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Cayo Arena Island

Dominican Republic: Culture and Cocktails

Example 8 Day Tour
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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.
Old city district of Santo DomingoParadise Island of Cayo ArenaCable car to Isabel de TorresAltos de Chavon villageCueva de las MaravillasVisiting cocoa farm in Sendero del CacaoPuerto Plata central park and colonial buildingSendero del Cacao cocoa factoryChrist Statue in Puerto PlataCayo Arena Island
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
Places Visited
  • Caribbean
  • Greater Antilles
  • Altos de Chavon
  • Cabarete
  • Cayo Arena Island
  • Dominican Republic
  • Jarabacoa
  • Puerto Plata
  • Punta Rucia
  • San Francisco de Macoris
  • San Pedro de Macoris
  • Santiago de los Caballeros
  • Santo Domingo
  • Tamboril
Activity Level: Easy Active
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo

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. 

Day 2: Santo Domingo

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.

Day 3: Santiago de los Caballeros | Punta Rucia

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.

Day 4: Cayo Arena Island

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.

Day 5: Puerto Plata | Cabarete

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.

Day 6: San Francisco de Macoris | Tamboril

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.

Day 7: Jarabacoa | Santo Domingo

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.

Goodbye, Dominican Republic! 

Accommodations

Hotel Villa Colonia

Hotel common area
Hotel reception area
Hotel lounge area

Punta Rucia Lodge Hotel Boutique & Spa

Punta Rucia Lodge Hotel Boutique & Spa
Punta Rucia Lodge Hotel Boutique & Spa
Indoor area

Hotel Villa Taina

Hotel Villa Taina
Hotel Villa Taina
Swimming pool area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,125 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 7 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees, taxes and service charges of the mentioned excursions and visits according to description
  • Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Hotel
  • Transfer from Altos de Chavon to Bayahibe, Santo Domingo or Punta Cana Airport
  • Transportation with Spanish-speaking driver and local English-speaking tour guide from day 2 to day 8
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals and drinks which are not mentioned in the program
  • Transfer out after the beach extension

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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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.
Jack Charney

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