Santo Domingo Day Trip: Historical and Cultural Exploration from Punta Cana
3.9
8 Ratings
Santo Domingo
Embark on a historical and cultural exploration of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, on a day trip from Punta Cana. Discover the city's rich history, visit iconic landmarks, explore the old area, and indulge in delicious Dominican cuisine.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Santo Domingo - Embark on a guided exploration of Santo Domingo’s historic district, where you’ll uncover the Coln family’s heritage and the principal landmarks of the earliest city in the Americas. Witness the dual aspects of the birthplace of what could be considered the beginning of everything.

Discover the first city established in the New World and Christopher Columbus’s initial colony following his famed voyage to the Americas. In 1992, UNESCO recognized Santo Domingo as a World Heritage Site, noting its numerous firsts in the New World, including the inaugural cathedral, the earliest paved street, the premier university, the original hospital, the first stone dwelling, the earliest tavern, and more.

Explore the Panteon de la Patria, an impressive 18th-century edifice that serves as the final resting place for distinguished figures in Dominican history. We’ll then proceed to Plaza de Espaa, home to the Alczar de Coln, the Admiral’s past abode. This plaza is also where you’ll find the Museum of the Royal Houses.

What's Included
  • Bottled water included for your convenience
  • Expert guidance from a professional guide
  • Delicious lunch provided
  • Round trip transportation for a hassle-free experience
  • Refreshing tea and coffee available
What's Not Included
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
Additional Information

Embark on an immersive journey to the heart of the Dominican Republic’s capital with an engaging tour itinerary that is second to none.
Experience the art of carving Larimar, a gemstone native to the land, in an authentic local workshop.
Savour an exquisite selection of traditional Dominican dishes at a sumptuous buffet located in the historic Colonial Zone at midday.
Be escorted throughout the day by our knowledgeable private guide who will regale you with the rich narrative of the early colonists, detail the significance of the first American Cathedral, Los Tres Ojos, El Faro a Colón, and guide you through the storied streets of the old quarter and the colonial-era Alcázar de Colón.
The tour grants you a comprehensive view and/or detailed accounts of numerous key sites:

Alcázar de Don Diego Colón / Sun Clock / Amber Museum / Plaza de Cristóbal Colón / Parque Colón / Fortress Ozama / National Pantheon / Plaza España, Monastery of San Francisco / Casa del Cordón, Puerta de San Diego / House of Hernán Cortes / First post office / First Cathedral of America / Plaza España.

  • This tour is shared, not private.
Location
Santo Domingo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(8 Ratings)
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1 star
Carmela_vise
Oct 30, 2023
Nice visit - I loved the old city, a lot of history and people proud of their land. I think we should visit it for 2 days, we didn't have time to read what was exhibited in the museums.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N2128wnashleym
Sep 13, 2023
Santo Domingo - If you would like to know part of the history of the Dominican Republic, this is the best tour. I recommend this company. They were punctual when picking up from the hotel and always paid attention to every detail. Lunch was very good Dominican food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Texgx
Jun 24, 2021
Great Service, Amazing Driver - This was the best part of are trip. After a little mix-up on the pick up location, we were on our way. We need to be at a business lunch in Santo Domingo. Got there with plenty of time to spare. After our meeting, Paulino took us to the historic district were we met up with our tour guide. We had a great walking tour of the city with great commentary. Saw amazing buildings and historic sites. Stopped by a chocolate shop that was amazing. They ended the tour at a shop that sold jewelry and other gifts. The prices were great after a little back and forth. Wife found some earrings and a ring. The best part happened on the way home. My wife had told Paulino that she wanted some limoncillo when we got picked up. He said that might be hard but he would try. As we were driving home he spotted a car with a passenger eating some limoncillo. He waved them down and they were nice enough to share with us (we did give them a little for their trouble, not that they asked). It was an amazing experience. Really enjoyed the trip. Great price and even better service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tqdae6hf
Jun 2, 2021
Punta Cana to Santo Domingo transfer - Perfectly organized, on time, clean and excellent driver. I recommend. The driver picked us up in the lobby of our hotel in Punta Cana. The car was clean and looked well maitained. Perfect end to end service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhoderick
Apr 9, 2022
Santo Domingo tour was not bad. - The tour guide was great very informative and attentive. He spoke English well so didn’t have any problems understanding. The places visited were interesting and we enjoyed the history of Santo Domingo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Silly_weasel
Jun 9, 2019
Not impressed - This tour was cheaper than what was offered through our resort, so we decided to take a chance and check out Dominican capital city after spending majority of our vacation just chilling on the beach. We were picked up at specified time in a little van by a man in sweatpants, taken to Punta Cana and left at a bus stop letting us know someone will be here for us shortly. In about 15 minutes, as more people gathered, we were stuffed into another slightly bigger van with hard tiny seats and after an uncomfortable 2+ hour ride, we finally arrived in Santo Domingo. We picked up our tour guide, who spoke enough broken English for us to get the gist of his “tour”, although being the only English speakers in our group, we got the “concentrated” version. We were driven around the city, which was very dirty and not cute by any standards, piles and piles of trash everywhere, old falling-apart buildings. We stopped at a church, which was nice, Columbus’s son’s house, old town, taken to a buffet-style lunch of typical Dominican food, then allowed shopping time at local souvenir shop boasting trinkets made in China. Our last stop was at the National Park with some cool water caverns, then another 2+ hrs uncomfortable ride back to Punta Cana. This time everyone was dropped off at their respective resorts, which took an additional hour. Final thought - should have spent our last day on the beach instead.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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