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Authentic Culture & History experience
Musicans Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Authentic Culture & History experience - Map
Round Trips Overview
Authentic Culture & History experienceAuthentic Culture & History experience - Map

Authentic Culture & History experience

All Roundtrips
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On this unique round trip you will discover in just one week the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic that most tourists never get to see. Travel through the heart of the island with waterfalls, lakes and mountains; and don't worry, you won't miss the beautiful beaches on this trip either. Dive deep into the history and culture of the country and visit the remote and untouched national park "Los Haitises" as one of the highlights.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 1,455.- per person in double occupancy

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Your Service Package with Dominican Expert!

The high-quality, personal and English-speaking support of our customers is our top priority. When the trip starts in Santo Domingo, we personally welcome our clients in our office in Santo Domingo’s colonial zone with a tropical welcome drink. Together, the responsible travel agent will go over the entire itinerary and give the client many personal tips and advice, as well as general information about the country and its people, and about the Dominican driving style, routes and conditions.

Afterwards, you will receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for your onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc. 

Via WhatsApp you can reach us in English at any time while on the road.

Itinerary

Day 1: Santo Domingo

Day 1: 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 your dinner with a view on Christopher Columbus’ sons’ house.

  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Luca Hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Billini Hotel

Day 2: Mountainous countryside

Day 2: Mountainous countryside

After picking up your rental car, your round trip begins and takes you past cocoa, coffee, banana, rice and tobacco plantations. Enjoy the drive through the beautiful mountains that reach an altitude of almost 3,000 ft above sea level. It is worth stopping along the way to visit a well-known tobacco factory and plantation. Your hotel in the Santiago area awaits you with spectacular views over the Cibao Valley.

  • Distance: Approx. 100 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Camp David Ranch / Standard Room
  • Premium Accommodation: Camp David Ranch / Junior Suite

Day 3: Santiago & Surroundings

Day 3: Santiago & Surroundings

Today you can visit the city center of Santiago with the famous monument “Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution” – renamed after the fall of the dictator Trujillo – designed in 1944. Alternatively, there is also the possibility to visit a tobacco or cacao plantation. Afterwards, the tour continues to the north coast. Arriving in the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia, you can end the day with a tropical drink overlooking the sea.

  • Distance: Approx. 65 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Corales 
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge

Day 4: Punta Rucia & Cayo Arena

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 only 2,100 square feet of white sand. However, the greatest natural spectacle takes place underwater, where the coral reefs are a magnet for a variety of colorful fish. The return trip through the mangroves of the national park will take you back to the hotel, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Corales
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge

Day 5: Explore Puerto Plata

Day 5: Explore Puerto Plata

After breakfast, you will continue to Puerto Plata. On the way, you can visit the San Felipe Fortress in Puerto Plata. Christopher Columbus arrived in this area on his first voyage, documented on January 12, 1493. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Tubagua Eco Lodge
  • Premium Accommodation: Casa Colonial Beach & Spa

Day 6: Along the North Coast

Day 6: Along the North Coast

Today’s program includes a drive along the north coast to the breathtaking Samaná Peninsula. The varied, lush landscape includes rivers, banana plantations, rice fields and an impressive coastline. Stop at your leisure at pristine beaches for swimming and typical Dominican lunch and at crystal clear lagoons for refreshment.

  • Distance: Approx. 130 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Mountain View
  • Premium Accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Ocean View

Day 7: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

Day 7: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

Today you will explore Los Haitises National Park by boat. You will pass through deserted islands, bays and rock formations and visit two caves where paintings and carvings of the indigenous Taino people can be found. Afterwards, your boat will take you to the paradisiacal “Bacardi Island” of Cayo Levantado, where a Dominican lunch will be served.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Standard Accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Mountain View
  • Premium Accommodation: The Bannister / Junior Suite Ocean View

Day 8: Samaná - Santo Domingo

Day 8: Samaná - Santo Domingo

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

  • Distance: Approx. 100 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

Ballenas, Bahia de Samana
Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Included Services

  • 7 nights in double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Airport transfer day 1
  • 7 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Hyundai Cantus or similar (other categories on request)
    – Pick-up: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Drop-off: Santo Domingo airport
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air conditioning
    – Comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Boat trip to Cayo Arena incl. snorkeling
  • Boat trip Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado incl. lunch
  • Service package from Dominican Expert
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

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

Notes

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

Request this Trip

Other Round-Trips that might be interesting for you

La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata
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Active Island Experience

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of natural beauty unique in the Caribbean. This versatility provides the ideal conditions for any kind of adventure experiences and sporting activities, which you will experience in two weeks on our round trip "Active Island Experience". The always pleasant air and water temperatures throughout the country make the activities even more special experiences. From activities like canyoning, river rafting, paragliding, hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls, mountain biking, surfing and kiting: this trip combines everything an adventurer's heart desires! Of course, you can choose the type and number of activities that best suit you - we will be happy to customize the trip according to your wishes. Besides, on this trip you will get to know beautiful landscapes, dream beaches and exciting places that remain hidden to most tourists and learn a lot about the Dominican culture and local life.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,875.- per person in double occupancy
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Round trip for the whole family

The Dominican Republic is a perfect vacation destination if you want to be on the road as a family and have an unforgettable time together - totally flexible and individually, on your own with a rental car. The trip takes you across the whole country and offers many highlights, beautiful activities and excursions for the whole family. From leisurely river tubing to boat trips, remote beaches, making your own chocolate, culture & history in the 4D cinema and much more - there is something for everyone. Depending on the age and interest of your children, we will be happy to personalize this further for you!

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,835.- per adult in double occupancy / From USD 680.- per child
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Holidays for golfers and connoisseurs / Private transfer trip

Our round trip for golfers and connoisseurs starts in a renowned golf hotel, located directly on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 4x green fees are waiting for you! In the UNESCO protected "Zona Colonial", the old town of Santo Domingo, you will find historic buildings, picturesque little streets and an excellent selection of gastronomic specialties. The "Zona" is full of life and colorful surprises! You will visit the most important rum distilleries in the country, experience cigar production first hand and see how a chocolate bar is made from a cocoa bean. You will also be able to eat delicious fresh fish, dine in the most historic square of the entire country and, of course, be invited to noble rum tastings - a real epicurean journey! Finally, relaxing days and golf await you in Puerto Plata, in a high-class boutique hotel on the beach - a perfect conclusion to this exciting golf trip through the Dominican Republic!

13 Days / 12 Nights
from USD 5,965.- per person in double occupancy
The beautiful, pristine beach of Bahía de las Águilas in the Dominican Republic
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Off the beaten track in the Southwest

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this region is still almost completely undiscovered by tourism. Whoever visits this area will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican way of life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and untouched beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed!

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 995.- per person in double occupancy

Inspiration and Information

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

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Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

The coastline of the Samaná peninsula

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Top 10 beaches of the Dominican Republic by DOMINICAN EXPERT

When you think of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, probably the first thing that comes to mind is heavenly beaches with white sand, turquoise water and lots of sunshine. As this amazing island offers dozens or even hundreds of beautiful and picturesque beaches, we asked our team of dedicated travel experts to name their favorite ones.

Iguana in the Dominican Republic

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10 travel facts about the Dominican Republic for individualists

Read in this article 10 stunning features that will give you some travel inspiration for your next holiday. Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Punta Cana, beaches, sunshine and cocktails. Probably these are the expectations of everyone who thinks about this Caribbean island. But the country has much more to offer than that. What exactly? Find it out!

Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

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The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

| | |

Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

The coastline of the Samaná peninsula

| | | | |

Top 10 beaches of the Dominican Republic by DOMINICAN EXPERT

When you think of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, probably the first thing that comes to mind is heavenly beaches with white sand, turquoise water and lots of sunshine. As this amazing island offers dozens or even hundreds of beautiful and picturesque beaches, we asked our team of dedicated travel experts to name their favorite ones.

Iguana in the Dominican Republic

| | | |

10 travel facts about the Dominican Republic for individualists

Read in this article 10 stunning features that will give you some travel inspiration for your next holiday. Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Punta Cana, beaches, sunshine and cocktails. Probably these are the expectations of everyone who thinks about this Caribbean island. But the country has much more to offer than that. What exactly? Find it out!

Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

| | | | |

The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

| | |

Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

The coastline of the Samaná peninsula

| | | | |

Top 10 beaches of the Dominican Republic by DOMINICAN EXPERT

When you think of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, probably the first thing that comes to mind is heavenly beaches with white sand, turquoise water and lots of sunshine. As this amazing island offers dozens or even hundreds of beautiful and picturesque beaches, we asked our team of dedicated travel experts to name their favorite ones.

Iguana in the Dominican Republic

| | | |

10 travel facts about the Dominican Republic for individualists

Read in this article 10 stunning features that will give you some travel inspiration for your next holiday. Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Punta Cana, beaches, sunshine and cocktails. Probably these are the expectations of everyone who thinks about this Caribbean island. But the country has much more to offer than that. What exactly? Find it out!

Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

| | | | |

The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.
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