The route at a glance
How long to stay in each city and how to get between them. Fares are typical one-way prices per person.
- 1BerlinDays 1–3Train · 1h 23mTrain times and fares
- 2DresdenDays 4–6Train · 4h 22m · from €10Train times and fares
- 3FrankfurtDays 7–8Train · 1h 5m · from €8Train times and fares
- 4CologneDays 9–10
Days 1–3
Berlin
Berlin is a city of contrasts—where cutting-edge art scenes meet poignant historical sites. The German capital pulses with creative energy, offering world-class museums, innovative cuisine, legendary nightlife, and traces of its complex 20th-century history.
- Brandenburg Gate
- Berlin Wall Memorial
- Museum Island
- Reichstag Building
- East Side Gallery
- Tiergarten
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €486 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€162 a day).
Days 4–6
Dresden
Dresden is Germany's cultural jewel, rebuilt from WWII devastation to showcase baroque grandeur. The 'Florence on the Elbe' features world-class art collections, stunning architecture, and the famous Frauenkirche cathedral.
- Frauenkirche
- Zwinger Palace
- Old Town
- Green Vault
- Semperoper
- Elbe River terraces
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €441 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€147 a day).
Days 7–8
Frankfurt
Germany's financial capital surprises visitors with its blend of modern skyscrapers and charming half-timbered Römerberg. Frankfurt offers world-class museums, apple wine culture, and excellent transport connections.
- Römerberg
- Main Tower
- Städel Museum
- Palmengarten
- Sachsenhausen
- Old Opera House
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €380 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€190 a day).
Days 9–10
Cologne
Dominated by its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Cologne offers 2,000 years of history alongside a vibrant contemporary culture. The city is famous for its Carnival, Kölsch beer, and friendly locals.
- Cologne Cathedral
- Old Town
- Rhine River
- Museum Ludwig
- Belgian Quarter
- Chocolate Museum
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €324 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€162 a day).
Travel times and fares come from Omio and hotel prices from Traveloka; both change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
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Germany itinerary: FAQ
How many days do you need in Germany?+
10 days is enough for Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt and Cologne: 3 days in Berlin, 3 days in Dresden, 2 days in Frankfurt, 2 days in Cologne. With 7 and 14 days you can follow our 7-day and 14-day route instead.
What is the best way to travel around Germany?+
On this route every leg works by train. Berlin to Dresden takes about 1h 23m; Dresden to Frankfurt takes about 4h 22m from €10; Frankfurt to Cologne takes about 1h 5m from €8. Total time on the move is about 6h 50m.
How much does a 10-day trip to Germany cost?+
Plan on about €699 per person on a budget or €1,631 mid-range for accommodation, food and sightseeing, plus around €18 for the transport between cities. Flights to Germany are not included.