on
Honeymoon trip through the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour
Honeymoon trip through the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour - Map
Honeymoon trip through the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive TourHoneymoon trip through the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour - Map

Honeymoon trip through the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour

Enjoy a dream honeymoon on the enchanting North Coast of the Dominican Republic with this tour. Beautiful beaches, unspoiled nature, the historic old town of Santo Domingo, Dominican friendliness, and luxurious hotels make this individually tailored honeymoon tour an unforgettable experience. As one of the highlights, the trip also includes a night in a unique eco-hotel near a secluded and wild beach - the perfect escapade for a romantic night.

15 days / 14 nights
from USD 3,350.- per person in double occupancy

Request this Trip

Self-Drive Tours with Dominican Expert!

A self-drive tour with a rental car in the Dominican Republic is the perfect way to explore the island independently and flexibly. You can expect secluded locations off the beaten track, and mostly unknown insider tips that remain hidden from most tourists. The Dominican Republic offers a well-developed road network and with Google Maps you can easily find your way around the entire island. In addition, we offer 24/7 English-speaking support and a service package so that our clients can start their trip well equipped and informed.

On request, all rental car tours can also be organized with a local private driver or (English-speaking) driver-guide.

Maximum customer service

All clients who book a rental car tour with DOMINICAN EXPERT receive useful information about the history, culture, geography, customs and rules of the Dominican Republic upon arrival.

Also included is a local SIM card with unlimited calls, a road map and a welcome bag filled with local, handmade products and helpful amenities for the trip. Afterwards, customers receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for their onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc. Via WhatsApp we are always available and reachable for you in English.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

You will be picked up at the airport and driven by our private transfer to your hotel in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo.
Take the rest of the day to explore the streets of the colonial city, restaurants, bars and shops on your own. In the evening, we recommend you a visit to the Plaza de España where you can choose among various excellent restaurants and enjoy a romantic dinner with a view on Christopher Columbus’ sons’ house.

  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
  • Premium Accommodation: Casas del XVI
Day 2: Zona Colonial

Day 2: Zona Colonial

On a guided tour of the Colonial Zone, you’ll visit the oldest cathedral in the New World, a fortress, ruins, Christopher Columbus’s son’s residence, and a cigar factory. After the tour, we’ll welcome you with a tropical welcome drink and provide information about your upcoming trip at our office in the Zona Colonial.

In the afternoon, you can explore the surroundings on your own with our recommendations and a personalized travel guide that you will receive from us.

  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
  • Premium Accommodation: Casas del XVI

 

Day 3: Santo Domingo - Punta Rucia

Day 3: Santo Domingo - Punta Rucia

Today you will pick up your rental car and start your round trip. Your first drive will take you once across the country to the high north; your destination is the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia. The drive already offers many highlights, for example you can have lunch in a beautiful panoramic restaurant, plan a lunch stop at a cacao plantation or visit one of the largest tobacco factories in the country to learn more about the process from harvesting to cigar rolling.
Arrived in Punta Rucia, the fantastic Punta Rucia Lodge awaits you. The evening is at your leisure.
Enjoy a tropical drink on the beach and a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant.

  • Distance: Approx. 165 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge, Garden View Bungalow
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge, Ocean Front Bungalow
Days 4 & 5: Relax in Paradise

Days 4 & 5: Relax in Paradise

You’ll spend two relaxing vacation days at the beautiful beach of Punta Rucia. One morning, you’ll go by fishing boat to a small white sandbank with an area of only 200m2. However, the biggest natural spectacle happens underwater, where the coral reefs are a magnet for a variety of colorful fish. Otherwise, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and dreamy beaches in idyllic Punta Rucia.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge, Garden View Bungalow
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge, Ocean Front Bungalow
Day 6: Punta Rucia - Cabarete

Day 6: Punta Rucia - Cabarete

En route, with the rental car, take the opportunity to explore the city of Puerto Plata with its old fortress, Christopher Columbus arrived in this area on his first voyage, documented on January 12, 1493.
Or take the cable car to the mountain peak, or enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch with a fantastic view at a nature lodge in the surrounding hills. Then continue your drive to the nearby beach town of Cabarete.

  • Distance: Approx. 110 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabana
Days 7 & 8: Cool and romantic days in Cabarete

Days 7 & 8: Cool and romantic days in Cabarete

These days are free for you to tailor your stay in Cabarete to your preferences. The possibilities are endless: whether you look forward to relaxing on the hotel beach, dancing and mingling with Dominicans at night, taking a cable car ride to Puerto Plata’s mountain, or engaging in more active activities like kayaking, SUP, surfing, mountain biking, river tubing, canyoning, yoga, or hiking in the surrounding nature: Cabarete offers something for everyone!

One of the days includes a safari truck tour to Puerto Plata and its surroundings. During the tour, you’ll learn a lot about the region, the land, its people, and the culture of the Dominican Republic.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabana
Day 9: Cabarete - Playa Grande - Las Terrenas

Day 9: Cabarete - Playa Grande - Las Terrenas

Your journey continues as you pass lush landscapes, secluded beaches, banana plantations, and farms until you reach Playa Grande, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. There are lunch options right on the beach offering various dishes with fresh lobster, grilled fish, or chicken. Then, head to Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula. Las Terrenas is a lively fishing town known for its beautiful beaches, numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach your hotel located directly on the idyllic Playa Coson beach.

  • Distance: Approx. 110 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Wyndham V Samana (all inclussive)
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana (B&B)
Day 10: Excursion to Los Haitises National Park / Whale Watching

Day 10: Excursion to Los Haitises National Park / Whale Watching

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Samaná. By boat, you’ll cross Samaná Bay and arrive at Los Haitises National Park after about 40 minutes. Passing lonely islands, coves, and rock formations, you’ll visit the caves “Las Lineas” and “San Gabriel.” In the caves, you can see cave paintings and stone carvings of the Tainos, the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic.
Alternatively, during the mating season from early January to mid-March, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter humpback whales in the warm waters of Samaná Bay. During a boat trip, you can observe these huge marine mammals in their natural environment. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the hotel.

  • Distance: Approx. 60 mi
  • Standard Accommodation: Wyndham V Samana (all inclussive)
  • Meals V Samana: All inclusive
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana (B&B)
  • Meals Sublime Samana: Breakfast
Day 11: Relaxing in Las Terrenas

Day 11: Relaxing in Las Terrenas

You can spend today as you like. Explore the town of Las Terrenas or relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.

  • Standard Accommodation: Wyndham V Samana (all inclussive)
  • Meals V Samana: All inclusive
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana (B&B)
  • Meals Sublime Samana: Breakfast
Day 12: Romantic Overnight Stay in Tropical El Valle

Day 12: Romantic Overnight Stay in Tropical El Valle

This day promises a unique experience! A private transfer will pick you up and take you to the magical beach of El Valle. This wild beach with small bars is surrounded by untouched nature. You’ll stay at the romantic El Valle Lodge, close to the beach. Enjoy the day and feel the mystical atmosphere at this still-secret location.

  • Distance: Approx. 40 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Romantic Dinner
  • Standard Accommodation: El Valle Lodge, Jungle Bungalow
  • Premium Accommodation: El Valle Lodge, Jungle Bungalow
Day 13-14: Las Terrenas and Excursion Possibilities

Day 13-14: Las Terrenas and Excursion Possibilities

Today, you’ll return to Las Terrenas. At this fantastic location with various beaches, each with its unique charm, you’ll spend your last vacation days. Relax and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere of this beautiful island, which shines its best in Las Terrenas. For adventurers wanting to see more of the surroundings, the Samaná Peninsula offers more than enough options, which we’d gladly show you. We’re happy to provide you with many tips and recommendations!

  • Distance: Approx. 40 mi
  • Standard Accommodation: Wyndham V Samana (all inclussive)
  • Meals V Samana: All inclusive
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana (B&B)
  • Meals Sublime Samana: Breakfast

 

Day 15: Departure from Santo Domingo

Day 15: Departure from Santo Domingo

Return to the airport of Santo Domingo or Punta Cana  via a well-maintained highway. On the way you can stop at the hidden waterfall Salto Socoa and mingle with the Dominicans. Depending on the itinerary, drop off the rental car at the airport or individual extension on request.

  • Distance: Approx. 85 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
Optional travel extension

Optional travel extension

On request we will be happy to arrange an individual travel extension or a complete package from arrival at the airport! Please contact us.

Gallery

Included Services

  • 14 nights in a double room with bath or shower/WC
  • Honeymoon specials at the hotels (see pages 4-5)
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Private airport transfer on Day 1 (arrival in Santo Domingo)
  • 13 days rental car, Hyundai Cantus or similar:
    -Pick-up: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    -Drop-off: Santo Domingo Airport
    -Unlimited mileage
    -Air conditioning
    -Full insurance with 0% deductible
    -Theft insurance
    -Glass & tire damage
  • Private city tour of Zona Colonial (on foot in English)
  • Boat trip to Cayo Arena including snorkeling
  • Excursion “Get to know the country and its people” from Cabarete hotel including tasting of local specialties
  • Boat trip for whale watching (Jan – Mar) or to Los Haitises National Park (Apr – Dec)
  • Special amenity kit from Dominican Expert with useful accessories for your trip
  • Tropical welcome drink and personal information session at our office
  • Road map of the Dominican Republic
  • Travel documentation with useful tips and information about culture, country & people
  • Local SIM card with internet and unlimited calls to DOMINICAN EXPERT office
  • Insider tips from DOMINICAN EXPERT for your route
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

  • Entrance fees for self-booked excursions
  • Fuel & tolls
  • Personal expenses & extras in hotels
  • Additional meals & drinks

Notes

Honeymoon Specials Standard

Enjoy the following honeymoon specials included in the “Standard” hotel package:

  • Upon arrival from Dominican Expert: Welcome card & 1 bottle of Cava/Wine

Hotel Villa Colonial

  • 1 welcome basket with delicious local specialties

Punta Rucia Lodge

  • Honeymoon decoration in the room
  • A bottle of wine in the room
  • Romantic breakfast in the room on one morning of the stay
  • Upgrade to the next higher room category (subject to availability at check-in)
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Hotel Villa Taina

  • One bottle of Prosecco and a fruit plate upon arrival in the room

Viva Wyndham V Samaná

  • Fruit plate in the room upon arrival
  • A bottle of sparkling wine in the room
  • Romantic breakfast in the room on the first morning after arrival
  • Upgrade to the next higher room category (subject to availability at check-in)
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Snack plate
  • 2 t-shirts from the V collection
  • A souvenir photo as a couple

El Valle Eco-Lodge

  • A romantic dinner
  • Room decoration
  • Honeymoon Specials Package “Premium”

 

Honeymoon Specials Premium

Enjoy the following honeymoon specials included in the “Standard” hotel package:

  • Upon arrival from Dominican Expert: Welcome card & 1 bottle of Cava/Wine

Casas del XVI

  • Large, exotic fruit plate in the room
  • A bottle of house wine (López de Haro Crianza, D.O. Rioja)

Punta Rucia Lodge

  • Honeymoon decoration in the room
  • A bottle of wine in the room
  • Romantic breakfast in the room on one morning of the stay
  • Upgrade to the next higher room category (subject to availability at check-in)
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa

  • Honeymoon decoration in the room
  • A bottle of Cava in the room
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Sublime Samaná

  • Honeymoon decoration in the room (A bottle of house wine – red, white or Cava, flowers, a card with a special message, fruit with chocolate coating)
  • Massage in the beach cabin (50 minutes)
  • Romantic beachfront dinner (special 3-course menu, a bottle of wine, romantic ambiance decorated with candles and flowers)

El Valle Eco-Lodge

  • A romantic dinner
  • Room decoration

Other Round-Trips that might be interesting for you

Inspiration and Information

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)