Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the New World. Visit the Alcazar de Colón, the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Menor, and the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic. Stop by the Malecón and enjoy the views of the Caribbean sea. Have a traditional Dominican lunch at El Conuco Restaurant.
Take a boat tour to Isla Catalina and enjoy snorkeling in its clear waters. Visit the historic Altos de Chavón village, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village. Check out the Tabacalera de García cigar factory and learn about the cigar-making process. Have dinner at La Piazzetta restaurant, which offers authentic Italian cuisine.
Enjoy a day at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. Relax by the pool or beach, take part in recreational activities such as tennis, golf, or water sports. Have dinner at the resort's restaurant.
Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia, the largest church in the Caribbean, and learn about the religious history of the Dominican Republic. Stop by the Parque Nacional del Este and visit the caves and archaeological sites. Have lunch at Bucanero Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and local dishes.
Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. Visit the National Amber Museum and learn about the amber mining industry in the Dominican Republic. Relax at Playa Dorada beach and have lunch at Casa 21 Restaurant, which offers a variety of cuisine.
Take a boat tour to the Los Haitises National Park and discover its mangroves, caverns, and wildlife. Visit the El Limón Waterfall and take a horseback ride to discover the surrounding jungle. Have lunch at Parada La Manzana, which offers traditional Dominican cuisine.
Enjoy a final day at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. Relax by the pool or beach and participate in activities such as dance lessons, yoga, or kids' club activities. Have dinner at the resort's restaurant.
When traveling around the Dominican Republic, consider renting a car or hiring a driver. Taxis and ride-share apps are also available, but prices may vary depending on the location and time of day. The country has a good network of highways connecting major cities, but be aware that some roads may be poorly maintained or have heavy traffic. The estimated cost of a rental car for a week is around $250 to $300, depending on the type of car and rental company. The estimated cost of a driver is around $150 to $200 per day, depending on the itinerary and negotiation skills.
If you have extra time, consider visiting other destinations such as Cabarete for surfing, Jarabacoa for hiking, or Bayahibe for scuba diving. If you have less time, skip the Puerto Plata and Samaná days and spend more time at Punta Cana's all-inclusive resorts. Be aware that summer is the low season due to the heat and humidity, and hurricane season lasts from June to November. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is from December to April.
The main airports in the Dominican Republic are Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), and Cibao International Airport (STI). Punta Cana International Airport serves the east coast and is located in Punta Cana, approximately 30 minutes from most all-inclusive resorts. Las Américas International Airport serves the south coast and is located in Santo Domingo, approximately 2 hours from Punta Cana. Cibao International Airport serves the north coast and is located in Santiago, approximately 4 hours from Punta Cana.