Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone: following in Columbus´ footsteps
Plaza Espana, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone: following in Columbus´ footsteps

 

Walk the same streets as Christopher Columbus! The Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, the oldest city of the New World, is a wonderful combination of past and present.

Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 in what is known today as the Dominican Republic. The beautiful island with its mild climate and diverse landscape reminded him of his own country, Spain.  He therefore claimed the island and called it La Española (“the Spanish”). The city of Santo Domingo was founded six years later in 1498 on the banks of the Ozama River. From its port, numerous explorers set out to conquer new lands in the Americas and started spreading the European culture. The first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university of the American continent were built in Santo Domingo and the grid pattern design of the city was used as a model for other new cities in the Americas.

Today you can still experience those early beginnings. There are 500 year old buildings and structures to experience, and the original patterns of the old streets are preserved. The first cathedral of the New World remains one of the most popular attractions and shouldn’t be missed. Take some time to explore the whole Colonial Zone, walk the narrow streets, roam along the preserved walls that surround parts of the city and visit the remaining historical buildings and museums.

In recent years the Colonial Zone has become a lively and vibrant part of the city. It offers many shopping opportunities, good restaurants and nice little cafes as well. You will meet a wonderful mix of people from different cultures and many street artists. For a perfect ending to an interesting sightseeing-day we highly recommend that you to go to one of the outdoor restaurants at Plaza España in the heart of the Colonial Zone; for example Pat’e Palo European Brasserie, Pura Tasca or Ristorante Angelo. Wonderfully lit up at night, the plaza is one of the favorite hang-out spots for Dominicans and tourists alike. It invites you to sit down and enjoy a delicious dinner while overlooking the plaza with the best view on Columbus Alcazar, the original house of Columbus´ son. Let the evening fade away in a relaxed way or go and explore the Zone´s vivid nightlife with its numerous bars and entertainment options!

If you would like to visit Santo Domingo we highly recommend staying in hotel Portes 9*** (an affordable, cozy guesthouse with an excellent location in the heart of the Zona Colonial) or Casas del XVI ***** (a luxury boutique hotel with historic elements in the Zona Colonial). We can offer you city tours in different languages.

From Santo Domingo we offer many different options for self-drive and/or chauffeured private tours in the Dominican Republic. They usually include a personal briefing with a freshly prepared tropical beverage, detailed information about the excursion, and the Dominican Republic in general. Please contact us and we will be happy to organize your customized trip.

You want to explore the amazing colonial city and follow in Columbus´ footsteps? Ask us for your personalized tour to Santo Domingo – the oldest city of the New World!
You want to go birding in the Dominican Republic and see the immense variety of this country? Ask us for your personalized birdwatching itinerary and get in touch with our professional travel experts.

Roundtrips

This short trip is specially designed for nature lovers who want to experience the animal and natural diversity of the Dominican Republic up close and far away from any civilization. Travel back in time and spend two nights in the National Park "Los Haitises", where over 4000 years ago the indigenous people of the island used to live in the caves there. During mating season from mid-January to mid-March, you will be able to witness the impressive humpback whales and see many bird species (some of them endemic) during an early morning bird watching tour.

5 Days / 4 Nights
from from 1,295 USD per person in double occupancy

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

This golf trip starts in La Romana, at the prestigious Casa de Campo hotel. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 5x 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! Another highlight of the round trip is the peninsula of Samaná, which is one of the absolutely most beautiful regions of the country thanks to its miles of dream beaches and lush tropical nature. In addition to relaxing at the first-class, quiet beach hotel Sublime Samaná, you will embark on a journey through the Los Haitises National Park, where breathtaking natural beauty, countless bird species and exciting Taino caves await you. The last days of your trip you will spend in Punta Cana, the Caribbean No. 1, which impresses with its almost endless beaches - perfect to end the holiday and play a few rounds of golf on the most renowned courses in Punta Cana.

17 Days / 16 Nights
from From USD 7,490.- per person in double occupancy
Dreams Dominicus La Romana (All-Inclusive), Bayahibe

You want to spend a relaxing vacation with a lot of comfort in the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts, but still get to know a bit of the Dominican Republic, the country and its people? Then this trip is perfect for you! It combines the best resorts on the most beautiful Caribbean dream beaches with unforgettable experiences and impressions in beautiful places "off the beaten track", which remain hidden to most tourists. You will also make a short trip to the tropical peninsula of Samaná and visit the national park "Los Haitises". Our private transfers with professional drivers will take you to the most beautiful areas and unique accommodations of the Dominican Republic according to your wishes and with a lot of comfort.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,640.- per person in double occupancy
Las Dunas de Baní, the sole desert in the Caribbean

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this area is still almost completely undiscovered by tourists. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover this region intensively and accompanied. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. In this region you will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and pristine beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed! If you travel with a driver-guide, you will also learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot.

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 1,140.- per person in double occupancy
Dominican People

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.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 3,540.- per person in double occupancy
La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata

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

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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