Dominican Republic
There's no place quite like the Dominican Republic. As part of the Tropic of Cancer, the Dominican Republic has a breathtaking topography.
Its history is the result of an unlikely mixture of influences; nowhere else will you find a blending of European, African, and native Taíno Indian cultures.
These distinct cultures still drive the social identity of the people today. Every aspect of their food, music, art, sports and religion provides a unique insight into the development of their country. In a single day you can experience both ancient and modern cultures from around the globe. The diverse lanscape provides opportunities for exhilerating sports, activities and visits.
Our 10 day itinerary packs in as much as possible from water sports to rainforests and waterfalls, coral atolls and underground caves. Add to this the atmospheric colonial zone of Santo Domingo and the result is the best of all the island's worlds.
Boca Chica is located only 30 minutes from Santo Domingo and is best known for its picturesque beach, white powder sand and tranquil aqua marine water. In Boca Chica you can enjoy the best of the Caribbean while being close to the Capital city of Santo Domingo.
The hotel will be of 3 or 4 star standard offering All Inclusive board. Students will overnight in twin or triple rooms with private facilities.
The Hotel Kari Beach is located on the beach front of Las Terrenas and provides outstanding ocean views. The hotel is nestled in amongst a lush tropical garden and offers good value for money, comfortable lodgings. Don’t miss out on the local fishermen's daily ritual of unloading their small boats and selling their fresh catch, some of which ends up in the kitchen of the Kari Beach restaurant. Over 20 boats of all types make this colorful event well worth a few pictures so have your camera close at hand.
With 18 generously-sized rooms and 2 suites located on three levels, the hotel offers differing sleeping accommodations. All have a terrace or balcony and are well appointed in comfortable, Caribbean style. Appointments include a ceiling fan, mini-bar, telephone, bathroom with hot and cold water shower and a safe for your valuables.
Considered to be one of the locally-preferred dining establishments, the hotel's restaurant features Dominican, International and Italian food while eating al fresco with a view of the beach, just steps from your table.
Tropical Casa Laguna is quietly nested in tropical gardens, located only 50 meters from the white sandy beach of Cabarete and directly across from the Beach Club, which was fully renovated in 2003.
Located only a few metres away from the spectacular Cabarete beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, Tropical Casa Laguna is on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Christopher Columbus called it the Silver Coast, for the beautiful color of the sea. Tropical Casa Laguna is the ideal accommodation choice in the surf town of Cabarete. The hotel offers restaurants, pool bar, theatre, terrace, outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, aquagym, freesbee, volleyball and waterpolo. The friendly staff will ensure you have a great time in Dominican Republic.
Cabarete is the centre of the North Coast’s adventure sport activity. One look at the beach will prove as much, the colorful windsurfing sails that brighten the shore and dot the aquamarine water. It is a one road town, vibrant and great for those who appreciate a surf atmosphere, a combination of relaxation, excitement and fun!
The Hotel Europa is located in the heart of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, dripping in history dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus. The hotel maintains many of its original features, standing out for the exquisite detail and design of its balconies with the characteristic ironwork of the period. The present owners have remodelled but sought to preserve the original architecture, including the lovely floor work, considered to be the heritage of colonial architecture.
Arrive Santo Domingo Airport
Transfer to Boca Chica, approx 30 minutes
Check in All Inclusive Hotel
Overnight
Morning half day city tour of Santo Domingo, visiting Colonial Zone and the Columbus Lighthouse
Return to Boca Chica
Lunch (included)
Afternoon for relaxation or optional activities
Altos de Chavon and Saona Island - Full day organised excursion
AM Transfer to Las Terrenas, Samana
En-route stop at El Limon Waterfall
Trek through Tropical Forest to Limon Waterfall, a famous landmark as one of the highest (52 meter) and most dramatic waterfall on the island with a beautiful fresh water pool at the bottom. The spring water is great for bathing and the secret caves that lie beneath are a must for discovering.
Continue to Las Terrenas, Samana. The Peninsula of Samana has some of the most spectacular scenery the Dominican Republic has to offer. Las Terrenas, once a rustic fishing village is now a bustling tourist destination however it still exudes a small town quality. The sand along the beach gets quieter the further you walk, with scattered hotels on the inland side and very pretty beaches lined with palm trees and aquamarine waters.
Check in Hotel
Overnight
Los Haitises National Park & Bacardi Island – Full day organised excursion.
Boat ride through the National Park “Los Haitises” meaning land of the mountains has1200 sq-km of parkland, containing scores of lush hills jutting from the water and coastal wetlands, formed a few million years ago. Los Haitises contains over 700 species of flora, including types of mangrove making it one of the most highly biodiverse regions in the Caribbean. Also home to some 78 species of birds, 13 of which are endemic to the island. Within the park lands are a series of limestone caves, some of which contain ancient intriguing Taino pictographs.
Boat will continue to Bacardi Island Marina. Disembark here for an island visit. The island is pristine, white powder sand, aquamarine waters and the beach is fringed with Royal Palm Trees. Lunch will be served on the island.
Return to Samana port by boat, bus transfer to Las Terrenas.
Overnight
Free day for relaxation or optional activities
AM transfer to Cabarete
Stop en-route at Playa Grande Beach for fotos
Arrive Cabarete
Check in and lunch
Transfer to El Choco National Park, a lush and diverse area which includes two lagoons - Laguna Cabarete and Laguna Goleta. The park's main attraction are its caves, some 5 million years old with subterranean water systems and underground pools as large as soccer fields, hidden by vegetation which is as green, lush and definitely tropical.
Overnight in Cabarete
Outback Safari – Full day organised excursion
Half day City Tour Puerto Plata. Visit the Brugal Rum Distillery, Amber Museum, Fortress and Boulevard.
Time for souvenir shopping.
Leave the North Coast and continue to Santo Domingo.
Check in Hotel
Overnight
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK and onward journey to school.
Please note that depending upon flight times it is likely that the group will return the day after departure, Day 11
TRANSFERS:
GUIDE SERVICES:
EXCURSIONS AND ENTRANCE FEES:
We aim to provide an itinerary that everyone can enjoy and partake in. However we are also aware that some members of the group may want to try other experiences during relaxation periods. These activities can be reserved in advance for the group and are payable locally.