Experience culture & history authentically / Self-drive tour

On this unique tour, you'll discover the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic in just one week—places most tourists never see. Travel through the heart of the island, with its waterfalls, lakes, and mountains; and don't worry, you won't miss the magnificent beaches either. Immerse yourself in the country's history and culture, and as one of the highlights, visit the remote and pristine Los Haitises National Park.

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.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the streets of the colonial city, its restaurants, bars, and shops at your leisure. In the evening, we recommend a visit to the Plaza de España, where you can choose from several excellent restaurants and enjoy your dinner with a view of the house of Christopher Columbus's son.

Meals included: None

Standard accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial

Premium accommodation: Hotel Kimpton Las Mercedes
Day 2: Mountainous interior

Your tour begins and takes you past cocoa, coffee, banana, rice, and tobacco plantations. Enjoy the drive through the beautiful mountains, which reach a height of 900 meters above sea level. It's worth stopping along the way to visit a renowned tobacco factory and plantation. Your hotel near Santiago awaits you with spectacular views over the Cibao Valley.

Distance: Approximately 165 km

Meals included: breakfast

Standard accommodation: Hotel Camp David / Suite

Premium accommodation: Hotel Camp David / Presidential Suite
Day 3: Santiago & surroundings

Today you can visit Santiago's city center with its famous Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution, designed in 1944 and renamed after the overthrow of dictator Trujillo. Alternatively, you can visit a tobacco or cocoa plantation. Afterward, the journey continues to the north coast. Upon arrival in the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia, you can end the day with a tropical drink overlooking the sea.

Distance: Approximately 105 km

Meals included: breakfast

Standard accommodation: Corales

Premium accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge
Day 4: Punta Rucia & Cayo Arena

In the morning, a fishing boat will be ready to take you to a small island with an area of just 200 square meters of white sand. The greatest natural spectacle, however, takes place underwater, where the coral reefs are a magnet for a multitude of colorful fish. The return trip through the mangroves of the national park will lead you back to the hotel, where you can relax on the beach for the afternoon.

Meals included: breakfast

Standard accommodation: Corales

Premium accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge
Day 5: Exploring Puerto Plata

After breakfast, we continue to Puerto Plata. En route, you can visit the San Felipe Fortress in Puerto Plata. Christopher Columbus arrived in this area on his first voyage, which was documented on January 12, 1493. You will reach your hotel in the late afternoon.

Distance: Approximately 110 km

Meals included: breakfast

Standard accommodation: Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa

Premium accommodation: Casa Colonial Beach & Spa
Day 6: Along the north coast

Today's itinerary includes a drive along the north coast to the breathtaking Samaná Peninsula. The diverse, lush landscape encompasses rivers, banana plantations, rice paddies, and an impressive coastline. Stop as you please at pristine beaches for swimming and a typical Dominican lunch, or at crystal-clear lagoons for a refreshing dip.

Distance: Approximately 210 km

Meals included: breakfast

Standard accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Mountain View

Premium accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Ocean View
Day 7: “Los Haitises” National Park & Cayo Levantado

Today you'll explore Los Haitises National Park by boat. You'll cruise past secluded islands, bays, and rock formations, visiting two caves where you can find paintings and carvings by the Taíno indigenous people. Afterward, your boat will take you to the idyllic "Bacardi Island," Cayo Levantado, where a Dominican lunch will be served.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Standard accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Mountain View

Premium accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Ocean View
Day 8: Samana – Santo Domingo

Return to Santo Domingo via a well-maintained highway. En route, you can stop at the hidden Salto Socoa waterfall and mingle with the locals. Depending on your onward travel plans, you can return your rental car at the airport or, if you've extended your stay, upon request.

Distance: Approximately 165 km

Meals included: breakfast

Included services

7 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
Meals as per itinerary
Airport transfer Day 1
7-day car rental:
– Rental car type Hyundai Cantus or similar (other categories available on request)
– Pickup: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
– Drop-off: Santo Domingo Airport
– Unlimited mileage
- Air conditioner
– Comprehensive insurance with 0% excess, theft insurance, glass & tire damage coverage
Boat trip to Cayo Arena including snorkeling
Boat trip to Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado including lunch
Service package from Dominican Expert
Applicable local taxes

Services not included

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

self-drive tour with Dominican Expert

A self-drive tour of the Dominican Republic is the perfect way to explore the island independently and flexibly. You'll discover secluded, often unknown hidden gems that remain unseen by most tourists. The Dominican Republic boasts a well-developed road network, and Google Maps makes navigating the entire island a breeze. We also offer 24/7 German-speaking support and a comprehensive service package to ensure our customers are well-equipped and informed for their journey.

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

Maximum customer service

All customers who book a self-drive tour with DOMINICAN EXPERT receive useful information about the history, culture, geography, customs and rules of the Dominican Republic upon their arrival.

Included is a local SIM card with unlimited calls, a street map, and a welcome bag filled with local, handmade products and helpful amenities for your trip. Afterwards, customers receive a personalized travel guide via WhatsApp message, featuring numerous Google Locations and personal recommendations for places to see, hidden gems, restaurants, and more. We are always available and ready to assist you in German via WhatsApp.

Important notes

From mid-January to mid-March, the Los Haitises tour on day 7 can be replaced or supplemented with a whale watching tour upon request. Both tours can also be arranged as private boat trips. All prices are available upon request.

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