Dominican Republic Tours
Discover the Dominican Republic Tour
Discover the Dominican Republic on this small group tour led by local guides. Avoid the tourist traps and explore the authentic Dominican Republic.
Tour Overview
On this Discover the Dominican Republic tour, you will experience the 'most beautiful land ever beheld by a human eye'. First, we start in Santo Domingo, the first colonial old town in the New World. Here an open-air concert with Caribbean rhythms and typical local cuisine await you.
Off the beaten track, you will get to know a less privileged part of town. You will also make a small contribution to improving the conditions of the poorer population. Then, during a ride on the cable car, you will enjoy a unique perspective of the city. Later, you will learn all about coffee cultivation in the Dominican Alps. Finally, you visit a cocoa plantation and a cigar factory.
On the Samaná Peninsula you will experience authentic Caribbean magic with secluded dream beaches and lush tropical landscapes. You can also add an optional beach extension as the crowning finale of your trip.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Punta Cana Airport – Santo Domingo Old Town
Welcome to the Dominican Republic! You will have a personal welcome at the airport of Punta Cana. Then you transfer to the old town of Santo Domingo. If you land in Santo Domingo instead, your transfer to the old town is also included. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the oldest city in the New World.
Overnight in Hotel Hodelpa Novus Plaza, Santo Domingo
DAY 2
History, Music and Culinary Delights in the World Heritage Old Town
Get to know the first city built by Europeans in America. It is home to the first cathedral, governor, bishop and hospital in the New World. Spend the day in the historic old town, the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has palaces, forts, museums, churches and squares. You also walk Calle de las Damas and the pedestrian street El Conde. For lunch, try Sancocho, a flagship Dominican stew of meats and local Caribbean ingredients. For example, these include yam, musk gourd, cassava and plantain. Later, in the evening, experience an outdoor concert in the magical setting of the San Francisco ruins. Here the group Bonyé plays merengue, son and jazz to a crowd of dancing Dominicans of all ages.
Overnight in Hotel Hodelpa Novus Plaza, Santo Domingo · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Santo Domingo – Jarabacoa
This morning, explore Santo Domingo off the beaten track in Gualey, one of the city's more precarious neighbourhoods. Here you visit the non-profit foundation Rincón de Luz. For over 18 years, it has supported disadvantaged children, youth and seniors with education, nutrition and health. A guided tour of Gualey also takes in the four pozos, natural spring-fed lakes popular with locals. Then you board the cable car for a spectacular view crossing the Ozama River. After that, the journey continues north to Jarabacoa, stopping along the way at the Reposteria Miguelina for traditional desserts. You then travel through La Vega to the start of the Cordillera Central (the Dominican Alps). The small mountain town of Jarabacoa sits at 600 metres, with spring-like temperatures year-round.
Overnight in Hotel Gran Jimenoa, Jarabacoa · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Jarabacoa – Santiago de los Caballeros
First, visit the Monte Alto coffee factory to learn about coffee cultivation and processing, with a tasting included. Then take a mountain walk to one of the region's famous waterfalls. After that, the journey continues to Santiago de los Caballeros. Here you'll visit La Aurora, one of the most renowned cigar factories in the Dominican Republic. You watch skilled craftspeople hand-roll tobacco products. Finally, the afternoon is free to relax or explore the town.
Overnight in Hotel Hodelpa Centro Plaza, Santiago de los Caballeros · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Santiago – San Francisco de Macorís – Las Terrenas
The adventure continues towards Samaná, reaching San Francisco de Macorís and the Sendero del Cacao. Here you'll learn everything about the cacao bean at the Hacienda La Esmeralda cacao plantation, which supplies world-renowned chocolate factories. The visit also includes a cocoa and chocolate tasting and lunch. Afterwards, the tour continues to the Samaná Peninsula, which is 63km long and 10-20km wide. It is a tropical paradise of secluded beaches, clear mountain rivers and steep cliffs. Finally, you arrive in Las Terrenas, the bustling centre of authentic island flair on the north coast.
Overnight in Hotel Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, Las Terrenas · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Las Terrenas
A free day to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, palm trees, cool cocktails and fresh seafood. Meanwhile, enjoy the sounds of merengue and bachata. An optional half-day bike excursion is also available (minimum 4 participants). First, the ride climbs steep hills to the famous "Ruta del Café" coffee route. It then passes cacao trees, coffee plantations, mango trees and bamboo. Along the way, there are tastings of local honey, coffee, cocoa and Mamajuana. Finally, it finishes with a descent through the jungle. Contact us for prices.
Overnight in Hotel Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, Las Terrenas · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Las Terrenas
A free day to enjoy the Caribbean vibe and relax. Two optional excursions are also available (minimum 4 participants, contact us for prices). The first is a catamaran trip to the picturesque island of Cayo Levantado. On the way, you snorkel at a sunken ferry that is now home to fish. Afterwards, enjoy a Dominican buffet lunch on the beach. Alternatively, take an ATV safari to the secluded Playa Morón beach via jungle trails and a river crossing. This includes a traditional Sancocho lunch and Mamajuana at a hillside farmhouse.
Overnight in Hotel Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, Las Terrenas · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
Las Terrenas – Punta Cana Airport / Santo Domingo
Transfer to the airport of Punta Cana or Santo Domingo according to your flight details. Alternatively, you may want to enjoy your time on the island a little more. If so, book a beach extension and relax on the beach of Bayahibe or Punta Cana.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation with Spanish-speaking driver and local English-speaking tour guide from Day 2 to Day 5
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Meals according to description – breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
All entrance fees, taxes and service charges of the mentioned excursions and visits according to description
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks and meals other than those mentioned on the program
Expenditure of a personal nature, laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
Tips for drivers and guides
Early check-in / late checkout fees if required
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, so we can schedule it to your own departure date. Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book.
From £2,345 per person (based on two people sharing per room)
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for the Dominican Republic.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive. British citizens travelling for tourism don't need a visa. In addition, the tourism entry tax is included in your air fare. You will normally be granted a 30-day stay on arrival.
Public medical facilities are generally limited. Private hospitals offer good standards of care, although they can be expensive. Visitors unable to pay hospital bills have sometimes been prevented from leaving the country until the debt is settled. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. For emergency medical assistance in Santo Domingo, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. However, outside Santo Domingo, 911 coverage is not complete. In that case, call the tourist police (1-809-200-3500) if you cannot get through. The Dominican Republic has a risk of Zika virus transmission. In addition, cases of chikungunya and dengue fever have been confirmed, so take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not potable.
It is a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. It must also cover the entire duration of your holiday. In addition, it must cover all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing which can be layered is advisable, with a warmer jumper for occasional cooler evenings. Also bring beachwear and swimwear, and we suggest a light raincoat. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are ideal.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Dominican peso is the local currency. US dollars and travellers' cheques are easily exchanged, but only at banks or official exchange offices (casas de cambio). UK credit and debit cards usually work in ATMs. However, you should take great care when withdrawing cash. Where possible, use an ATM inside a bank, shopping centre or supermarket rather than one on the street. Card cloning and identity theft are also a risk. Therefore, avoid letting your card out of sight when paying, or pay in cash instead.
The Dominican Republic uses type A and B plugs, on a 120V/60Hz supply. Public displays of affection are uncommon. There are also severe penalties for any drug offences. Moreover, cases sometimes take years to go through the judicial process. Lifeguards may not be present at pools or beaches. The sea can also be dangerous, especially during hurricane season (June-November). Therefore, seek local advice on conditions, and don't swim under the influence of alcohol. Adventure activity providers may not meet UK safety standards, so check and ensure you're insured. The Dominican Republic is on GMT-4. Finally, Wi-Fi is common in hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes across touristed areas.
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