A mix of natural treasures, colonial history, rum, tobacco, cocoa, and coffee combine to craft a cocktail of unforgettable experiences. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant neighborhoods bursting with street art and cuisine, and local producers showcasing the best of the Dominican Republic. From dreamy beaches to the majestic Dominican Alps and enchanting caves, experience the diverse landscapes of this Caribbean paradise. An artist's village tour adds artistic flair to your adventure. Like a perfectly crafted cocktail, each day blends unique ingredients into an unforgettable experience. Opt for a beach extension to conclude your trip with ultimate relaxation. Take your time to savor the memories of an enriching week filled with discovery and delight.
Highlights
Explore Santo Domingo's old town, a UNESCO World heritage site
Learn about coffee cultivation and processes in Jarabacoa
See Los Pepines' colorful and expressive murals
Take a refreshing swim or observe tropical fish in Cayo Arena
Taste the famous chocolate in San Francisco and learn how it is processed
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
A warm welcome awaits you at the Santo Domingo airport upon arrival. Outside the terminal, a driver with your name on a sign will meet you and drive you to your hotel in the historic town of Santo Domingo.
Transfers to and from Puerto Plata and Punta Cana to Santo Domingo are available upon request.
Today, learn about the history of the first European city in the Americas. This is the location of the first hospital to open, the first governor's residence, the first cathedral built in the New World, and the first bishop established and consecrated. The lively city of over a million inhabitants has many cultural attractions, especially architectural sights, that you won't find anywhere else on the island of Hispaniola.
The day will begin in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Zona Colonial, the old town with a rich history. During the city tour, you will see the Cathedral, the Diego Columbus Palace, the Casas Reales historical museum, and the Christopher Columbus bronze monument in Parque Colón. Stroll through Calle de las Damas, the first street paved in Santo Domingo for the ladies of the Spanish nobility. You will also walk along the pedestrian zone, El Conde, with its many stores, street vendors, bars, and restaurants. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the first city of the New World or relax at the hotel.
In the evening, a representative will come and pick you up at your hotel. Your destination is a typical local restaurant in the old town. Dine à la carte and taste local specialties.
Today's journey will bring you to Santiago. When you get there, you will see Los Pepines, one of the most famous neighborhoods located in the city's historic center. In 2016, the local government decided to paint the parts of the neighborhood that needed the most work and make improvements to stimulate the local economy. Two years later, Los Pepines' vibrant and colorful murals helped it become a popular tourist destination in Santiago.
Take a walking tour to discover the history behind each mural. Learn about the people portrayed in the murals, the significance of the colors, and how they relate to the community's culture. You can't complete the walk without trying the street food. During the tour, you will make several stops to taste the typical empanadas, dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, and fresh fruit juices—simply delicious!
Afterwards, proceed towards Punta Rucia. This small fishing village is situated on the tip of a small cape, overlooking a stunning seaside bay where the water sparkles in the sun, displaying beautiful shades of blue and turquoise.
After breakfast, take a half-day excursion to the sandbank Cayo Arena, also called Paradise Island. It is a jewel of the Dominican Republic and a highlight of your stay in Punta Rucia. You will reach Cayo Arena directly from the beach in about 25 minutes by boat. Here, you will enjoy the tranquility in paradisiacal surroundings, take a refreshing swim, or observe shoals of tropical fish in the shallow turquoise waters. After a few hours, return to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
After breakfast, travel to Puerto Plata, well-known for its 800-meter-tall Mount Isabel de Torres and its charming wooden houses built in the Victorian style that surround the city's central park. Explore the history and culture of the city on a guided tour through the historic center. Visit the Amber Museum and the Fortaleza San Felipe fortification, one of the oldest well-preserved fortresses from the colonial era. Built-in 1577, this massive and impressive complex was intended to make attacks from the water more challenging. In addition, you will ride the cable car 800 meters to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and city. At the summit is a magnificent botanical garden and a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the province's landmarks. Before continuing, visit the Macorix House of Rum, the visitor center of the local rum brand, Macorix. During the tour, you will learn all about the history of the rum factory and the manufacturing process. Of course, a rum tasting at the end of the tour is not to be missed!
Afterwards, drive to Cabarete. The small town is popular with surfers and has made a name for itself worldwide as a Caribbean water-sports hotspot.
Today, the tour goes towards San Francisco de Macorís. Along the way, you will visit the Sendero de Cacao. Here at the cacao plantation Hacienda La Esmeralda, which supplies world-renowned chocolate factories, you will have the unique opportunity to learn everything from the cultivation of the cacao bean to chocolate processing. Of course, a cocoa and chocolate tasting is also part of the program. Lunch will be served during the tour.
Afterward, continue to Tamboril and visit a cigar factory, where everything about tobacco processing and cigar manufacturing will be explained to you.
Today, the journey goes back south along the mountain flanks of the Central Cordillera. Take a brief detour to the Dominican Alps where many locals spend their summer vacations because of the pleasant temperatures. Situated 600 meters above sea level, Jarabacoa is surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and the valleys of the Rio Jimenoa and Rio Yaque del Norte rivers. Spring-like temperatures prevail here all year round. The climatic health resort is the center for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visit the charming town of Jarabacoa, visit the Monte Alto coffee factory, and learn everything about the cultivation and processing of coffee. Of course, there will also be a coffee tasting.
You will then have some free time to go to Alta Vista Restaurant if you wish. Situated atop a mountain, this hip restaurant is well-known outside the city. The terrace offers a fantastic panorama and a spectacular view of the nearby town of La Vega. After that, travel back to Santo Domingo for a good night's rest.
Day 8: San Pedro de Macoris | Altos de Chavón | Santo Domingo Airport
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, drive towards the southeast. Along the way, stop by the fascinating Cueva de las Maravillas cave system, which features stalactite caves and underground river channels. It is the largest developed stalactite cave in the Dominican Republic and holds many impressive drawings of the Taíno Indians. Next, go to the Chavón River replica of a Mediterranean village from the sixteenth century. The Altos de Chavón village has been faithfully reconstructed according to the original plans of an Andalusian settlement with Roman-style elements made of coral limestone. There is an amphitheater, a church, and a Taíno archaeological museum with a variety of exhibits. Even today, artisans, painters, and sculptors live and work here.
After this, your tour will come to an end, and you will be transferred to the airport.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
We went to the Patagonia on the Chile side and Perito Moreno in El Calafate, Argentina. Eric of San Diego handled our trip with expertise. The preparation went smoothly, despite some changes on our part with scheduling conflicts. He offered great advice which made us feel at ease with all decisions on the trip. It was truly a great experience.
Evelyn and Edwin
3 days ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.
Jody Dice
4 days ago
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.