Dominican Republic Explorer in Depth

Arrive at the airport in Santo Domingo, where your private driver is waiting with a sign that has your name on it. From there, transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city's Zona Colonial. The evening is yours to relax or explore. You can head to Plaza España, where several excellent restaurants overlook the house of Christopher Columbus's son.  Enjoy dinner while you take in the lively atmosphere of the old town.

Start the day with a private two-hour guided walking tour of the colonial zone, following in the footsteps of Columbus past the oldest cathedral in the New World, along with castles, ruins, and the residence of Columbus's son, Don Diego. The tour also stops at a cigar manufacturer, where you see how the country's popular cigars are made. Afterward, your guide walks you through the days ahead over a tropical welcome drink at the office in the Zona Colonial. After lunch, explore the Zona Colonial's alleys or the Malecón sea promenade on your own, or take a taxi further afield, perhaps to Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes), a cave system formed by a collapse in the rock; entrance fees for self-booked stops like this aren't included. In the evening, explore Santo Domingo's vibrant nightlife on your own.

Meet your private driver-guide and head inland, riding past cocoa, rice, banana, and coffee plantations until you reach Jarabacoa. Nestled at the foot of the surrounding mountains, Dominicans call this town the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its year-round spring-like temperatures. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the surrounding area.

Distance: 155 km (96 miles)

After breakfast, head out on an excursion for a day of activity in the mountains. Choose from a river rafting tour, a hike to two local waterfalls, a paragliding flight for aerial views of the region, or a visit to a coffee factory that includes an organic coffee tasting.

Today's drive takes you to the north coast. Along the way, you can stop at a tobacco plantation run by one of the largest tobacco exporters in the Caribbean, or detour into Santiago, the country's second-largest city, to see the 70-meter (230-foot) Monument of Santiago, built in 1944; these are optional stops, and any entrance fees are at your own cost. In the afternoon, arrive in the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia and settle in with dinner to close out the evening.

Distance: approx. 155 km (96 miles)

In the morning, board the included boat trip to a small island of just 195 square meters (2,100 square feet) of white sand. The real spectacle is underwater, where coral reefs draw a variety of colorful fish. Return by boat through the national park's mangroves to your hotel, where the afternoon is free to relax on the beach.

After breakfast, drive along the north coast toward Puerto Plata. Along the way, stop at the 27 waterfalls for a canyoning tour at your own pace, or ride the cable car up Puerto Plata's local mountain for sweeping views over the coastline.

Distance: approx. 95 km (59 miles)

Spend the day as you like. Explore Puerto Plata's old town and the San Felipe Fortress, or visit a coffee-growing village, an amber mine, or a rum distillery. A short hike to one of the jungle waterfalls in the surrounding Cordillera Septentrional mountains is also an option.

After breakfast, drive along the coast to Playa Grande, one of the island's most beautiful beaches and a good spot for a typical Dominican lunch followed by an afternoon on the sand. Your hotel for the night is close by, with views to match.

Distance: approx. 110 km (68 miles)

After breakfast, continue on to Las Galeras, an idyllic fishing village at the far end of the Samaná Peninsula. Along the way, stop at a freshwater lagoon for a swim in clear water. The village itself is unspoiled, with striking surroundings and beautiful beaches.

Distance: approx. 140 km (87 miles)

This morning, explore Los Haitises National Park by boat, passing isolated islands, bays, and rock formations en route to two caves holding paintings and carvings made by the Taino people. From there, the boat continues to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, for a Dominican lunch. Two alternative excursions can be arranged instead: whale watching with a marine biologist during whale season from January to March, or a two-hour guided hike along seven remote beaches, returning by boat.

Distance: approx. 60 km (37 miles)

Explore Los Haitises National Park by boat, passing isolated islands, bays, and rock formations en route to two caves holding paintings and carvings made by the Taino people. From there, the boat continues to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, for a Dominican lunch. Two alternative excursions can be arranged instead: whale watching with a marine biologist during whale season from January to March, or a two-hour guided hike along seven remote beaches, returning by boat.

Distance: approx. 60 km (37 miles)

The trip's final stop is the fishing village of Las Terrenas, but the day includes a worthwhile detour first. Consider a stop in El Valle, a lesser-known spot tucked into tropical terrain, where a jungle hike leads to a secluded waterfall, or visit the nearby zip line park. Alternatively, stop at the popular El Limón waterfall along the way.

Distance: approx. 85 km (53 miles)

Spend your final full day in Las Terrenas as you like: miles of beach, a lively village center, and plenty of restaurants and shops.

Drive back to Santo Domingo on a well-maintained highway, stopping at the little-known Salto Socoa waterfall along the way. From here, transfer to the airport or extend your stay, depending on your onward plans.

Distance: approx. 145 km (90 miles)