7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Amsterdam to Lake Como and Back

Day 1: Amsterdam to Cologne

Amsterdam, Netherlands to Cologne, Germany on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with traditional Dutch pancakes in a cozy setting near the city center. They open at 8am, perfect timing to fuel your trip.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cologne

Hit the road early for the approximately 2.5-hour drive southeast to Cologne, a charming German city on the Rhine River.
EUR30 (fuel tolls), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Brauhaus Früh am Dom

Enjoy traditional Rhineland cuisine and local Kölsch beer right across from Cologne Cathedral. They serve hearty German dishes and are open daily.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. Open 9am-7pm with free entry, but donations welcome.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Along the Rhine Promenade

Stroll along the scenic Rhine riverfront, enjoying views of historic bridges and the vibrant city life.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Peter's Brauhaus

Finish your day with authentic German dishes like Sauerbraten or Rheinischer Sauerbraten in a traditional brewery setting. Opens till 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cologne to Munich

Cologne, Germany to Munich, Germany on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Reichard

Start with coffee and fresh pastries at this historic café near the cathedral. Opens at 7am daily.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Munich

Travel southeast for approximately 5.5 hours through scenic German countryside to reach Munich, the capital of Bavaria.
EUR50 (fuel toll), 5h30m

3:30pm

Check-in and Short Rest

Settle into your hotel and prepare for an evening stroll.
EUR0, 1h

5:00pm

Walk in Marienplatz and Visit Glockenspiel

Explore the bustling central square and catch the famous Glockenspiel show at 5pm on the New Town Hall tower.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus München

Experience Bavarian culture with traditional food and live music at this historic beer hall, open until midnight.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 3: Munich City Day

Munich, Germany on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Rischart Café

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee at this local favorite, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nymphenburg Palace

Tour the beautiful baroque palace and its gardens, open from 9am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Explore this lively market and try local Bavarian specialties from various stalls.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Deutsches Museum

One of the world’s largest science and technology museums, open 9am-5pm, offering engaging exhibits.
EUR14, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Englischer Garten

Walk or rent a bike to enjoy one of the largest urban parks with beer gardens and scenic views.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Schneider Bräuhaus München

Sample local beers and hearty Bavarian meals at this well-known brewery, open till 11pm.
EUR28, 2h
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Day 4: Munich to Lake Como

Munich, Germany to Lake Como, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Grab some traditional German pastries known as Schmalznudeln to fuel your day. Opens at 7am.
EUR8, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Lake Como

Enjoy a scenic approximately 6-hour drive crossing into Italy, aiming for the town of Como on the lake.
EUR60 (fuel and toll), 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria dei Bracconieri

Try authentic Northern Italian dishes with views of Lake Como in a charming setting near the waterfront. Open from noon.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into Hotel Barchetta Excelsior

Located centrally in Como, this hotel gives beautiful lake views and easy access to attractions.
EUR0, 0h30m

5:00pm

Visit Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

Explore this beautiful gothic cathedral in the heart of Como, open until 7pm.
EUR0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale

Dine on classic Italian pasta and risotto near the town center, a great spot open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lake Como Exploration

Lake Como, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Monti

Enjoy a cappuccino and Italian pastries in a historic café, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Boat tour to Bellagio

Take a ferry ride to Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', for stunning views and charming streets. Ferries run frequently from 9am to early evening.
EUR15, 1h15m (one way)

11:00am

Explore Bellagio

Wander the lovely village’s cobblestone streets, visit Villa Melzi gardens and enjoy lake views.
EUR8 (villa entry), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Punta

A beautiful lakeside restaurant in Bellagio serving fresh fish and Italian cuisine. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return Boat to Como

Relax during the scenic ferry ride back to Como.
EUR15, 1h15m

5:00pm

Stroll Lakeside Promenade

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the lake and small shops near Como’s waterfront.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Gatto Nero

Dine on traditional Italian dishes in a restaurant perched above the lake with panoramic views, accessible by car or taxi. Typically opens at 7pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Lake Como to Lucerne

Lake Como, Italy to Lucerne, Switzerland on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel with lake views before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lucerne

Journey north through Switzerland towards the scenic city of Lucerne, a drive of about 3.5 hours.
CHF50 (fuel and vignette/toll), 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy Swiss specialties with craft beer at this historic brewery located near the Chapel Bridge.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Across Chapel Bridge and Visit Old Town

Explore Lucerne’s beautiful medieval wooden bridge and charming historic old town. Open 24/7, free to explore.
CHF0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Lion Monument

See the famous Lion of Lucerne monument carved into rock, a poignant historical site.
CHF0, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss dishes in a cozy setting, open till 10pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lucerne to Amsterdam

Lucerne, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Hug

Grab fresh pastries and coffee at this popular Lucerne bakery, opens early at 6am.
CHF10, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Amsterdam

Begin the final leg of your trip with an approximately 8-hour drive northwest back to Amsterdam.
EUR80 (fuel and tolls), 8h

4:00pm

Arrival in Amsterdam and Rest

Arrive back home or your hotel, completing your scenic and culturally rich round trip.
EUR0, Rest
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