Exploring the oldest city in the Americas is a captivating experience, and the Santo Domingo & Altos de Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience offers an immersive journey through this historic destination. With a maximum of 10 participants, this guided tour provides an intimate and personalized way to discover the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, marvel at its architectural wonders, and visit significant landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as the itinerary also takes travelers to the enchanting Altos de Chavon village, where they can indulge in a delightful traditional Dominican lunch and uncover the unique charm that makes this region so alluring.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Full-Day Tours In Dominican Republic.

About Your Stay

  • Explore the oldest city in the Americas, Santo Domingo, on a small-group guided tour with a maximum of 10 travelers.
  • Discover the rich history and architecture of the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, including the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and the Alcázar de Colón.
  • Visit the captivating 16th-century European-inspired village of Altos de Chavon, featuring cobblestone streets, medieval-style buildings, and an impressive open-air amphitheater.
  • Savor a traditional Dominican lunch with local flavors, complementing the cultural discoveries throughout the tour.
  • Enjoy convenient pickup from Punta Cana or Bavaro hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Tour Overview

This tour provides travelers with the chance to experience the oldest city in the Americas, Santo Domingo, and the captivating Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th-century European village.

It’s a small-group guided tour with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personal experience. Guests will be conveniently picked up from their Punta Cana or Bavaro hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The itinerary highlights exploring the Colonial Zone, visiting museums, and enjoying Three Eyes National Park.

Travelers will also discover the top landmarks of Altos de Chavon and savor a traditional Dominican lunch with a soft drink included.

Itinerary Highlights

Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience - Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights immersing visitors in the rich history and captivating architecture of the region.

Explorers will stroll through the Colonial Zone, discovering museums that showcase the area’s past. They’ll then venture to Three Eyes National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder with three interconnected freshwater lakes.

The highlight of the day is Altos de Chavon, a meticulously recreated 16th-century European village. Visitors can admire the stunning stone architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural attractions.

Throughout the journey, travelers will savor a traditional Dominican lunch, complete with a refreshing soft drink, providing an authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Exploring the Colonial Zone

Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience - Exploring the Colonial Zone

Visitors to the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo will discover a captivating historical landscape that transports them back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features impressive architecture, museums, and landmarks that showcase the city’s rich colonial heritage.

Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the Spanish-style buildings, some of which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Explore the magnificent Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, and visit the Alcázar de Colón, a grand palace that was once the home of Christopher Columbus’s son.

The Colonial Zone offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s storied past and gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.

Discovering Altos De Chavon

Venturing beyond the historic streets of Santo Domingo, the tour takes visitors to the charming Altos de Chavon, a captivating 16th-century European-inspired village that has been meticulously recreated.

Guests will discover the architectural masterpiece, exploring its cobblestone streets, medieval-style buildings, and breathtaking views overlooking the Chavon River.

The highlights of Altos de Chavon include:

  • The magnificent St. Stanislaus Church, a replica of a 16th-century church in Poland
  • The impressive Amphitheater, a stunning open-air venue that hosts cultural events
  • The Altos de Chavon Regional Museum, showcasing the region’s rich history and indigenous art
  • Charming boutiques, art galleries, and artisan workshops
  • Stunning vistas from the village’s hilltop location

Enjoying Traditional Cuisine

Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Full Day Small Group Experience - Enjoying Traditional Cuisine

After exploring the historic sights of Altos de Chavon, visitors can savor a delightful Dominican-style lunch, complete with authentic local flavors.

The included meal features traditional Dominican dishes, offering a chance to take in the rich culinary heritage of the country.

From the aromatic rice and beans to the flavorful meats and fresh tropical fruits, the lunch provides a tasty and satisfying respite during the day’s adventures.

Accompanied by a refreshing soft drink, this authentic dining experience complements the cultural discoveries, rounding out the well-balanced Santo Domingo and Altos de Chavon tour.

Convenient Transportation

One of the key advantages of this tour is the convenient transportation provided. Travelers can opt to be picked up directly from their hotels in Punta Cana or Bavaro, eliminating the need for complicated logistics.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive. The tour also offers the flexibility to head directly to a preferred meeting point, catering to individual preferences.

This hassle-free transportation experience allows visitors to focus on seeing the rich cultural and historical offerings of Santo Domingo and Alto de Chavon, without the burden of navigating the logistics.

Some key benefits of the transportation include:

  • Pickup from Punta Cana or Bavaro hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Option to go directly to meeting point
  • Flexibility to accommodate individual preferences
  • Eliminates the need for complicated logistics

Booking Flexibility

The tour’s booking flexibility allows travelers to secure their spot while maintaining the option to pay later. This feature provides convenience and peace of mind, as customers can reserve their place on the tour without needing to pay upfront.

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts further enhances flexibility, giving travelers the ability to adjust their plans if necessary. This level of booking freedom is particularly valuable, as it enables customers to book the tour with confidence, knowing they can easily make changes if their circumstances evolve.

Traveler Reviews

According to the review, a solo traveler named Laura_M shared a glowing assessment of the Santo Domingo & Alto De Chavon Experience tour.

She highlighted the personalized nature of the small-group excursion, praising the knowledgeable guides and the well-rounded itinerary that combined nature, history, architecture, and traditional Dominican cuisine.

The reviewer particularly enjoyed:

  • The exploration of the Colonial Zone and its museums
  • Discovering the top landmarks of Altos de Chavon
  • The included traditional Dominican lunch with a soft drink
  • The convenient hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • The overall 5-star rating, reflecting an exceptional experience.

Questions About Your Stay

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?

Based on the tour overview, the recommended spending money for this full-day experience is around €25-€40. This should cover any additional expenses like souvenirs, tips, or personal purchases not included in the tour price.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The small-group size and personalized nature of the experience allow ample opportunity to capture the historic sites, traditional architecture, and natural beauty encountered throughout the day.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for Participants?

There are no specific fitness requirements for participants on this tour. The itinerary involves moderate walking, but the tour is designed to accommodate travelers of various fitness levels. Guests should be able to comfortably explore the sites.

Is There an Age Limit for This Tour?

There’s no age limit for the tour. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though children may require adult supervision. The small-group size ensures a personalized experience catering to diverse needs and interests.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour allows for some customization to accommodate guests’ preferences. While the overall itinerary is set, the guides are flexible and can adjust the schedule or focus areas based on the group’s interests.

Booking Your Stay

This small group tour offers travelers an immersive cultural experience in the oldest city of the Americas. Guests will explore the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, marvel at Altos de Chavon’s enchanting village, and savor traditional Dominican cuisine. With convenient transportation and flexible booking, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Santo Domingo’s rich history and vibrant heritage.