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The Best of The Dominican Republic
The top ten unforgettable experiences in a Caribbean nation unlike any other
Thinking of a trip to the Dominican Republic? It could be the adventure of a lifetime!
When our travel experts curated our all-inclusive, 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour, we crafted an itinerary of the best experiences the nation has to offer. We invite you to explore our complete schedule of activities on the tour’s page!
In the meantime, check out our top ten recommendations of things to do in the Dominican Republic.
10 Can’t-Miss Destinations, Attractions, and Activities In The Dominican Republic
1. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a popular region of seaside resorts.
Its pristine white sands and turquoise waters make visitors feel like they just stepped into a postcard.
It’s also one of the few beaches where visitors can ride horseback along the shore.
Some of the highest-ranked beaches in the world are part of Punta Cana, including:
- Bávaro Beach
- Highlights: swimming, snorkeling, lounging with a drink.
- Macao Beach
- Perfect for family beach days, surfing, and riding dune buggies
2. Altos de Chavón
Altos de Chavón is a lovely, quiet resort town, securely enveloped by the luxury gated community of Casa de Campo.
It was designed by Italian architect Robert Cappo as an idyllic resort village in the 16th-century Mediterranean style. Its sites include:
- Iglesia San Estanislao de Cracovia, or St. Stanislaus Church
- Southern French-style church with a picturesque outdoor fountain
- Cobblestone streets
- Spanish-colonial style
- Museo De Arqueológico
- Regional archeological museum
- Altos de Chavón Amphitheatre
- Greek-style open-air theatre that hosts performances by international artists (including Frank Sinatra)
3. Basilica Nuestra Señora De La Altagracia (Higüey, La Altagracia)
The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. It hosts a feast day in her honor every January 21st.
The beautiful cathedral’s iconic arch is designed to withstand the onslaught of hurricanes. Inside, it displays intricate frescos and a 1571 painting of the Virgin Mary.
4. Dominican Markets: Mercado Municipal & Mercado Modelo
Travelers shouldn’t miss shopping in the Dominican Republic’s famous, bustling outdoor markets. In both Higüey and Santo Domingo, visitors can stroll down lines of stalls to buy fresh food, artisan crafts, and delicious cuisine.
Take an afternoon to shop independently, or join a guided tour to learn about the culture and history of what’s on display at the market.
5. Colonial City (Ciudad Colonial) In Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo’s “Colonial Zone,” or Ciudad Colonial, is a preserved historical neighborhood listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ciudad Colonial maintains historic sites first built in the 16th - 18th centuries, including:
- Fortaleza Ozama (1508)
- Castle and military fortress
- Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (1550)
- Museo de las Casas Reales (1511)
- former Spanish palace, now a museum of royal houses
- La Puerta del Conde (The Count’s Gate) (1543 & 1655)
- originally the entrance to Fort Santo Domingo
- now the entryway to a park commemorating the Dominican Republic’s independence
- originally the entrance to Fort Santo Domingo
- Reloj del Sol (1753)
- The Americas’ oldest sundial
6. Kahlow Chocolate Tasting Experience
The Dominican Republic is home to some of the finest chocolate in the world. Kahlow Chocolate makes this designation real, offering an up-close, hands-on experience of chocolate done the Dominican way.
Listen and learn from a walking tour guided by experts. Then, try your hand at pouring a chocolate bar of your own!
Of course, no chocolate experience would be complete without a tasting. Kahlow’s tasting offers a wide range of options for the discerning chocolate lover’s palette.
7. CAOBA Cigar Factory Tour
CAOBA’s luxury cigars are renowned worldwide. Experience how they’re made with an in-depth, guided factory tour. You can even try rolling one of your own.
Note, that this tour is for adults only.
8. Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Gardens
The Dominican Republic’s National Botanical Gardens is a colorful, tropical oasis.
It nurtures roughly 70,000 distinct floral species, both native plants and those from international gardens. It’s also home to thousands of tropical, migrating birds.
Explore independently, or take guided tours on foot or by train.
9. National Parks of The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s national parks protect some of the most extraordinary wildlife on Earth.
Los Tres Ojos National Park
The “three eyes” of this park are three subterranean lagoons, hidden away in an open-air cove. Swim in fresh crystalline waters, or enjoy the beauty of the cavern’s unique flora and fauna.
Saona Island in Cotubanamá National Park (formerly Parque Nacional del Este)
On the shores of Saona Island, travelers can swim with sea turtles, watch them hatch, and experience wondrous marine life.
Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders National Park)
View over 400 cave paintings created over a millennium ago! The Cave of Wonders preserves ancient Taino artwork and stunning natural rock formations.
10. Romantic Dinner at Sunset at Montserrat Manor
Return to Punta Cana for tranquility and romance. One of the highest-rated restaurants on the seaside is Montserrat Manor, a place where the ambiance and food are the picture of elegance. Wine and dine at sunset, and the memory will last a lifetime.
Testimonies & Reviews of Dominican Republic Destinations
Caravan’s revitalized Dominican Republic Tour is already causing a stir. It’s the only professionally curated destination vacation on the entire island!
Every single stop on the tour has earned rave reviews from travelers. Here’s what visitors have to say about just a few of the activities built right into our itinerary.
###Authentic Dominican Chocolate Tasting Tour Is “Incredible” ###
“This was a great experience. The food was great, the tour was great, the chocolate was incredible, and the people were wonderful. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
—Kevin Miesner, starred Google Reviews Local Guide and traveler from Detroit, USA
National Botanical Garden Is “Remarkable,” and Visitors “Love, Love, Love” It
“I just love, love, love this place. It is so lush and beautiful. A must-see for the Japanese garden and the butterfly garden alone. Beautiful flora and fauna. Very tranquil.”
—Jacqueline, a traveler from Boston, USA
The garden features collections of bromeliads, ferns, palms, succulents, medicinal plants, and an exhibit of over 300 types of orchids… bird watchers [will enjoy] a wide variety of avian species—both familiar and rare—making either permanent or transitory homes.
—DaleBest1, community writer for Atlas Obscura
Punta Cana’s “Gorgeous” Beaches Are “A Wonderful Place”
“No trip to Punta Cana would be complete without some time spent on its gorgeous beaches. Playa Bávaro (Bavaro Beach) is one of the most popular…[and]Arena Gorda[‘s] wide sands and shallow waters make it a favored spot among families with young kids…’s a wonderful place for a long walk.”
—Christian Jannasch, travel writer for U.S. News & World Report
###“Amazing” Amphitheatre In Altos de Chavón, Dominican Republic ###
“Amazing view to the stage from all corners…and [its architecture] has perfect sound! We were sitting on the top and far away from us was the stage, but we heard all [the] small whispers from the [ballet] dancer…Great moment!”
—G Tali, a traveler from Austria
Book Now For a Dominican Republic Tour Unlike Any Other
Caravan’s 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour is unlike anything else: it’s all-inclusive and exclusive.
Currently, we are the only travel organization in the world offering a curated, affordable guided tour package in the Dominican Republic. This unique travel package includes hotels, meals, and transportation hand-picked and booked before you ever sign up.
Never let a trip be a source of stress! At Caravan, our professionals handle all the work, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure.
Every stay, meal, and activity included on the itinerary is built right into the price you see: no surprise fees! So why not experience seven days in the Dominican Republic at an unbeatable price?
For more information about Caravan’s Dominican Republic Tour, or anything else we offer, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826). Book by phone with our toll-free number, or by calling 1 (312) 321-9800.
Or, reserve a spot on the tour online by using the calendar on the tour page.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
| Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
| May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
| Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
| temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
| rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
| temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
