11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Cologne, Maastricht, and Rotterdam

On day 2, you will wake up in Amsterdam with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 3 nights left in Amsterdam before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across the Netherlands and Germany.

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Amsterdam is De Pijp. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Start your adventure at This Is Holland. This intriguing flying theater is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the standout wonders of Rijksmuseum, a must-see museum in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Van Gogh Museum. This astonishing museum offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Vondelpark, where you can take in romantic features.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Amsterdam. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in the Netherlands in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Don’t miss out on dining at Eye Film Museum, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Ambassade, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Café Oporto is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is 't Aepjen. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in the Netherlands and Germany! Enjoy your evening in Amsterdam to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

On day 3 of your European tour in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Utrecht, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Amsterdam for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Utrecht in the Netherlands to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

A visit to Oude Gracht in Utrecht 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.

Get ready for an exciting day in Amsterdam. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a museum, a monument, and a church. Begin your adventure at Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum. This is a locally renowned museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Nijntje Museum, an underrated museum in Amsterdam.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Dom Tower Of Utrecht. From there, take a leisurely stroll to St Martin's Cathedral, another of the city’s often recommended attractions.

As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Amsterdam's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of the Netherlands to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Amsterdam has them.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Café Loetje, a popular restaurant in Amsterdam. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Amsterdam at Restaurant Moon, 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 d'Vijff Vlieghen. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Amsterdam tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Bitterbal, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Twenty Third Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Louis Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Düsseldorf in Germany. With 1 night left in Amsterdam, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Amsterdam today. One of the most increasingly popular attractions included on the itinerary is Tritonenbrunnen In Düsseldorf. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen and learn what makes this eye-catching art gallery unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the increasingly popular Burgplatz. After exploring the public square, head to Rheinpromenade. This frequently visited boardwalk is a highlight in Amsterdam.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Amsterdam. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Savor the flavors at Gartine, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Spirit Amsterdam beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider FuLu Mandarijn. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Amsterdam tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Mokum stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, De Zotte offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Cologne in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Cologne where you'll spend 3 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

Amsterdam is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures! Start at Lindt Chocolate Museum, a captivating museum that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Museum Ludwig, enchanting visitors with its photogenic appeal. Continue your exploration at Cologne Cathedral. This church is one of the city’s most top-rated spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Amsterdam at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Old Market.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Cologne. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Cologne. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Germany.

Enjoy a delicious meal at SAVOY Hotel, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Reichard. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent 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.

As the night falls in Cologne, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Greet day 6 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Cologne for your remaining 2 nights 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 Bonn in Germany.

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Rheinaue, a notable park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Poppelsdorf Palace, enchanting visitors with its romantic appeal. Continue your exploration at Botanical Garden, Bonn. This botanical garden is one of the city’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cologne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Holy Name Church. After exploring the church, head to the locally appreciated Beethoven-haus Bonn. This museum will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Cologne. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the night falls in Cologne, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 7 of your European tour in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Koblenz, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Koblenz in Germany to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Cologne, including a castle, a palace, a boardwalk, a tramway, a monument and much more! Start your day at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This breathtaking castle is a well-known place to see in Cologne. Then, wander over to Schloss Koblenz. If breathtaking sites excite you, this palace will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Rheinanlagen Koblenz. This instagrammable boardwalk is a favorite among visitors.

Cologne offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation is a beloved spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the tramway, don’t forget to check out the historic Deutsches Eck. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this locally renowned monument in Cologne.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Cologne’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Limani, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Suderman, a top-rated bar in the area.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Maastricht in the Netherlands. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Maastricht, your home for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, natural wonders, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Caves Zonneberg. This frequently visited cave system is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is North Caves Maastricht Underground, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Stadspark, one of the most beloved places to see in Cologne. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Helpoort. Wander around and soak in the picture-perfect atmosphere this historical landmark offers. Then, head to Basilica Of Our Lady, a top-rated church that adds another dimension to your day. Finally, visit the worthwhile Basilica Of Saint Servatius, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Maastricht. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of the Netherlands's delectable cuisine at one of Maastricht's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Make sure to reserve a table at Bistrot-Bar 't Wycker Cabinet, an iconic dining spot in Maastricht. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Café Local, lekker eten en drinken in Maastricht, a popular restaurant in Maastricht. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Onglet, a hidden gem nestled in Maastricht. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Mr. Smith, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Café Duke is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar Brutal is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 9 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rotterdam, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Maastricht, including a monument, a maritime museum, a food market, an art installation and much more! Start your day with a visit to Erasmusbrug. This popular monument is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which may be one of the most standout places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Maastricht on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Markthal Tours, a locally appreciated food market in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Cube House.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Rotterdam. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Rotterdam. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Harvest Cafe & Bakery, a top-rated dining spot in Rotterdam. If you're in the mood for something new, try Little V Rotterdam, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Dudok. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Rotterdam.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Mendoza, known for its lively atmosphere. Wunderbar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, De Witte Aap offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!