffelterrasse.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Heidelberg. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Heidelberg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a top-rated dining spot in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heidelberg.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Sonder Bar (pinte) is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Café Bar Goodfellas is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.
Day 4
- Heidelberg
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Drive 204 km, 3 hours 24 min
- Merkur Funicular Railway
- Gönneranlage
- Museum Frieder Burda
- Trinkhalle
- Kur Park
- The Baden-Baden Casino
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Greet day 4 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Heidelberg for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Baden-Baden.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Heidelberg today. One of the most locally appreciated attractions included on the itinerary is Merkur Funicular Railway. This breathtaking heritage railway will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Gönneranlage and learn what makes this visually striking park unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the locally appreciated Museum Frieder Burda. After exploring the museum, head to Trinkhalle. This intriguing museum is a highlight in Heidelberg. As your day continues, stop by Kur Park, known for its romantic features. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the worthwhile The Baden-baden Casino. Enjoy exploring this incredible casino at your own pace.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Heidelberg and your accommodation.
As you explore more of Heidelberg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a highly-rated dining destination in Heidelberg. If you're eager to try something different, consider VINCIdue, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Essighaus. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Heidelberg this evening.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Destille after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Orange Cafe Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Lenox Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!
Day 5
- Heidelberg
- Cologne
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Drive 260 km, 3 hours 22 min
- Limburg Cathedral
- Alte Lahnbrücke Limburg
- Katzenturm
- Limburg an der Lahn Altstadt
- Schloss Oranienstein Diez
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On day 5 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 Limburg a der Lahn and Aull. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Limburg Cathedral. This worthwhile church is an inviting place to see in Heidelberg. Continue your discovery at Alte Lahnbrücke Limburg, a romantic historical landmark with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Heidelberg, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Katzenturm. This curiosity-inducing monument offers a picture-perfect encounter with Heidelberg. Next, make your way to Limburg A Der Lahn Altstadt to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Schloss Oranienstein Diez, an increasingly popular castle that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Heidelberg.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne 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 in Cologne. 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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Limani, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Suderman. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.
Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 6
- Cologne - Departure day
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- Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Day 6 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cologne 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 Lindt Chocolate Museum. This notable museum is a popular place to see in the city.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.
Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe Riese Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bangkok Thai Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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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