Highlights of the Dominican Republic

8 days / 7 nights

Customize this trip

Get to know the largest and most varied island in the Caribbean, which has far more to offer than just sun and beaches. Walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and explore the first colonial city in the "New World". Discover the beauty of the southwest, home to rare animal and plant species, and secluded beaches. Inland, explore the mountains of the "Cordillera Central" and learn about how coffee, cocoa and cigars are produced. Let yourself be captivated by the lush tropical landscape and pristine beaches on the Samaná peninsula. Experience the Dominican Republic and create unforgettable memories!

Key sights to see

Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and one of the Caribbean's oldest cities, with building dating back to the 1500s including a monastery, European fortress, many churches, palaces and museums like the historic "Casa Reales," and the "Alcázar de Colón" palace, the only known residence of a member of Christopher Columbus's family.
Barahona
Barahona
Barahona, also known as “the Caribbean’s Bride," was founded in 1802. It is an important port and center for the production of sugar, fruits and vegetables, coffee and big green plantains. The city also offers spectacular nature reserves, birding sites, scenic coastal drives and surfing locations that attract professional surfers from around the world.
Laguna de Oviedo
Laguna de Oviedo
Located in Jaragua National Park, the Oviedo Lagoon is a salty wetland that is a major attraction for ecological tourism, given the many different species of aquatic birds, flamingos, herons, seagulls, and iguanas that are found here. The Oviedo Lagoon also has 24 islets, called keys, where many of the lagoon's animals live.
Bahia de las Aguilas
Bahia de las Aguilas
Located on the southern end of the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Bahia de las Aguilas (Bay of Eagles) is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Extending more than 8 km, the beach offers crystalline waters ranging from turquoise to opaline in color.
Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa
The city of Jarabacoa is located 530 m above sea level, in the beautiful valley of La Vega, in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic. The area offers several extreme sports such as rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking, and attractive views of the Duarte peak, the highest in the Caribbean.
Samana Peninsula
Samana Peninsula
The Samana Peninsula is a tropical paradise with secluded beaches, clear mountain rivers, and steep cliffs. Some of the key sights are Salto El Limon, a waterfall that is only accessible by a 2.5 km journey through thick forest, and Cayo Levantado, a small, picturesque island with brilliant white sand.

Exciting and memorable things to do

City Tour, Santo Domingo
City Tour, Santo Domingo
Get to know the first European city in America including the first monasteries, first European fortress, first mint and treasury office, and first hospital and university, on this day tour of Santo Domingo. Walk in the old town and the famous pedestrian area "El Conde," and enjoy lunch at one of the city's best restaurants.
Birding Tour, Laguna de Oviedo
Birding Tour, Laguna de Oviedo
Enjoy a boat tour of the Laguna de Oviedo, and observe a wide variety of birds like herons, spoonbills and ducks on the water, and iguanas on land. Following the boat tour, go in search of the largest colonies of flamingos in the country, and experience watching the flamingos as they take flight!
Bahia de las Aguilas Excursion
Bahia de las Aguilas Excursion
Enjoy a boat ride to one of the most secluded and spectacular beaches in the Caribbean, the Bahia de las Aguilas. Marvel at the white sand, swim in the crystalline waters with colors ranging from turquoise to opaline, and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Coffee & Cigar Factory Tour, Jarabacoa
Coffee & Cigar Factory Tour, Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa is surrounded by pine forests, and mountains and valleys with coffee plantations. Visit the "Monte Alto" coffee factory and learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee. Then, take a short drive to Tamboril to visit a cigar factory and learn all about tobacco processing.
The "Tres Hermanas Mirabel" Museum, near Jarabacoa, is dedicated to three sisters, María Teresa, Minerva and Patria Mirabel, who risked their lives to work in the resistance during the brutal regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo in the late 1950s. The three sisters were murdered by the regime in 1960.
Cacao Plantation Tour
Cacao Plantation Tour
Visit the cacao plantation "Hacienda La Esmeralda," which supplies world famous chocolate factories, and learn everything about cacao production and processing from how the cacao beans are harvested to how chocolate is processed. Enjoy a local lunch, and a taste of the locally produced chocolate.
Whale Watching (optional)
Whale Watching (optional)
Enjoy breakfast on shore, then cruise off the coast of the Samana Peninsula to see humpback whales in the wild. Spot whales while they mate and breed their calves, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant after a few hours on the boat.
Cayo Levantado (optional)
Cayo Levantado (optional)
Enjoy breakfast on shore on the Samana peninsula, then cruise to Cayo Levantado, a tropical oasis in the middle of the ocean with turquoise waters and white sands, that is also known as Bacardi Island because of its close resemblance to the beaches Bacardi Rum once used for its famous commercials.

Great places to stay

Billini Hotel, Santo Domingo
Billini Hotel, Santo Domingo

The first luxurious avant-garde design hotel in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, the Billini Hotel reflects the concept of modernism, simplicity and elegance. Located 2,150 feet from Puerto de Santo Domingo and Playa Montesinos, the hotel features luxurious suites, an outdoor pool, fitness center and a restaurant that serves local Caribbean food.

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge in Barahona. It is located near the only biosphere reserve, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the country. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Lodge consists of Deluxe rooms, Ocean View and River suites, private villas, a spa and restaurant.

Carmen Hotel & Villas, Jarabacoa
Carmen Hotel & Villas, Jarabacoa

Carmen Hotel & Villas in Jarabacoa offers air-conditioned accommodations with a living room, equipped kitchen and a dining area in all units, as well as an on-site restaurant, bar, garden, billiards table, tennis court, outdoor pool, and a children’s playground. Guests can also go hiking or biking in the surrounding area.

Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante, Santiago
Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante, Santiago

Located in downtown Santiago de los Caballeros, just north of Jarabacoa, the Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante is one of the most classic, comfortable, and vibrant luxury hotels in the area. The hotel features chic, modern rooms, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a casino fully equipped with slot machines and table games.

Sublime Samana, Samana Peninsula
Sublime Samana, Samana Peninsula

Tucked away in the unspoiled tropical paradise of the Samana Peninsula, the Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is a seven-acre property with 1-2 bedroom suites featuring a living room, two bathrooms, a spacious balcony, and kitchen. Even more opulent are the 2-3 bedroom villas that also feature a Jacuzzi, rooftop terrace, and plunge pool.

What’s Included
  • Airport transfers
  • Private transportation and driver for the entire trip
  • English and/or Spanish speaking tour guide for the entire trip
  • Accommodations similar to those described
  • All entry fees, taxes and service charges for excursions and visits described
  • Some meals
What’s Not Included
  • Flights to and from the Dominican Republic
  • Additional Meals & Beverages
  • Gratuities
Customize this trip