Days
19
Destinations
8
Type of journey
Group
Activities
6
Overview from the travel specialist
Hello, I'm Lennard: This route has been designed to show the contrasts of the Dominican Republic without rushing. Each region brings its own character - Caribbean coastlines, quiet fishing villages, forested hills and colonial streets. The balanced pace of travel combines gentle activities with sufficient freedom to ensure that movement and relaxation remain in balance.
Highlights of your Dominican dream route
✓ ATV tour along rural paths to Macao Beach with a dip in a cenote
✓ Boat trip through Los Haitises National Park and to Cayo Levantado
✓ Guided hike and refreshing swim breaks at the Damajagua waterfalls ✓ Snorkelling over colourful coral gardens at Cayo Arenawaterfalls
✓ Snorkelling over colourful coral gardens at Cayo Arena
✓ White water rafting on the Río Yaque del Norte
✓ Guided tour through the UNESCO-protected Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo
Our travel programme for your Dominican dream itinerary
Your journey begins in Punta Cana with relaxing days on the coast, which provide a gentle introduction. An ATV tour to Macao Beach and a cenote provide light adventure without disturbing the peaceful rhythm. A balanced combination of Caribbean beach feeling and first impressions of the island's rural landscapes. The route then leads northwards to Samaná, where Los Haitises and Cayo Levantado add a more exploratory character. Las Terrenas and Puerto Plata extend the experience with expansive beaches and the Damajagua waterfalls. Each stop deepens the journey without creating time pressure. In the west, calm waters and colourful reefs await you at Punta Rucia and Cayo Arena. In Jarabacoa, a cooler mountain climate and rafting provide variety, before Santo Domingo follows with its colonial history. La Romana rounds off the route with relaxing days on the coast and prepares you for the return journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Punta Cana
After your arrival in Punta Cana, you will be met by your driver and taken to your beach hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to arrive at your leisure. A walk to the beach, a dip in the pool or simply relaxing after the flight are all options. Warm air, palm trees and direct access to the beach immediately create a holiday atmosphere. The evening is ideal for a relaxed arrival.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Punta Cana, transfer
Day 2: Punta Cana
Today is entirely at your own pace. Relax on the beach or by the pool or take an optional catamaran trip to Saona Island, known for its calm turquoise waters and shallow sandbanks. Small cafés facilitate individual meal planning. Without a fixed programme, this day helps you to relax and settle into the trip. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel overnight stay in Punta Cana (breakfast)
Optional: Catamaran tour to Saona Island
Day 3: Punta Cana (ATV & Cenote)
In the morning, you set off on an ATV tour into the rural hinterland. After a safety briefing, you will follow paths through fields and small villages to Macao Beach, where you will have time for a short break. You will then visit a natural cenote with crystal-clear fresh water. Return to the hotel around midday, leaving the afternoon free to relax. The evening is at leisure.
Services: Hotel overnight stay in Punta Cana (breakfast), quad bike tour along the coast
Day 4: Punta Cana - Samaná
The journey first takes you overland to Sabana de la Mar, crossing rural regions that form a clear contrast to the resort landscapes of Punta Cana. At the jetty, you board the ferry and cross the bay with views of the hills and coastline. On arrival, a short transfer takes you to your hotel in Samaná. The rest of the day is deliberately kept quiet - ideal for arriving, taking a walk or enjoying the fresh sea air. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Samana (breakfast), private transfer
Day 5: Samaná (Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado)
You will explore Los Haitises National Park by boat, travelling through mangroves, sheltered bays and between limestone islands. Your guide will explain the local ecosystems and point out bird species along the way. Stops at caves provide insights into rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. The tour then continues to Cayo Levantado, where lunch and time to swim or relax on the beach are planned. Return to Samaná in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Services: Overnight stay in hotel in Samana (breakfast), guided tour
Day 6: Samaná - Las Terrenas
A short drive takes you to Las Terrenas, known for its relaxed atmosphere and easily accessible beaches. After check-in, the afternoon is at your leisure. Stroll along the coast, visit a beach café or retreat to a quiet area to relax. The change of scenery is small, but creates a new coastal backdrop with a noticeably calmer pace. Without a fixed programme, the evening can be freely arranged.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Las Terrenas (breakfast), private transfer
Day 7: Las Terrenas
Today you can organise the day as you wish. Those who prefer quiet hours on the beach can stay close to the main beach. Active guests can book a guided excursion to the El Limón waterfall, which can be reached via a short walk or horseback ride, or visit the expansive Playa Rincón. You decide the duration and intensity of the activities yourself. This flexibility supports different interests within the group. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Las Terrenas (breakfast)
Day 8: Las Terrenas - Puerto Plata
You leave Las Terrenas and drive westwards along the north coast, past sea views, rolling hills and small villages. A pleasant day of travelling to observe the changing landscapes of the island. Upon arrival in Puerto Plata, check-in at the hotel and free time to explore the Victorian neighbourhood, take a stroll along the Malecón or relax by the sea. The evening remains flexible for individual planning.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Puerto Plata (breakfast), private transfer
Day 9: Puerto Plata
You take part in a guided excursion to the Damajagua waterfalls, where cascades and natural pools form a unique landscape. After a briefing, you will hike through wooded terrain to the upper sections. Depending on the conditions, you will slide over rocks, jump into pools or wade and swim through the water. The route is active, but can be adapted to different comfort levels. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, evening at leisure.
Services: Overnight stay in hotel in Puerto Plata (breakfast), transfer, visit to Damajagua Waterfalls
Day 10: Puerto Plata - Punta Rucia
You leave Puerto Plata and follow the coast westwards to Punta Rucia. As you get further away from urban areas, the surroundings become quieter, characterised by small villages, mangroves and wide stretches of beach. After check-in, there is time for walks by the sea, relaxing under palm trees or watching the fishing boats. The slower pace prepares you for the snorkelling excursion the next day. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Punta Rucia (breakfast), private transfer
Day 11: Punta Rucia
Take the boat to the small sandbank Cayo Arena, surrounded by clear water and coral reefs. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are provided so that you can safely explore the shallow reefs. A simple lunch is planned in a nearby coastal area or village. Return to Punta Rucia in the afternoon with time to relax by the sea or at the hotel. A balanced day between activity and relaxation.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Punta Rucia (breakfast), boat transfer (lunch)
Day 12: Punta Rucia
The day is deliberately left open to enjoy Punta Rucia's tranquil atmosphere. Some guests spend the day on the beach and in the water, others book a guided kayak excursion through the nearby mangroves. With no planned transfers, the pace remains relaxed and you can return to the hotel at any time. The evening offers more time to relax near the beach.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Punta Rucia (breakfast), private transfer
Day 13: Punta Rucia - Jarabacoa
The journey leads inland towards the Cordillera Central. Coastal landscapes gradually give way to hills, pine forests and cooler air. After check-in at your mountain lodge, the afternoon is at leisure. Short walks, outdoor seating and open views invite you to relax. This day marks the gentle transition into the highlands and prepares you for the rafting activity.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Jarabacoa (breakfast), private transfer
Day 14: Jarabacoa
After breakfast, you will meet your rafting team for equipment customisation and a safety briefing. The selected section of the river offers easy rapids as well as calmer passages with views of the mountain landscape. Designed as a gentle adventure, the rafting is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness. After the tour, you return to the lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Jarabacoa (breakfast), rafting on the Río Yaque del Norte with experienced guides
Day 15: Jarabacoa - Santo Domingo
You leave the highlands and head towards Santo Domingo. During the descent, the landscape changes from rural areas to the urban structure of the capital. After checking into your hotel in or near the Zona Colonial, the rest of the day is at leisure. Use the time for your first walks through historic squares or to relax before the city tour the next day. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in Santo Domingo (breakfast), private transfer
Day 16: Santo Domingo
Together with your guide, you will explore the historic city centre of Santo Domingo on foot. Typical stops include the Catedral Primada de América, the Plaza de España and selected streets and fortifications from the early colonial period. Explanations and breaks allow for a deeper understanding of the history. At the end of the tour, the afternoon is free for cafés, museums or your own explorations. Evening at leisure in the old town centre.
Services: Overnight stay in hotel in Santo Domingo (breakfast), guided city tour
Day 17: Santo Domingo - La Romana
You leave the capital and travel along the coast to La Romana. After arrival and check-in, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Relax on the beach, by the pool or explore the surrounding area at a leisurely pace. This last coastal stop serves as a gentle transition to the end of the journey and offers time to relax before the final excursions. Evening at leisure.
Services: Hotel accommodation in La Romana (breakfast), private transfer
Day 18: La Romana
On the last full day, you decide on your own programme. Relaxing at the hotel with swimming and rest is just as possible as an excursion to Altos de Chavón with viewpoints and cultural facilities or a visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas with its rock formations and wall paintings. Take walking distances and steps into account when making your choice. Return to the hotel for a quiet final evening.
Services: Hotel overnight stay in La Romana (breakfast)
Optional: Day trip to Altos de Chavón & shopping in La Romana
Day 19: Departure from Santo Domingo airport
After breakfast, check-out and private transfer to Santo Domingo airport. The journey offers time to reflect on the contrasts of the trip - from beaches and coral reefs to mountains and colonial old towns. Check-in and departure formalities take place at the airport. The travel services end on arrival at the airport, the onward journey is made individually. Have a safe journey home!
Services: Private transfer to the airport
What is included?
Accommodation in selected hotels or similar accommodation
In air-conditioned vehicles
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Accompanied by a qualified, German-speaking tour guide
All excursions and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
We are available around the clock if you have any questions!
Plan your dream holiday
Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip.
Optional services
- International flights
- E-visa services
- Optional excursions and services
- Gratuities and personal expenses (not included)
- Transfer from your home to the airport and back
- Sleeping bag - required for tent nights (not included)
Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Central America. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on time changes and recommendations for important health precautions that you should take before your departure.
We have summarised all the necessary information for you so that your stay in Central America is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.