Comprehensive 12-Day Scenic Road Trip from Frankfurt through the Black Forest, Moselle Valley, and Eifel Region

Day 1: Arrival & Black Forest

Northern Black Forest, Germany on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Pick up Rental Car

Collect your rental car in Frankfurt and prepare for your drive to the Black Forest, giving you freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
Variable, 30m

10:00am

Drive to Black Forest

Enjoy a scenic approximately 3-hour drive from Frankfurt to the northern Black Forest, soaking in views of rolling hills and dense forests.
Fuel cost approx EUR 40, 3h

1:00pm

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check in to your accommodation and rest after the drive; take it easy to refresh for upcoming activities.
Variable, 1h

2:00pm

Optional Short Stroll

Take a gentle walk around your hotel area to get a feel for the Black Forest environment and enjoy fresh air.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus zum Waldhorn

Enjoy traditional German Black Forest cuisine in a cozy setting featuring local specialties such as Black Forest ham and trout.
Approx EUR 25 per person, 1.5h
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Day 2: Waterfalls & Craft

Triberg, Black Forest, Germany on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel with local Black Forest pastries and fresh coffee to energize for the day.
Included with stay or approx EUR 12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Triberg

A short scenic drive of about 30 minutes brings you to Triberg, famous for its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks.
Fuel approx EUR 5, 30m

9:30am

Hike Triberg Waterfall Loop

Enjoy a 4.5 km loop hike around the Triberg Waterfalls, one of Germany’s highest and most impressive cascades; open 7am-8pm.
EUR 3.50 entrance fee, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Cuckoo Clock Workshop

Discover the craftsmanship behind traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks with a guided visit and watch artisans at work.
Free to visit; purchases optional, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Schäfer

Savor regional specialties including Wurstsalat or Black Forest cake in this local café near Triberg’s center.
Approx EUR 20, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Base

Drive back to your hotel to relax after the active morning; afternoon at leisure.
Fuel approx EUR 5, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy traditional German cuisine onsite with dishes like schnitzel or fresh trout, perfect after a day of hiking.
Approx EUR 25, 1.5h
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Day 3: Lake Hike & France

Black Forest & Wissembourg, France on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast with fresh breads, cheese, and coffee to fuel your upcoming hike.
Included or EUR 12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Mummelsee

Drive approximately 1 hour to this picturesque lake at the northern edge of the Black Forest.
Fuel approx EUR 8, 1h

9:30am

Mummelsee Loop Hike

Hike around the 5 km trail circling the enchanting Mummelsee lake, taking in natural beauty and peaceful forest scenery.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Wissembourg, France

Cross the border into France with about a 45-minute drive to the charming town of Wissembourg.
Fuel approx EUR 5, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch in Wissembourg at Le Caveau

Enjoy French Alsace cuisine with dishes such as tarte flambée in a historic setting.
Approx EUR 25, 1h

1:30pm

Short Walk in Wissembourg

Stroll through the medieval town’s picturesque streets and see its half-timbered houses and quaint squares.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Zweibrücken

Head east approximately 1.5 hours to Zweibrücken, your base for the next two nights.
Fuel approx EUR 10, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Check In at Zweibrücken Hotel

Settle into your hotel and unwind after a day of travel and hiking.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schwarzbachtal

Dine on local Palatinate cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
Approx EUR 30, 1.5h
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Day 4: Relax & Gardens

Zweibrücken, Germany on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax over breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a leisure day exploring.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Zweibrücken Rose Garden

Explore Europe’s second-largest rose garden, boasting thousands of rose varieties; gardens open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Town at Café Lecretia

Enjoy light meals and excellent coffee in this charming café known for fresh pastries.
Approx EUR 15, 1h

1:30pm

Optional Visit to Hornbach Village or Forest Walk near Fasanerie Castle

Choose between visiting the quaint village of Hornbach or taking a tranquil forest walk around Fasanerie Castle grounds.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Relax and prepare for dinner after your leisurely afternoon.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Alten Fritz

Savor hearty German fare in a traditional tavern setting to end your day in Zweibrücken.
Approx EUR 25-30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Scenic to Trier

Zweibrücken to Trier, Germany on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before setting out for the day’s scenic drive.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Saarschleife Viewpoint

Head about 1.5 hours to the famous Saarschleife viewpoint, one of Germany’s stunning river bends offering panoramic views.
Free, 1h 30m

10:00am

Visit Saarschleife Observation Point

Climb the viewing platform and walk short trails to admire the breathtaking Saarschleife loop in the Saar River.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Trier

Continue approximately 1.5-hour drive to Trier, the oldest city in Germany.
Fuel approx EUR 10, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Check in and unwind in Trier’s old town; take time to rest or explore nearby streets.
Variable, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Zum Domstein

Enjoy traditional Rhineland dishes near the cathedral in a historic setting.
Approx EUR 25, 1h

3:30pm

Leisurely Walk in Old Town

Explore quaint shops, Roman ruins, and cafes in Trier’s atmospheric city center.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie Trier

Relax with a meal offering local wine and hearty German cuisine, a perfect end to the day.
Approx EUR 30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Trier & Moselle

Trier & Bernkastel-Kues, Germany on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast in Trier, preparing for a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Trier City Highlights Tour

Explore iconic sites: Porta Nigra gates, Trier Cathedral (open 7:30am-6pm), and the bustling Hauptmarkt square.
Free, cathedral donation EUR 2, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Weinstube Kesselstatt

Enjoy regional Moselle specialties paired with fine local wines in the historic cellar-like setting.
Approx EUR 30, 1h

2:00pm

Day Trip to Bernkastel-Kues

Drive approx 45 minutes to picturesque Moselle river town Bernkastel-Kues; wander vineyards and medieval streets.
Fuel approx EUR 5, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Trier

Drive back to Trier and relax at your hotel or in a café.
Fuel approx EUR 5, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Backstube & Weinstube Charlies

Savor a blend of German and international dishes with a vibrant wine bar atmosphere.
Approx EUR 25, 1.5h
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Day 7: Moselle Valley Drive

Trier to Cochem, Germany on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before driving along the scenic Moselle Valley.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Cochem

Scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Moselle River, passing vineyards and charming villages.
Fuel approx EUR 8, 1h 30m

10:30am

Light Sightseeing & Castle Views

Enjoy castle exterior views of Reichsburg Cochem and stroll the quaint town center; no formal tours booked.
Free to explore town, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel or Local Bistro

Try local Moselle trout or hearty German fare with a view of the river at your hotel or nearby bistro.
Approx EUR 20, 1h

2:00pm

Hotel Check-in & Leisure

Check-in riverside hotel and relax or wander along the Moselle river promenade.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Zur Post

Enjoy fresh seasonal dishes with a focus on regional ingredients in a warm setting.
Approx EUR 30, 1.5h
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Day 8: Monschau Village

Cochem to Monschau, Eifel, Germany on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast before your drive northwest.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Monschau

Drive approximately 2 hours to Monschau, a picturesque Eifel village with charming half-timbered houses.
Fuel approx EUR 10, 2h

11:00am

Wander Monschau Streets

Explore the cobblestone streets, artisanal shops, and historic town center at your leisure.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café LebensArt

Enjoy homemade cakes and light meals in this cozy café popular with locals and tourists alike.
Approx EUR 15, 1h

2:30pm

Optional Forest Walk or Coffee by Rur River

Choose to relax with coffee along the Rur River or take a gentle walk through surrounding forest trails.
Free or coffee approx EUR 5, 1.5h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your accommodations and rest after the afternoon activities.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Alte Schmitte

Dine on regional specialties such as Eifel trout or Sauerbraten in a historic farmhouse setting.
Approx EUR 30, 1.5h
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Day 9: Walled Town & Nature

Monschau to Bad Münstereifel, Germany on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your short drive to Bad Münstereifel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Bad Münstereifel

Approximately 1-hour drive to this charming walled town known for its medieval gates and thermal springs.
Fuel approx EUR 6, 1h

10:00am

Check-in & Explore Town

Check into your hotel and stroll the town walls, shops, and quaint streets at leisure.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Altstadthaus

Enjoy hearty German fare with local ingredients in this atmospheric historic building.
Approx EUR 20, 1h

1:30pm

Optional Easy Hike in Eifel National Park

Choose a gentle trail suitable for an afternoon hike, enjoying nature and forest scenery.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Return to hotel to rest or enjoy spa amenities if available.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Erkens

Traditional cuisine with local specialties and warm hospitality to finish the day.
Approx EUR 25, 1.5h
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Day 10: Town & Spa

Bad Münstereifel, Germany on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast, preparing for a free day to relax and explore.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Bad Münstereifel

Visit the town ramparts, boutique shops, and quaint cafés at your own pace.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Rheingold

Enjoy light meals and fresh coffee with views of the town center.
Approx EUR 15, 1h

2:00pm

Optional Spa Afternoon

Relax in thermal baths or wellness facilities in Bad Münstereifel; check spa open hours 10am-8pm.
Approx EUR 20-30, 3h

6:00pm

Alternatively Countryside Vineyard Visit

Drive to a nearby Rhine-Westphalia vineyard for wine tasting (advance booking recommended).
Variable, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Choose a relaxed dinner atmosphere either at your hotel or a nearby eatery featuring local cuisine.
Approx EUR 25, 1.5h
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Day 11: Village or Nature

Bad Münstereifel, Germany on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a calm breakfast setting to start your day with flexibility.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Nearby Villages or Nature Trails

Choose a light activity such as visiting the villages of Dahlem or Blankenheim, or relaxing at a forest café; perfect for low-impact outdoor time.
Free or small café purchases, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Bistro

Enjoy casual dining with fresh local ingredients to refuel after your morning outing.
Approx EUR 20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Relaxation

Return to Bad Münstereifel for a relaxed afternoon, optional shopping or spa rest.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Drei Könige

Conclude your day with a well-reviewed menu emphasizing regional flavors.
Approx EUR 30, 1.5h
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Day 12: Aachen Finale

Bad Münstereifel to Aachen, Germany on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your final day’s drive and exploration.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Aachen

Approximately 1.5-hour drive to Aachen, known for its cathedral and historical importance.
Fuel approx EUR 8, 1h 30m

10:00am

Visit Aachen Cathedral

Tour the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for Charlemagne’s shrine; open 9am-6pm.
Free, donations welcome, 1.5h

11:45am

Explore Aachen Old Town

Walk through the historic town center, browsing shops and cafes.
Free, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ratskeller Aachen

Dine at this historic restaurant serving traditional German cuisine with a modern twist near the market square.
Approx EUR 25, 1h

3:00pm

Car Drop-off or Hotel Check-in

Return your rental car if departing or check into your hotel for onward travel preparations.
Variable, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon Leisure

Relax or take final walks in the city before your departure.
Free, 2h
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