Dominican Republic Has It All – 8 Days

Dominican Republic Has It All – 8 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo

Welcome at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ). Transfer to your hotel in the Colonial Zone. Evening orientation walk through Parque Colon and the bustling streets of the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Welcome briefing and dinner recommendations.

Day 2: Santo Domingo — Colonial Discovery

Full-day guided exploration of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone (UNESCO World Heritage). Visit the First Cathedral of the Americas, Alcazar de Colon (Diego Columbus’s palace), Fortaleza Ozama, and the Museum of the Royal Houses. Stroll Calle El Conde, the vibrant pedestrian shopping street. Afternoon visit to Los Tres Ojos National Park, a stunning series of limestone caves with underground lakes. Evening at leisure.

Day 3: Santo Domingo to Samana Peninsula

Morning departure for the lush Samana Peninsula. Scenic drive through coconut groves and coastal villages. Arrive in Las Terrenas, a charming beach town with a European flair. Afternoon at leisure on Playa Las Terrenas or Playa Bonita. Sunset cocktails overlooking the Atlantic.

Day 4: Los Haitises National Park — Boat Safari

Full-day boat excursion through Los Haitises National Park. Navigate among mangrove forests, dramatic limestone karst formations (mogotes), and hidden caves adorned with ancient Taino petroglyphs. Wildlife spotting: frigate birds, pelicans, and roseate spoonbills. Visit Cayo de los Pajaros (Bird Island). Picnic lunch on a secluded beach. Return to Las Terrenas in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) & Whale Watching (Jan-Mar)

Morning boat trip to Cayo Levantado, famously known as Bacardi Island. Swim in turquoise waters, relax on pristine white sand beaches, and soak in the tropical paradise setting. During whale watching season (January-March), take a guided excursion to Samana Bay to observe the magnificent humpback whales that migrate here annually to breed. Overnight in Samana town or Las Galeras.

Day 6: El Limon Waterfall Adventure

Morning horseback ride or hike through tropical forest to El Limon Waterfall, a spectacular 52-meter cascade plunging into a natural swimming pool. Swim in the refreshing waters surrounded by lush vegetation. Afternoon visit to Playa Rincon, consistently rated among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, with its mile-long stretch of white sand framed by coconut palms. Overnight in Las Galeras.

Day 7: Samana to Punta Cana — Caribbean Paradise

Scenic coastal drive from Samana to Punta Cana. Afternoon arrival at Punta Cana’s famous resort area. Check into your beachfront hotel along Bavaro Beach. Free time to enjoy the palm-fringed white sand beach, turquoise waters, and resort amenities. Optional catamaran cruise or snorkeling excursion.

Day 8: Punta Cana Leisure & Departure

Morning at leisure — relax on Bavaro Beach, swim in the Caribbean, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Afternoon transfer to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) for your onward flight. Take home unforgettable memories of the Dominican Republic’s incredible diversity.

What’s Included

• 7 nights accommodation (mix of hotels & beach lodges)
• Daily breakfast
• Los Haitises National Park boat tour
• Cayo Levantado boat excursion
• El Limon waterfall visit (horseback or hike)
• Whale watching excursion (Jan-Mar season)
• All transfers & transportation
• English-speaking guide throughout
• Airport transfers on arrival & departure

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Lunch & dinner (except where specified)
• Optional water sports & activities
• Tips & personal expenses