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
- 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
- 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.
Why Travel with Caravan?
