Copenhagen, Denmark 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Drive to Dover/Folkestone

Begin your road trip from Surrey to the coast for your Channel crossing.

Ensure your dog is comfortable for the journey.

Allow extra time for traffic and check-in for your ferry or Eurotunnel.

Channel Crossing

Cross the English Channel by ferry or Eurotunnel.

Eurotunnel is generally quicker and dogs can stay in the car. On a ferry, dogs typically stay in the car or a designated pet area.

Book your crossing well in advance, especially with a dog. Check pet policies for your chosen service.

Drive to Bruges

Continue your drive from Calais, France, into Belgium and on to Bruges.

Check into Accommodation

Arrive in Bruges and check into your dog-friendly hotel.

Take some time to settle in and let your dog get comfortable.

Markt Square & Belfry

Take a relaxed walk around the iconic Markt Square, admiring the historic guild houses and the imposing Belfry.

Dogs are welcome in the square.

The Belfry climb can be strenuous and dogs are not allowed inside. One person can wait with the dog while the other climbs if desired.

Belgian Dinner

Enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Many restaurants in Bruges have outdoor seating that accommodates dogs.

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Visit this beautiful basilica on Burg Square, known for housing a relic of the Holy Blood.

Dogs are not allowed inside, so consider visiting in shifts.

Free entry, but a small fee may apply to visit the museum or crypt. Dress respectfully.

Explore Burg Square

Wander around Burg Square, home to the Basilica, City Hall, and other impressive historic buildings.

Great for photos.

An open and spacious area, perfect for a dog walk.

Casual Lunch

Grab a light lunch at a cafe with outdoor seating or enjoy some Belgian fries from a Frituur.

Bruges Canal Cruise

Experience Bruges from its beautiful waterways.

Many canal boats allow small dogs, but confirm when purchasing tickets.

This offers a unique perspective of the city's architecture. Confirm dog policy upon arrival.

Canal-side Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the canals, exploring hidden alleys and picturesque bridges.

Perfect for stretching your legs and for your dog.

Dinner in Bruges

Another evening to enjoy Bruges' culinary scene.

Perhaps try some traditional Flemish stew or mussels.

Hotel Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.

Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde

Visit the tranquil Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dogs on leashes are generally allowed in the courtyards and gardens, but not inside the church or museum.

A peaceful escape from the bustling city center.

Minnewater Park & Lake of Love

Enjoy a lovely walk through Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love.

This picturesque area is perfect for dogs to stretch their legs.

Lunch near Minnewater

Find a charming spot for lunch near Minnewater Park.

Many cafes in the area have outdoor seating.

Choco-Story: The Chocolate Museum

Delve into the history of chocolate and watch demonstrations.

Dogs are not typically allowed inside, so one person might visit while the other enjoys a coffee outside with the dog.

Includes chocolate tasting!

Explore Local Shops

Wander through Bruges' charming streets, browsing for lace, chocolates, or other souvenirs.

Leisurely Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Bruges, perhaps trying a restaurant slightly off the main tourist paths.

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Church of Our Lady

Visit the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture.

Dogs are not permitted inside.

Plan for one person to visit while the other waits outside with the dog, or take turns.

Old St. John's Hospital

Explore one of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings, now a museum displaying art and medical instruments.

Dogs are typically not allowed inside, so consider visiting in shifts.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cafe or brasserie.

Windmills of Bruges

Walk along the city ramparts to see the historic windmills (Koelewei and Sint-Janshuys Mill).

This is a fantastic, open area for you and your dog to explore.

A great outdoor activity for pets, offering scenic views of the city.

Brewery De Halve Maan

Consider a tour of Brewery De Halve Maan, a historic brewery in the city center.

Dogs are typically not allowed inside, but you can enjoy a beer at their outdoor terrace (confirm dog policy for terrace).

Farewell Dinner in Bruges

Enjoy your final dinner in Bruges, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a new one.

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Bruges.

Last Bruges Stroll & Souvenirs

Take a last walk through Bruges, revisit a favorite spot, or pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

Check Out from Hotel

Check out from your accommodation in Bruges.

Lunch on the Go

Grab some snacks or a quick sandwich for lunch as you prepare to depart Bruges.

Prepare for Onward Journey

Final preparations for your drive towards the next destination, Cologne, Germany.

Ensure your car is packed and your dog is ready for the drive.

Drive to Cologne

Enjoy the scenic drive from Bruges to Cologne.

Stop for breaks as needed for your dog.

Plan for stops every 2-3 hours for your dog to stretch its legs and for toilet breaks. Pack water and a bowl.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Check into your dog-friendly accommodation in Cologne and take some time to settle in.

Cologne Cathedral Visit

Explore the exterior of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Dogs are not allowed inside, but you can admire its grandeur from the plaza and take turns visiting parts of the interior if desired.

The cathedral plaza is spacious for a dog walk. Consider climbing the south tower for panoramic views (tickets required, but dogs not allowed on the climb).

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy traditional German cuisine at a restaurant in Cologne's historic Old Town (Altstadt).

Many restaurants have outdoor seating where dogs are usually welcome.

Look for a traditional Brauhaus for an authentic experience. Ask about dog-friendly seating upon arrival.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum, built over a Roman villa and showcasing artifacts from Cologne's Roman past.

Note: dogs are generally not allowed inside museums. One person can visit while the other enjoys a coffee nearby with the dog.

Old Town Exploration & Lunch

Wander through the charming narrow streets of Cologne's Old Town, browse souvenir shops, and find a cozy spot for lunch. Many outdoor cafes welcome dogs.

Rhine Embankment Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque Rhine Embankment.

Take in the views of the river, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the colorful old houses.

This is a perfect dog-friendly activity with plenty of space for walking. Consider crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge to see the 'love locks'.

Brauhaus Dinner

Experience a traditional Cologne Brauhaus for dinner, trying local specialties and Kölsch beer, served directly from the barrel by 'Köbes'.

Many Brauhäuser allow well-behaved dogs in their outdoor areas or sometimes even inside during quieter hours. Ask first.

Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum.

Learn about the history of chocolate, watch the production process, and enjoy delicious samples. Dogs are generally not allowed inside.

The museum is located right on the Rhine, so one of you can relax outside with your dog by the river while the other explores.

Lunch near Museum

Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants near the Chocolate Museum or in the Rheinauhafen area, a modern architectural district with waterfront dining.

Relax at Rheinpark

Cross the Rhine via the Hohenzollern Bridge (a pedestrian walkway is available) or take a short taxi/U-Bahn ride to Rheinpark, a large, award-winning park perfect for a dog walk and relaxation.

Rheinpark offers beautiful gardens, open spaces, and views of the Cologne skyline. It's very dog-friendly.

Evening Drinks

Enjoy a relaxed evening with drinks at a local bar or another Brauhaus.

Some pubs might host a pub quiz on a Saturday evening.

Volksgarten Stroll

Start your Sunday with a visit to Volksgarten, a beautiful public park with a lake, beer garden, and ample space for a relaxing dog walk.

A lovely green oasis, perfect for a morning stroll and letting your dog enjoy the open space. You might find a small cafe for a coffee.

Cologne Cable Car Ride

Take a ride on the Kölner Seilbahn (Cologne Cable Car) for unique aerial views of the city, the Rhine, and the Cathedral.

Small dogs are usually allowed in carriers or on a leash, but confirm on the day.

Check the cable car's official website for their specific pet policy closer to your travel date. If not possible, enjoy views from a different vantage point or simply walk along the river.

Sunday Lunch & Market

Seek out a local Sunday market if available (some food markets operate on Sundays) for fresh produce or enjoy a relaxed lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating.

Free Afternoon & Relaxation

Enjoy a free afternoon to revisit a favorite spot, do some souvenir shopping, or simply relax at your hotel or a riverside cafe with your dog.

Dinner by the Rhine

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Rhine River, savoring your last full evening in Cologne.

Morning Walk & Coffee

Enjoy a final morning walk near your hotel or in a nearby park with your dog, followed by coffee and breakfast.

Last Minute Souvenirs

Do some last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot in the city center.

Dogs might be allowed in some larger stores or outdoor markets.

Traditional German Lunch

Savor one last traditional German lunch in Cologne before preparing for your onward journey.

Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel to check out and pack your car, preparing for your drive to Lübeck tomorrow.

Drive to Lübeck & Check-in

Enjoy the scenic drive from Cologne to Lübeck, approximately 4-5 hours.

Upon arrival, check into your dog-friendly accommodation and settle in.

Plan for comfort breaks for you and your dog along the way.

Old Town Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant or cafe in Lübeck's charming Old Town.

Many places offer outdoor seating.

Look for establishments around the Markt square or along Breite Straße.

Holstentor & Old Town Stroll

Walk to the iconic Holstentor, Lübeck's famous city gate, a symbol of the city.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring its unique brick Gothic architecture.

The Holstentor Museum might not be dog-friendly, but the exterior and surrounding park area are perfect for walks.

St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche)

Visit St.

Mary's Church, an impressive example of brick Gothic architecture that inspired many Baltic churches. Admire its soaring interior. One person can wait with the dog in the beautiful churchyard.

Dogs are generally not allowed inside German churches. Consider rotating visits.

Hanseatic Dinner

Dine at a restaurant in the Old Town, savoring local specialties like 'Lübecker National' or fresh Baltic fish.

Many restaurants have outdoor seating suitable for dogs.

Ask your hotel for dog-friendly restaurant recommendations.

Buddenbrooks House & Waterfront

Take a morning walk past the Buddenbrooks House, the former home of the Mann family and inspiration for Thomas Mann's novel.

Then, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Trave River waterfront, which offers lovely views and is perfect for dogs.

The Buddenbrooks House is a museum (check dog policy). The waterfront walk is a great alternative if you both want to stay with the dog.

Niederegger Marzipan Salon

Indulge in Lübeck's famous marzipan at the iconic Niederegger Marzipan Salon.

Explore the shop for souvenirs and perhaps enjoy a coffee and marzipan pastry in the cafe (check dog policy for indoor seating, outdoor may be an option).

A must-visit for sweet treats and gifts. Outdoor seating might be available for you and your dog.

Farewell Lübeck Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch in Lübeck before beginning your journey back.

Choose a cozy spot in the Old Town for a last taste of German cuisine.

Make sure it's convenient for your departure route.

Begin Return Journey South

After a memorable visit to Lübeck, begin your drive south, starting the first leg of your return journey towards Surrey.

Plan a comfortable distance for today, perhaps aiming for a stop in Northern Germany or the Netherlands for the evening.

Have your next accommodation booked in advance. Ensure plenty of breaks for your dog.