Welcome to the Dominican Republic

Zona Colonial - Receive a warm welcome at Punta Cana airport with a personal greeting (a driver will hold a sign with your name outside the terminal) and enjoy a transfer to the historic old town of Santo Domingo. Spend the rest of the day exploring the oldest city in the New World at your leisure. If arriving in Santo Domingo, a transfer to the old town is also provided.

History, Music, and Old Town (Half-Day Excursion)

Zona Colonial - Embark on a bicycle tour of the first city established by Europeans in the Americas. Pick-up is at 9:30 am. During the approximately 90-minute guided tour, discover the key landmarks of the old town. The Colonial Zone, once the residence of Spanish colonial rulers, is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Here, you’ll find the first cathedral, hospital, and school in the New World. Your local guide will also highlight the trendiest bars, restaurants, and cultural spots. The tour also sheds light on the darker aspects of colonial history, including the Taino natives and the introduction of slavery, as the first slave market in the New World was in Santo Domingo. This excursion offers a deep dive into Dominican history alongside the exploration of the Colonial Zone.

Zona Colonial - In the evening, enjoy a pick-up from your hotel at 6:00 pm to attend an open-air concert. Every Sunday, the group Bonyé performs in the enchanting ruins of San Francisco. The ensemble, consisting of 20 singers and various instruments, plays merengue, son, and jazz. These concerts draw Dominicans of all ages, who gather to celebrate, enjoy the music, and dance.

Santo Domingo, Off the Beaten Tourist Track

Gualey - Experience a different perspective of Santo Domingo on this excursion. After breakfast, your driver will collect you at 09:00 am. You’ll head to Gualey, one of the most underprivileged neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic, located north of the old town on the west bank of the Ozama River. Visit the non-profit foundation Rincón de Luz, where a food donation (included in the excursion price) is provided in advance. Founder and president Leyda Alvarez will guide you through the facilities and introduce their work.

Santo Domingo - Take a ride on the Gualey cable car, offering spectacular views. Cross the Ozama River, travel through the Tres Brazos and Sabana Perdida stations to the Charles de Gaulle terminal in northern Santo Domingo, and return to the starting point. This tour provides a fresh perspective of the city and insights into its diverse living conditions, with the gondola ride offering numerous photo opportunities.

Jarabacoa - Continue your journey north to Jarabacoa via the oldest road in the Dominican Republic. This route winds through rural areas characterized by intensive agriculture. Upon reaching La Vega, leave the highway and enter the mountainous region of the Cordillera Central, also known as the Dominican Alps. Locals flock to this area during the summer for its pleasant climate. The charming town of Jarabacoa, situated 600 meters above sea level, is surrounded by pine forests, rivers, mountains, and valleys, offering year-round spring-like temperatures. This region is a paradise for nature lovers.

Coffee Tasting, Mountain Walk, and Tobacco Culture

Jarabacoa - After breakfast, visit the Monte Alto coffee factory to learn about coffee cultivation and processing, followed by a coffee tasting.

Salto de Jimenoa - Then, drive through the mountains of the Dominican Republic to one of the region’s famous waterfalls. Enjoy the breathtaking views and landscapes, and immerse yourself in the unique nature, home to endemic flora and fauna.

La Aurora Cigar Factory - Continue to Santiago de los Caballeros to visit La Aurora, one of the most renowned cigar factories in the Dominican Republic, where you’ll learn about tobacco processing. Witness artisans skillfully handcrafting the coveted tobacco products. After the visit, the journey continues to San Francisco de Macorís.

Cacao Plantation and Caribbean Magic

San Francisco de Macorís - After breakfast, continue towards Samaná, passing through a fertile valley until reaching San Francisco de Macorís. Explore the Cacao Trail in the cool shade of towering jungle trees. At Hacienda La Esmeralda, a renowned cocoa plantation supplying world-famous chocolate producers, gain fascinating insights into the journey of cocoa from bean cultivation to chocolate making. A tasting of cocoa and chocolate is naturally included. After the tour and a typical local lunch, proceed to Samaná.

A Dream Village on the Beach

Las Terrenas - Delight in the beauty and charm of the peninsula’s pristine sandy beaches, where you can fully embrace the essence of Caribbean life. Picture palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, enjoy refreshing cocktails, freshly caught seafood, and the lively rhythms of merengue and bachata. Whether you choose to embark on optional excursions or simply relax in the serene Caribbean atmosphere, this is your perfect escape.

Las Terrenas Paradise

Las Terrenas - Enjoy a day at leisure.

See You Soon

Punta Cana - Transfer to Punta Cana airport according to your flight details. If you wish to extend your stay on the island to savor the trip’s impressions, book a beach extension. Relax on the beach in Bayahibe or Punta Cana, with your transfer included as long as the beach extension is booked with us.

• Breakfast
• Guide in English, Spanish, and German

• Excess Baggage

Christopher Columbus once referred to the Dominican Republic as “the most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes” in a letter to Queen Isabella I following his initial voyage. Now, the opportunity to explore this stunning land is yours. Start your adventure in Santo Domingo, where the charm of the first colonial city in the New World awaits. Beyond the famous landmarks, explore authentic and lesser-known neighborhoods, providing a unique view of the city. Head inland for private tours of coffee estates, cocoa plantations, and an exclusive visit to a tobacco factory. Finally, retreat to the Samaná Peninsula, where unspoiled beaches and lush tropical scenery envelop you in the true magic of the Caribbean.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.