Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana

Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana

★★★★★ 4.7 (4,880 reviews)
10-12 hours

Step back in time with the Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana — a captivating journey to the oldest city in the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Colonial Zone, stand inside the first cathedral of the Americas, and discover over 500 years of history brought to life by expert local guides.

Must-See Landmarks

  • Three Eyes National Park — a stunning underground cave system with crystal-clear lagoons
  • Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon) — monumental tribute housing the remains of Christopher Columbus
  • First Cathedral of the Americas — the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere
  • Alcazar de Colon — the former palace of Diego Columbus, Christopher's son
  • Calle Las Damas — the oldest paved street in the Americas
  • Typical Dominican lunch included at a local restaurant

The Journey to the Capital

Your day begins with early morning hotel pickup in Punta Cana. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus along the Dominican Republic's southeastern coast, watching the landscape change from resort towns to rolling countryside. Your knowledgeable bilingual guide provides fascinating commentary throughout the journey.

Arriving in Santo Domingo, the first stop is Los Tres Ojos National Park — an otherworldly series of limestone caves with emerald and turquoise lagoons accessible by walking paths and a small ferry. Then visit the monumental Columbus Lighthouse, a cross-shaped mausoleum that houses the tomb of the famous explorer.

Lunch is a delicious Dominican buffet, after which you will walk the enchanting streets of the Colonial Zone — a living museum of Spanish colonial architecture, charming plazas, and centuries-old fortifications. This full-day tour is the definitive way to experience Santo Domingo from Punta Cana.

Itinerary

1

First street of America

Pass by
2

It is the only known residence of a member of the Christopher Columbus's family,[1] his first-born son Diego Columbus.

15 min
3

The building stands on the grounds of the former Presidential Mansion (Mansión Presidencial), built during the United States military occupation of 1916-1924.

Pass by
4

Theater

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5

Originally built in 1508 it is now the home of a very informative museum explaining the rich history of this island and the country of Dominican Republic. It also houses a collection of weapons once owned by the Dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina.

15 min
6

When you enter the cathedral you will feel a calmness come over you. Seeing the interior for the first time is a real experience. It is so quiet, relaxing, and overpowering and yet it has such a reverent feeling. Make sure to look up toward the heavens and notice the vaulted ceiling made to look like palm branches representing the original roof of the first church. There are many different chapels inside the large structure. The stained glass is magnificent.

20 min
7

is the oldest constantly inhabited city in all of “The Americas”. It is a small town nestled in the capital city of Santo Domingo on the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic.

20 min
8

The monument is both a mausoleum and a museum showcasing objects including a boat from Cuba and Colombian jewelry. Constructed of concrete, the monument is 680 feet (210 m) long.[3] Its architecture is cross-shaped and represents the Christianization of the Americas.

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What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Not Included

  • Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From

$95

per person

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Duration

10-12 hours

Free Cancellation

Up to 24 hours before

Hotel Pickup Included

From your Punta Cana resort

Language

English, Spanish

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