Is this trip physically demanding?

No, it's quite relaxed. The walking tour in Santo Domingo covers about 3km on flat ground. The cable car does the climbing for you at Isabel de Torres. The optional Damajagua Waterfalls excursion is more active (scrambling, jumping into pools) but entirely optional.

What's the group size?

Groups run between 4 and 16 people. If fewer than 4 book, we'll let you know in advance and offer the option to run it as a private tour at a small supplement.

Can I extend the beach stay in Puerto Plata?

Yes, extra nights at the all-inclusive resort are easy to add. Most people find 4 nights is the sweet spot, but 7 nights is a popular upgrade if you want a proper wind-down.

Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?

UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 30 days. You'll need to fill out an online e-ticket form before arrival (free of charge). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

People walking through a colourful street in the Colonial Zone, Dominican Republic

COLONIAL · CIGARS · COAST

Cultural Gateway

Name: Cultural Gateway
Brand: Travelfab
Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)

8 days / 7 nights, This trip covers the three sides of the DR that most visitors miss. You start in

Dominican Republic8 days / 7 nightsPrice on enquiry

This trip covers the three sides of the DR that most visitors miss. You start in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, walking the same streets the Spanish built over 500 years ago, then head north to Santiago's cigar country and art museums, before finishing with four days of all-inclusive relaxation on Puerto Plata's Atlantic coast.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL

Trip highlights

Guided walking tour of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone with stops at the Cathedral and Alcazar

Visit the Centro Leon museum in Santiago, one of the Caribbean's best contemporary art collections

Tour La Aurora cigar factory and watch hand-rolling in action

Ride the Isabel de Torres cable car for panoramic views over Puerto Plata

Explore San Felipe Fortress and the Dominican Amber Museum

Three nights all-inclusive on Puerto Plata's palm-lined Atlantic beaches

DAY BY DAY

Your itinerary

Route map of Cultural Gateway: 1 Santo Domingo (2 nights), 2 Santiago (2 nights), 3 Puerto Plata (3 nights). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Day 1: Arrive Santo Domingo

Airport transfer and check-in at your hotel in the Colonial Zone. Free time to explore the Malecon waterfront or grab dinner at a local comedor.

Day 2: Colonial Zone Walking Tour & 4D Cinema

Full morning guided tour of the Colonial Zone, the first cathedral, first hospital, first university and first paved road in the Americas. Visit the Alcazar de Colon (Columbus's son's palace) and the Fortaleza Ozama. Afternoon visit to the 4D Cinema experience covering Dominican history. Evening free.

Day 3: Transfer to Santiago & La Aurora

Drive through the fertile Cibao Valley to Santiago de los Caballeros, the country's second city. Afternoon tour of La Aurora cigar factory, the oldest in the DR, running since 1903. See the ageing rooms, rolling floor and cigar museum. Check in to your Santiago hotel.

Day 4: Santiago City Tour & Centro Leon

Morning Santiago city tour including the Monumento a los Heroes and the main market. Afternoon at the Centro Leon museum, a world-class space with Dominican art, Taino artefacts and contemporary exhibitions. Time for a coffee in the museum garden before dinner.

Day 5: Transfer to Puerto Plata, All-Inclusive

Drive north to Puerto Plata and check in to your all-inclusive resort on the Atlantic coast. The rest of the day is yours, beach, pool, or exploring the resort grounds.

Day 6: Isabel de Torres & San Felipe Fortress

Morning ride on the Isabel de Torres cable car to the hilltop botanical garden with 360-degree views of Puerto Plata and the coast. Descend and visit the San Felipe Fortress (built 1577) and the Amber Museum to see prehistoric insects preserved in Dominican amber. Afternoon back at the resort.

Day 7: Beach Day or Optional Excursion

Full day at leisure. Relax at the all-inclusive resort, or choose an optional excursion, Cayo Arena (Paradise Island) for snorkelling, or the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua for a guided climb-and-slide adventure through canyon pools.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast, then transfer to Gregorio Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata for your departure flight.

What's Included

7 nights lodging, bed & breakfast in Santo Domingo and Santiago, all-inclusive in Puerto Plata
Private transfers between all destinations and airports
Guided Colonial Zone walking tour with English-speaking guide
4D Cinema experience in Santo Domingo
La Aurora cigar factory tour
Centro Leon museum entrance
Isabel de Torres cable car tickets
San Felipe Fortress and Amber Museum entrance
English-speaking guide throughout

What's Not Included

International flights
Lunches and dinners in Santo Domingo and Santiago (not included in accommodation)
Optional excursions (Cayo Arena snorkelling, Damajagua Waterfalls)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

The all-inclusive in Puerto Plata covers all meals (buffet and a la carte restaurants), domestic and international drinks, snacks, entertainment, pool access and non-motorised watersports. Premium spirits and room service may cost extra depending on the resort.

Interested in This Trip?

We price this trip to your dates and your party, with your UK flights booked by us, so the whole holiday is ATOL protected. Tell us who is travelling and when, and we will send you a tailor-made quote.

Make an Enquiry

We typically respond within 24 hours

Price on enquirytailored to your trip

8 days / 7 nights

Easy to Moderate

4-16 persons

No commitment, we respond within 24 hours

Call us

Price on enquirytailored to your trip

8 days / 7 nights

Easy to Moderate

4-16 persons

No commitment, we respond within 24 hours

Call us

Real reviews

What our customers say

From travellers who visited Dominican Republic with us

“

We took the kids (aged 9 and 12) to the DR and it was perfect for families. Snorkelling at Isla Catalina, exploring Los Haitises National Park by boat, and the children loved the zip-lining near Puerto Plata. Fabian recommended a family-friendly boutique hotel in Bayahibe that was far better than any chain resort. Already looking at Cuba next.

Claire & Rob A.

“

First time in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic did not disappoint. Santo Domingo's colonial zone was fascinating, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, cobblestone streets, and fantastic rum bars. The drive out to Punta Cana for a few beach days at the end was a nice wind-down. Only giving four stars because the internal transfer was a long drive, but that's the country not the service.

Marcus T.

“

The DR was brilliant. We based ourselves in the Samaná Peninsula rather than the big resorts and it felt like a completely different country. Whale watching in the bay was magical, we saw a mother and calf from barely twenty metres away. The local restaurants in Las Terrenas served incredible mofongo and fresh lobster. Travelfab knew all the best spots.

Jenny & Paul C.

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