This exciting, action-packed itinerary will have your family enthusiastically saying 'Ja' to Germany.

'Mehr, bitte!'—that's what your kids will ask as they discover these UNESCO treasures from Frankfurt to Cologne in Germany. The experiences available are as varied as they are awe-inspiring. Imagine mythical mermaids (hello, Loreley), the spirits of knights in armor, and traces of ancient Roman history. The past comes to life, captivating imaginations of all ages.

Add in some extra kid-friendly fun, like a delicious chocolate museum, reaching a fortress by cable car, and a plethora of self-playing musical instruments for unforgettable 'only in Germany' adventures they’ll cherish for years to come.

Begin your journey in Frankfurt.

Many adventures start (or conclude) in Frankfurt, where Europe’s 6th-busiest airport offers seamless, direct connections worldwide. Enjoy a smooth arrival, walking directly from the airport via a pedestrian skywalk to the stunning glass dome of the Hilton Frankfurt Airport, as elegant as it is accessible, situated above an Intercity Express (ICE) high-speed train station. Dine at the city- and forest-view restaurant Rise, a destination in itself. Nearby, you'll find the Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport (with family-friendly amenities upon request). Alternatively, the Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt Airport is just a short shuttle ride to the airport terminals.

If you plan to spend some time in Frankfurt, make the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre your home base, conveniently located in the heart of downtown and near the Old Opera House (Alte Oper). The kids can unwind in the nearby Bockenheimer Anlage park and shake off their jetlag in the indoor pool. For more green spaces, Günthersburgpark, Bethmannpark, and Lohrpark are close to the Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt City Centre East (right next to Frankfurt Main Ost station), with the Zoo Frankfurt just a ten-minute stroll away. The Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt City Centre is only two blocks from the Frankfurt (Main) train station, providing access to both German and European destinations.

Discover ancient ruins and Roman history at Limes in Taunus and Porta Nigra.

Just outside Frankfurt, the reconstructed Roman fort within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Limes in Taunus serves as a vast outdoor playground, perfect for a leisurely 45-minute Circle Route walk. The forested area is home to numerous hidden archaeological treasures and vibrant reconstructions of Roman residences, temples, and sanctuaries. A highlight is the Saalburg Museum, which brings to life daily activities of Romans, featuring a Gambling Den filled with various games from antiquity. You can even try your hand at ancient crafts like weaving.

Another nearby gem in Germany’s archaeological landscape is Trier. A perfect day trip from Frankfurt, this oldest city in Germany, dating back to 16 B.C.E., boasts the UNESCO-listed Porta Nigra, the best-preserved ancient city gate in the world. Indulge in gelato or enjoy a glass of local Moselle wine in the Hauptmarkt square, soaking in the atmosphere as locals have for over 1,200 years.

Experience castles, fairy tales, and mermaids in Koblenz and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Before arriving in picturesque Koblenz, make an unexpected stop about an hour west of Frankfurt in Rüdesheim am Rhein at Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet. Situated in Brömserhof, a 15th-century knight’s residence, this attraction features 400 self-playing musical instruments. Children will be enchanted by the music performed by guides, while the remarkable engineering from the 1800s will captivate visitors of all ages. With everything from grand carousel players to delicate music boxes, the beautifully preserved instruments and the stunning building make this a worthwhile visit.

Rüdesheim am Rhein serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which stretches 40 miles toward Koblenz. This enchanting stretch of water in Germany is famed for the mermaid Loreley, who, according to legend, lured many sailors with her captivating song.

The riverside tapestry of charming small towns and wine-growing villages (look for a statue of Loreley nestled in a river bend near St. Goarshausen) is complemented by an array of castles, with over 40 still standing in varying degrees of preservation. Marksburg Castle, a favorite among medieval enthusiasts of all ages, has remained virtually untouched, with some structures dating back to 1239.

Discover the river journey from Rüdesheim to Koblenz aboard the DS Goethe, the last remaining paddle steamer on the Rhine. Prefer a different mode of transport? Take a cable car! Once you arrive in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, you can enjoy a ride in the glass-enclosed Seilbahn Koblenz to reach the Ehrenbreitstein fortress. Half the joy of visiting this 800-year-old fortress-turned-museum, complete with fortified towers, grand halls, moats, and drawbridges, is in the journey itself, taking in the stunning views of the town and rivers along the way. Pro tip: At the top, you'll find an imaginative playground for all ages, constructed from timber, rope, and stone.

The Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt City Centre Messe, located in western Frankfurt, is perfectly positioned for a day trip to Koblenz, as is the DoubleTree by Hilton Frankfurt Niederrad, conveniently near the riverfront.

The Cologne Cathedral

A highlight of a UNESCO-themed, history-filled family vacation awaits in Cologne—especially when children discover the in-room teepee (part of a Family Experience for guests under 12, including a Kids Welcome pack and special Kids Breakfast) at the Hilton Cologne. This luxurious hotel checks all the boxes for a prime location: just a two-minute walk from Central Station, 650 feet from the Cologne Cathedral, and a 10-minute stroll to the charming Old Town.

Towering majestically, the Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, featuring two soaring towers that rise 515 feet. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture took 600 years to finish and has been a cherished pilgrimage site since it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. While younger visitors may not grasp the significance of these figures, they will certainly be captivated by the intricate stained-glass windows, gleaming ecclesiastical treasures, and the 533 steps leading to a panoramic viewing platform through a stunning belfry.

For a kid-friendly experience, visit the Odysseum, an interactive museum. The Harry Potter exhibition guides fans through the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, and the Ministry of Magic. Exhibitions change regularly, so you might encounter topics like Egyptology or science. In the summer, it's also a fantastic place to enjoy the water playground in the Sonnengarten.

If you’re staying at the Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton, the charming former water tower is just minutes away from the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladen Museum) by Lindt. From there, you can hop on the SCHOKO-Express train, which departs every 30 minutes, taking you along the Rhine embankment through Old Town to the Cologne Cathedral. Just be prepared for how long the family will want to spend watching the chocolate-making process and sampling the delicious results.

The Brühl Palaces and beyond

Cologne, much like Frankfurt, offers some intriguing day trip options. Be sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Brühl Palaces (Augustusburg Castle and Falkenlust Hunting Lodge), featuring perfectly symmetrical baroque gardens and opulent marble halls, located just 30 minutes away.

You can also journey to Aachen, nestled at the border of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The Aachen Cathedral, constructed around 800, was the first site in Germany to receive UNESCO status. As the final resting place of Charlemagne, it also served as the coronation site for emperors over a span of 600 years. One day may not suffice to fully experience the charm of Aachen, so consider staying overnight at the Hampton by Hilton Aachen Tivoli, which is just a 10-minute walk from both the Cathedral and Aachen Zoo.

A family-friendly adventure doesn’t have to conclude here. Travel 90 minutes north from Cologne to the Xanton Archaeological Park. Situated on the grounds of the ancient Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, this is Germany’s largest archaeological open-air museum, offering ample space for kids to explore—complete with excavations, museums, and playgrounds (including an amazing water playground).

Another great option is to drive an hour west from Cologne to Düsseldorf, where you can stay at the Hilton Düsseldorf, just 10 minutes from the Rhine River, or the Hampton by Hilton Düsseldorf City Centre for a blend of history and a visit to the Rhine Tower. Alternatively, you can venture an hour away to explore the museums, art galleries, and concert halls of Dortmund, with the option to check in at the Hampton by Hilton Dortmund Phoenix See.

These are just a few of the 54 UNESCO sites in Germany that promise a fun-filled family vacation. If your group is eager for more exploration, consider this exciting eight-day itinerary stretching from Cologne to Frankfurt.