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Discover the Highlights of the Island at an Affordable Price
Discover the Highlights of the Island at an Affordable Price - Map
Discover the Highlights of the Island at an Affordable PriceDiscover the Highlights of the Island at an Affordable Price - Map

Discover the Highlights of the Island at an Affordable Price

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Discover the most important and beautiful places on this unique, diverse, and stunning island over 15 days with a rental car – all at an affordable price! Highlights include the gorgeous beaches of the north coast, a visit to the trendy Cabarete, and the impressive Samaná Peninsula with its tropical flair.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from 1,840 USD 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: Arrival in Santo Domingo

Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo

Your personal driver is already waiting for you at Santo Domingo Airport with a sign and will take you comfortably and safely to your hotel in the heart of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend a visit to Plaza de España, where you can choose from various excellent restaurants. Enjoy your dinner with a view of Christopher Columbus’s son’s house and immerse yourself in the cheerful and lively atmosphere.

  • Meals: None
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
Day 2: Discover the Colonial Zone

Day 2: Discover the Colonial Zone

The capital of the Dominican Republic combines modernity with a growing economy and the old city center, the “Zona Colonial.” During a two-hour guided tour of the Colonial Zone, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Columbus and visit the oldest cathedral in the New World, a fortress, ruins, and the residence of Christopher Columbus’s son.
Afterward, a tropical welcome drink awaits you at our offices in the Zona Colonial. During a roughly one-hour briefing, we will explain everything about your upcoming trip and provide you with important and interesting information about the country and its people. Additionally, we’ll share many insider tips on places and restaurants you can visit along the way.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
Day 3: Off to the inland

Day 3: Off to the inland

After receiving your rental car, your journey begins, taking you past cocoa, coffee, banana, rice, and tobacco plantations inland. Enjoy the drive on a well-maintained scenic road that leads you over 900 meters above sea level through the beautiful mountainous terrain. In the afternoon, you’ll reach Jarabacoa, a small town nestled at the foot of the surrounding mountains. Dominicans also call it the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its year-round spring-like temperatures. It’s worth making a stop along the way for a short hike to the impressive 75-meter-high waterfall “Salto Jimenoa 1.”

  • Distance: Approx. 140 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Pinar Dorado
Day 4: Exploring the Dominican Alps

Day 4: Exploring the Dominican Alps

After breakfast, you can explore the area around Jarabacoa – the possibilities are endless: you can visit various waterfalls, a coffee factory, or engage in thrilling activities such as paragliding, river rafting, and mountain biking. For hiking enthusiasts, there’s an exciting, moderately challenging trail up the local mountain of Jarabacoa.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Pinar Dorado
Day 5: Off to the North Coast

Day 5: Off to the North Coast

Today, the journey takes you to the north coast. Along the way, you can visit a cocoa plantation, explore the historic old town of Puerto Plata with its fortress, or enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views. For the adventurous, there is also the option of a light canyoning tour in a beautiful gorge, followed by lunch.

  • Distance: Approx. 75 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina
Days 6 & 7: Excursions in Cabarete & Surroundings

Days 6 & 7: Excursions in Cabarete & Surroundings

These days are free for you to explore and enjoy the watersports paradise of Cabarete: From the long village beach with many shops and cafes to surf tours, canyoning adventures, leisurely kayak tours, river tubing, and other excursions in the area, everything is available for adventurous souls! We’re happy to provide further tips and recommendations.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina

 

Day 8: Breathtaking North Coast

Day 8: Breathtaking North Coast

After breakfast, the journey continues along the rugged north coast. Along the way, you’ll pass by Playa Grande, which is often regarded as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and is perfect for a tasty, typical Dominican lunch. You can also plan a stop at the freshwater lagoon “Dudu” and swing into the refreshing water on a zipline. Your destination for today is Las Galeras, an idyllic fishing village at the far end of the Samaná Peninsula. Enjoy the rest of the day at the pristine Caribbean beach, which is right in front of your accommodation.

  • Distance: Approx. 165 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel BDM Playita
Days 9 & 10: Exploring Las Galeras

Days 9 & 10: Exploring Las Galeras

During these days, you’ll explore the exciting surroundings of Las Galeras at your own pace. This includes visits to Playa Rincón, a beautiful Caribbean beach, as well as Playa Frontón, a hidden Robinson Crusoe beach only accessible by boat. You can also visit the village beach, Playita, where you can order a delicious Dominican lunch. For sports enthusiasts, we recommend a hike along seven secluded coves and beaches. Additionally, a hike to a hidden waterfall or a boat trip to other remote beaches and coves is an absolute highlight.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel BDM Playita
Day 11: From Las Galeras to Las Terrenas

Day 11: From Las Galeras to Las Terrenas

The final destination of the trip is the lively fishing village of Las Terrenas. On the way there, we recommend a detour to El Valle – a true hidden gem nestled in tropical nature. We can arrange a jungle hike to an untouched waterfall or you can visit the nearby zip-line park. Alternatively, you can also take a trip to the popular El Limón waterfall along the way.

  • Distance: Approx. 60 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Costarena Beach Hotel
Days 12 - 14: Relaxing days in Las Terrenas

Days 12 - 14: Relaxing days in Las Terrenas

You’ll spend the last few days in the paradisiacal town of Las Terrenas. You can relax on the beautiful beach or explore the stunning Samaná Peninsula with its lush landscape, coves, and waterfalls on your own with a rental car. Las Terrenas is perfect for unwinding. The small yet vibrant fishing village with its numerous shopping options, restaurants, and bars invites you to enjoy for as long as possible.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Costarena Beach Hotel

 

Day 15: Back to the airport

Day 15: Back to the airport

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

Gallery

Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial, Musicans
Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial
Cafe in small alley in the Zona Colonial at night, Santo Domingo.
Salto Gran Jimenoa, Jarabacoa

Included Services

  • 14 nights in a double room with bath or shower/WC
  • Meals according to the travel plan
  • Airport transfer on day 1
  • 13 days car rental:
    • SUV – 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 coverage
  • Service package from Dominican Expert
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

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

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Dominican People
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On this unique round trip, within only one week, you will discover the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic which most tourists never get to see. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover the Dominican Republic intensively and supervised. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. 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. Moreover, if you travel with a driver-guide, you will learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot. As one of the highlights you will visit the remote and untouched national park "Los Haitises" during the trip.

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Musicans Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
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Inspiration and Information

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10 Amazing Eco-Lodges in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is famous for its lush nature, beautiful beaches and the kindness of the people living on this island. You might have heard of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, but there are also other regions to discover in the Dominican Republic.

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It definitely sounds weird: you are travelling through the Caribbean which is famous for its sunshine and tropical temperatures, but you still need to pack long pants, a proper coat and maybe even gloves and a winter hat. Thick warm bedding is a must and in the morning you look forward to a nice hot shower.

River Rafting in the 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. 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.

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10 Amazing Eco-Lodges in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is famous for its lush nature, beautiful beaches and the kindness of the people living on this island. You might have heard of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, but there are also other regions to discover in the Dominican Republic.

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central

| | | | |

Hats and gloves at the highest hotel in the Caribbean

It definitely sounds weird: you are travelling through the Caribbean which is famous for its sunshine and tropical temperatures, but you still need to pack long pants, a proper coat and maybe even gloves and a winter hat. Thick warm bedding is a must and in the morning you look forward to a nice hot shower.

River Rafting in the Dominican Republic

| | | | | | |

River Rafting – action packed adventure in the mountains

Are you looking for an exciting adventure in the Caribbean mountains? Are you into action, water sports and beautiful scenery?

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. 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.

| | | | | | | | |

10 Amazing Eco-Lodges in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is famous for its lush nature, beautiful beaches and the kindness of the people living on this island. You might have heard of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, but there are also other regions to discover in the Dominican Republic.

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central

| | | | |

Hats and gloves at the highest hotel in the Caribbean

It definitely sounds weird: you are travelling through the Caribbean which is famous for its sunshine and tropical temperatures, but you still need to pack long pants, a proper coat and maybe even gloves and a winter hat. Thick warm bedding is a must and in the morning you look forward to a nice hot shower.

River Rafting in the Dominican Republic

| | | | | | |

River Rafting – action packed adventure in the mountains

Are you looking for an exciting adventure in the Caribbean mountains? Are you into action, water sports and beautiful scenery?

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. 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.
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