Romantic Germany Self Drive

9 daysDuration
Independent TourPrivate tour for one or two travelers
2 peopleMaximum group size
8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Discover the historic charm of Heidelberg Castle and hike the scenic trails of the Black Forest

Experience traditional cuckoo clock craftsmanship & views at Lake Titisee in the Black Forest

Visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle & explore the quaint towns of Oberammergau & Fussen

Immerse yourself in the alpine beauty of Innsbruck and enjoy the vibrant culture of Munich

Journey along the Romantic Road, stopping in medieval towns like Dinkelsbuhl and Rothenburg

Itinerary

Dreaming of fairytale castles and rolling landscapes? The "Romantic Germany Self Drive" tour offers experienced travelers nine days of enchanting exploration through Germany and Austria, all at your own leisurely pace. Starting and ending in Frankfurt, this independent trip weaves through historic towns, alpine scenery, and storybook destinations.

Your road trip begins in Frankfurt, Germany’s dynamic financial hub. From there, make your way to Heidelberg, where the country’s oldest university and a majestic riverside castle set the scene. Traverse the Black Forest region, pausing at Lake Titisee and Lindau for tranquil alpine vistas, then marvel at the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle—a real-life inspiration for Disney’s fairy tales.

Cross into Austria to explore Innsbruck, nestled between dramatic mountain ranges, before heading back to Munich, home of Oktoberfest and Bavarian culture. Visit Nuremberg’s gothic churches and storied old town, then continue to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval cities. The journey concludes in Frankfurt, wrapping up a memorable self-drive tour.

With included accommodations, car hire, and route support, this tour package’s unique selling point lies in the freedom to explore Germany’s romantic heartlands and hidden gems at your own pace—ideal for those who appreciate independent yet well-supported travel.

day 1 - Frankfurt Arrival

Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic landmarks. On arrival at Frankfurt Am Main International Airport pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel to check in.

Overnight in Frankfurt

day 2 - Frankfurt – Heidelberg – Black Forest

This morning travel from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. We recommend a stop to see its famous castle; make sure to ascending by cable car for the views and explore its historic city center. Continue to the famous Black Forest region. Near the hotel is beautiful Ravenna Gorge for those wishing to go for a nice hike or see the region’s oldest chapel next to the hotel.

Overnight in the Black Forest area

Approximate travel distance: 170 miles/ 275 km

day 3 - Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Lindau – Fussen

Before leaving the Black Forest perhaps see a short presentation on the production of cuckoo clocks which the region is famous for. Head to Lake Titisee, nestled in the legendary Black Forest and then to Lindau an island on Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions you can take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to your destination, FĂĽssen, the southernmost point on your tour of Romantic Germany.

Overnight in Fussen

Approximate travel distance: 170 miles/ 275 km

day 4 - Neuschwanstein – Wieskirche – Oberammergau – Linderhof – Innsbruck

Today you can visit the Neuschwanstein Castle (not included), built by Ludwig II, the notorious “Mad King”. This castle served as an inspiration to Walt Disney when he built the castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland. In the afternoon, drive to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way, you can visit Wieskirche Church before continuing to Linderhof Castle. This is one of the 3 castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king lived for a significant amount of time. After a brief stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey, continue to your final destination, Innsbruck.

Overnight in Innsbruck

Approximate travel distance: 50 miles/ 85 km

day 5 - Innsbruck, Austria – Munich

This morning before departing for Munich, spend some time discovering the city of Innsbruck, located in the gorgeous deep valley of the River Inn, between the scenic Karwendel Mountains to the north and Tuxer Mountains to the south. In the afternoon drive to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September.

Overnight in Munich

Approximate travel distance: 155 miles/ 250 km

day 6 - Munich

Enjoy your day at leisure. Explore Munich at your own pace; visit the city’s main attractions. Make sure to visit Marienplatz in the heart of the city centre with its famous clock tower, the Glockenspiel. Every day at 11am and 12pm as well as 5pm in the summer it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.

 Overnight in Munich

day 7 - Munich – Nuremberg

After breakfast depart for Nuremberg. On your way stop in Nördlingen, a beautiful medieval city with an old city wall which makes a circle around its late gothic St. George’s Church. Following the Romantic Road, you will reach Dinkelsbühl, a medieval town with a fairy-tale atmosphere. Continue to Nuremberg, where we suggest visiting the historic city center to learn about its impressive history and see the well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses and peaceful squares.

Overnight in Nuremberg

Approximate travel distance: 125 miles/ 200 km

day 8 - Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Frankfurt

This morning drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Romantic Germany. Tour this lovely medieval town. Don’t forget to try a Schneeballen (snowball), a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg. The day ends with a return to Frankfurt.

Overnight in Frankfurt

Approximate travel distance: 155 miles/ 250 km

day 9 - Frankfurt –

After breakfast return the vehicle to the car rental agency at Frankurt am Main International Airport before checking in for your onward flight.  

Romantic Germany Self Drive

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation
08 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Meals
Daily buffet breakfast
Transport
One driver (must be at least 25 years old)
Others
Economy category car rental car for 9 days including:Opel Astra/Ford Mondeo manual car or similarUnlimited mileageA/CMandatory insuranceCar rental pick up and drop off at Frankfurt International AirportAll local applicable taxes

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a Premier Premier tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 295 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Travel within your own bubble.

Request a private and/or personalized departure

To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 38+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.

Carbon neutral tours.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5
Excellent based on 808 customer reviews fromReviews.io

Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessitĂ  le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato
1 week ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Romantic Germany Self Drive that you might like.

Best of Germany trip - alternative tour available

Best of Germany

Germany’s historic cities and fairytale castles are yours to discover on the "Best of Germany" family-friendly sightseeing trip. Spanning 12 days from Berlin to Munich, this guided journey showcases the best of German culture, architecture, and tradition—perfect for experienced travelers, seniors, and families alike. Stroll through Berlin’s iconic landmarks, marvel at Dresden’s reconstructed cathedral and Baroque Zwinger Palace, and explore Munich’s lively Marienplatz, where the famous Glockenspiel entertains crowds daily. A highlight awaits in Neuschwanstein, where a Local Expert reveals the secrets of the castle that inspired Disney’s magical kingdoms and appeared in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Blending guided tours with time to explore at your own pace, this trip’s unique selling point is its access to both celebrated and lesser-known treasures, making it a well-rounded, enriching tour package suitable for all ages.
12 days
Bavaria: King Ludwig's Way trip - alternative tour available

Bavaria: King Ludwig's Way

Follow in royal footsteps with "Bavaria: King Ludwig's Way," an eight-day self-guided walking tour beginning in Starnberg and ending at the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. Designed for experienced travelers and seniors seeking both history and scenic beauty, this moderate-level journey traces the preferred haunts of Bavaria’s enigmatic King Ludwig II. Stroll past scenic lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages dotted with onion-domed churches. Admire masterpieces of baroque architecture, visit historic monasteries, and reach the summit of Hohenpeissenberg for panoramic Alpine views. The route is gentle, mostly farm tracks and country lanes, with numerous opportunities to pause for refreshments and local treats. The USP? A unique blend of royal intrigue, architectural splendor, and accessible walking, culminating at the world-famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Accommodation, transport, meals, and detailed route guidance are provided, making this tour package the ideal way to experience Bavaria’s storybook landscapes and history.
8 days
Best of Germany trip - alternative tour available

Best of Germany

From Berlin’s dynamic culture to the fairytale castles of Bavaria, the Best of Germany tour is a relaxed, nine-day art and architecture journey for experienced travelers. Explore historic centers, renowned museums, and the palatial city of Dresden. Cruise the Danube Valley, marvel at Landshut’s charming landscapes, and savor Rothenburg’s Christmas Museum. Traverse classic German cities like Munich, Cologne, and Hannover, ending back in vibrant Berlin. The USP: a thoughtfully paced itinerary showcasing Germany’s rich history, diverse architecture, and scenic beauty all in one unforgettable trip.
9 days
Best of Germany trip - alternative tour available

Best of Germany

Discover Germany’s storied past and scenic marvels on the Best of Germany tour, a twelve-day easy-paced odyssey designed for experienced travelers. Start in Frankfurt, journey through the vibrant streets of Berlin, and savor a traditional meal in a medieval castle. Glide along the Rhine River, uncover the enchanting beauty of the Black Forest, and explore cities like Hamburg and Nuremberg. The highlight: a cruise through the country’s fabled landscapes and the opportunity to witness how Germany’s rich heritage blends seamlessly with its modern flair.
12 days
Hiking Austria's Lakes & Dachstein Alps trip - alternative tour available

Hiking Austria's Lakes & Dachstein Alps

Austria’s Lake District and the Dachstein Alps provide a picture-perfect backdrop for walkers seeking inspiration and adventure. "Hiking Austria's Lakes & Dachstein Alps" is an 8-day, moderate self-guided walking tour, ideal for experienced travelers and seniors who appreciate both independence and comfort. Your journey begins in the charming town of Bad Goisern, set in the scenic Goisertal Valley. From there, choose your hiking pace: ascend high trails such as the Goiserer Hohenweg for panoramic vistas, or opt for gentler routes along forested hillsides. The route leads to Gosau, with its broad, pastoral valley and captivating mountain views, and then to the enchanting town of Hallstatt—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its lakeside setting and ancient salt mines. Walks take you past the dramatic cliffs and serene alpine lakes of Gosausee, through historic streets, and into hidden valleys, with plenty of time to visit local museums, baroque churches, and even the mysterious charnel house. Flexible options, including funicular rides and ice cave excursions, allow you to tailor the experience to your interests and energy level. The standout feature of this tour package is its perfect balance of structured adventure and personal freedom. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, detailed route guidance, and the chance to discover Austria’s most iconic scenery at your own pace. For those seeking classic alpine hiking with cultural highlights and minimal hassle, this trip is a true gem.
8 days
Walking in Southern Bavaria trip - alternative tour available

Walking in Southern Bavaria

Lace up for a walking holiday in storybook Bavaria, where mountain vistas and cozy traditions await. The "Walking in Southern Bavaria" tour is an eight-day, self-guided journey beginning and ending in Oberammergau, famed for its Passion Plays and charming, painted houses. Enjoy a variety of hiking options each day—from exhilarating mountain routes towards Zugspitze to gentle strolls through flower-filled valleys and wetlands. With a Guest Card providing free local transport, you’re free to explore at your own pace and enjoy local customs like afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen. The USP? The flexibility to choose your adventure daily, all set within Bavaria’s timeless scenery and welcoming culture.
8 days
German Christmas Markets trip - alternative tour available

German Christmas Markets

Step into a winter wonderland with the "German Christmas Markets" tour, an 8-day easy-paced journey crafted for experienced travelers. Beginning in Frankfurt and culminating in Berlin, this trip immerses you in Germany’s festive traditions, from the oompah music and sparkling lights of Weimar’s market squares to the spicy aroma of Glühwein wafting through Berlin’s bustling stalls. With comfortable hotel accommodation, included transport, and guided sightseeing, you’ll explore iconic landmarks while reveling in the country’s seasonal hospitality. The tour’s unique charm lies in its authentic celebration of German holiday spirit, offering a cozy, cultural escape amid the magic of the Christmas season.
8 days