Dominican Republic Discovery7 Day Tour from USD $1195#1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Dominican Republic Discovery tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Bávaro Beach
Dominican Home
Tour Map

Caret DownCaret Up Red2027 Daily Tour Itinerary

2027 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Welcome to the Dominican Republic, where culture, adventure, and tropical beauty come together. Spend three nights immersed in the rich history and colonial charm of Santo Domingo and then unwind with a three-night stay at your oceanside resort along the Caribbean Sea. Fly into Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Transfer on your own using the airport's taxi service. Enjoy a relaxing three-night stay at your Santo Domingo hotel. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is on your own.

Santo Domingo

Day 2 • Colonial Center, Amber Museum

After breakfast, join Caravan for a 9:00 a.m. welcome briefing. Then, drive to Christopher Columbus Lighthouse. Enjoy a photo stop. Next, a leisurely visit to the Colonial Center, the oldest city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic district has been newly restored, with leveled cobblestone streets designed for an easy and comfortable walking experience. See the former home of the Spanish governors. See the 16th-century Fortress Ozama, the oldest European fortress in the Americas. At Columbus Park, admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Menor, the very first cathedral built in the New World. See the Spanish Plaza. Lunch is on your own. Enjoy free time to shop for handicrafts and colorful souvenirs. Next, explore the world of amber at the Amber Museum. See ancient insects and plants perfectly preserved in golden resin millions of years ago. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 • Botanical Gardens, Rum Distillery

Morning visit to the National Botanical Gardens. Ride an open air trolley through tropical landscapes, including a stop at a serene Japanese garden with ponds and walking trails. Then, enjoy a sightseeing drive along Santo Domingo’s waterfront. Lunch is on your own. Next, drive though vast fields of sugar cane plantations to visit a rum distillery. Enjoy a guided tour and discover the history, aging process, and craftsmanship behind Dominican Republic’s famous rums. Return to your hotel. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Chavon River

Day 4 • Altos de Chavon, Higuey

Morning drive to Altos de Chavon. Visit this beautifully recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village built by Dominican artisans, overlooking the Chavon River. See the Amphitheatre. Learn about the Taino people at the archaeological museum. Free time to stroll the cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants. Lunch is on your own. Then, continue to the impressive Basilica de Higuey, an architectural wonder and the country’s most important pilgrimage site. Next, to Punta Cana for a relaxing three-night stay at your beach resort. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 • Bávaro Beach - Cacao Farm

Morning visit to a cacao farm. Learn about the country’s history cultivating and harvesting cacao. See why the Dominican Republic has earned a worldwide reputation for exceptional chocolate with a chocolate tasting. Return to your resort. Afternoon at leisure. Bávaro Beach is consistently celebrated as one of the top beaches in the world. Lunch and dinner are included at your resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 • Bávaro Beach - Bay Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Bávaro Bay, gliding over the turquoise waters of the coral reef while looking for pelicans, frigate birds, and other coastal wildlife. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy your Punta Cana resort. Blessed with soft powdery sand, the miles-long Bávaro Beach is perfect for romantic beach walks. You can lounge by the pools and beach, wade in the calm, crystal clear ocean waters, or enjoy some of the many included activities. Lunch and dinner are included at your resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bávaro Beach

Day 7 • Punta Cana

Your tour ends this morning at your hotel. Breakfast is included only after 6:30 a.m. Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from your hotel to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, arriving at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 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. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Muchas Gracias!

Meals: Breakfast

Chocolate Tasting
Chavon River
Bávaro Beach
Chocolate Tasting

Caret DownCaret Up Red2027 Hotels

2027 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.

Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini

Days 1, 2, 3 • Santo Domingo

Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini

Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini

Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini is a new modern hotel set in the business and entertainment district. The hotel is ideally located next to popular shopping malls. The hotel has a restaurant, 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop pool. Free WiFi.

Barceló Bávaro Palace

Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach

Barceló Bávaro Palace

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. All rooms are Junior Suites featuring a private balcony with Jacuzzi, plus a spacious sitting area for added space and comfort. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. to your hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini (Residencial, Diagonal 23A, Robledal La Uruca) in Santo Domingo. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the official taxi counters in the arrival hall. Here you can request your taxi. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $40-50 US Dollars plus tip. Payment can be made by US Dollars, Dominican Republic Pesos or via credit card. Currency exchange and ATMs are available in the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 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 $40 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & 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.

All passengers traveling to or from the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free online E-Ticket form before travel. This official form combines immigration and customs information and is required for both entry and departure. Travelers should complete the form as soon as they have their flight information and before arriving at the airline counter. After submitting the form, save or print the QR code, as it may be requested by the airline or Dominican authorities.

Caret DownCaret Up RedWeather & Clothing

Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

Santo DomingoPunta Cana
TempRainTempRain
Jan84/680.683/731.2
Feb85/670.783/721.0
Mar86/680.784/730.9
Apr86/701.285/741.5
May87/722.486/762.6
Jun88/741.987/771.9
Jul89/741.687/781.7
Aug89/741.988/782.0
Sep89/742.188/772.3
Oct88/732.187/762.3
Nov86/711.585/752.4
Dec85/690.883/741.4

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Santo Domingo
temp84/6885/6786/6886/7087/7288/7489/7489/7489/7488/7386/7185/69
rainfall0.60.70.71.22.41.91.61.92.12.11.50.8
Punta Cana
temp83/7383/7284/7385/7486/7687/7787/7888/7888/7787/7685/7583/74
rainfall1.21.00.91.52.61.91.72.02.32.32.41.4

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.

Caret DownCaret Up RedTravel Tips & FAQs

Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 10 Travel Tips. Read all 42 Travel Tips

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

Caravan’s Travel Protection Plan

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

International Travel with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, 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.

Read All 42 Travel TipsClick Here for All 42 Travel Tips

Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 14 Customer Reviews

"This was a nice, easy tour."

J. F., Holland, Michigan

"The tour director was very professional, knowledgeable and personable. He made the trip worthwhile and made us sorry to say goodbye. The hotels exceeded all of our expectations including cleanliness, service and amenities."

G. Y., Centennial, Colorado

"(The tour director) exceeded expectations, harnessed his cumulative experience to deliver a professional tour. Top-notch professional driver."

M. G., Severn, Maryland

"Loved the first few days touring and relaxing the last few days."

Client, Annabella, Utah

"The tour director was excellent and left no stone unturned. Meaning he was a detailed person always helpful and knowledgeable. He ranks near the top of all 6 trips we have taken with Caravan."

Client, Kenvil, New Jersey

"All hotels are excellent. We enjoyed a relaxed vacation."

Client, NOVI, Michigan

"All the hotels were great! Really enjoyed DR. Beautiful beaches and water."

R. B., Lawrence, Kansas

Read All 14 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 14 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy 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.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received.

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. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

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).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA