Head to the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that took over 600 years to complete. Take a stroll through the trendy Belgian Quarter and grab a Kölsch beer in a local brewery. Visit the Chocolate Museum and learn about the history of chocolate.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Elbphilharmonie concert hall, located in a former warehouse. Indulge in some fresh seafood at the Fischmarkt, and explore the history of the city at the Hamburg Museum. Take a boat ride through the canals of the Speicherstadt, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit the birthplace of Beethoven at the Beethoven-Haus museum. Take a stroll through the Rhine promenade and the old town with its colorful half-timbered houses. Visit the Federal Art Hall and contemplate the exhibitions of contemporary art.
Visit the Historical Museum of the Palatinate and learn about the history and culture of this region. Explore the Old Town, and climb the Nuemberg Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Visit the Munich Residenz, one of the biggest royal palaces in Europe. Take a bike tour through the English Garden and have a picnic by the river. Explore the Haas Säule where Hitler's putsch took place, a sobering reminder of Nazi history.
Go on a sound of music tour and visit some of the movie's most beautiful filming locations. Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval fortress overlooking the city. Walk through the baroque Old Town and indulge in traditional Austrian treats such as apfelstrudel and schnitzel.
Visit the Grand Place, a majestic square surrounded by beautiful architecture. Sample some of the city's best food including waffles, chocolate, and beer. Go on a tour of the European Parliament.
Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Explore the world-famous Louvre Museum and see the Mona Lisa up close. Take a stroll down the Champs-Élysées in the heart of the city.
Visit the Place de la Bourse, a breathtaking square that reflects in the mirror water. Explore the Historic Old Town of Bordeaux and wander through the beautifully preserved medieval streets. Go on a wine tour of the Bordeaux region and taste some of the world's finest wines.
Visit the charming Little Venice and sip coffee in a waterfront café. Go on a guided tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral and learn about its fascinating history. Explore the countryside of Alsace and admire the rolling hills and vineyards.
Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car and enjoy breathtaking views of the highest mountains in Europe. Go on a hike through the stunning Alpine landscapes and see if you can spot some unique wildlife.
Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Europe. Explore the charming Old Town and marvel at the stunning architecture. Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and admire the stunning scenery.
Trains and buses are the most convenient ways to travel between cities. The estimated cost for a one-way ticket ranges from €15-€100 depending on the distance. For longer distances, consider renting a car for more flexibility but be aware of toll fees and parking costs.
If you have more time, consider visiting more cities in Germany such as Berlin or Frankfurt. If you have less time, consider skipping some cities or dividing the itinerary into two separate trips.
The Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) serves Cologne and Bonn, located about 15 km southeast of Cologne and 16 km northeast of Bonn. The Hamburg Airport (HAM) serves Hamburg, located about 8.5 km north of the city center. The Munich Airport (MUC) serves Munich, located about 28 km northeast of the city center.