Iconic Highlights and historical Tour in Santo Domingo
Description
Immerse yourself in history with our Santo Domingo Colonial Heritage Tour, exploring the oldest city in the Americas! Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the city's colonial charm and vibrant markets.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first stop will be Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) - a natural park with three water caves and beautiful rocks. In one of those caves, Jurassic park episodes were shot. The site is currently one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. You will enjoy exploring the caves and, before continuing our trip, you can use bathroom facilities and a cafeteria to buy a drink.
This multi-million-dollar lighthouse was built in 1992 to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of Columbus's landing in the Americas and is the site of the explorer's bones.
The lavish building that has been the home and offices of the Dominican president since 1947.
This popular thoroughfare is home to luxury hotels and casinos as well as historic monuments and statues.
Walk and take pictures in the Colonial Zone, starting at the Columbus Palace. Completed in 1514, this was the home of Christopher Columbus's son, Don Diego. From the Palace, the tour will go through the historic Plaza de Espana and on to Calle Las Damas (the first paved street in the New World). Santo Domingo, the first city of the Americas. Stroll through yesterday's narrow walkways and set out to unveil the humble beginnings of the New World. Tour the oldest colonial city, erected in the 15th century.
At the eastern end of Calle El Conde, you’ll stumble on the first paved street in the Americas: Calle Las Damas or the “street of the ladies.” Sixteenth century architecture, former colonial buildings now turned into museums, embassies, and upscale hotels flank this picturesque, narrow road. Connecting directly to the Alcazar de Colón Palace, María de Toledo and her ladies would step out of the palace and stroll up and down Calle Las Damas in the evenings. Key sites located along this historic street include Fortaleza Ozama, the first fortress in the Americas, and the National Pantheon, resting place of the Dominican Republic’s national heroes
One of the liveliest parks in the DR faces the oldest cathedral in the Americas, in a verdant, shaded square surrounded with colonial, republican, and modern architecture. A magnet for Dominicans and tourists alike, at its center is a towering statue of Christopher Columbus pointing to the island when he discovered it, and Taino Indian heroine Anacaona at his feet, looking up at the explorer. Pigeons fly around this magical square, punctuated with benches, and bustling with merengue music players, sidewalk cafés, and plenty of people watching.
One of the most popular museums in the Colonial City is also its most impressive in architecture. Completed around 1512, this Gothic and Renaissance style palace was once the home of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, and his wife María de Toledo, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain. With views overlooking Plaza de España on one side, and the Ozama River on the other, it is the oldest vice regal residence in the Americas, and the first fortified palace, turned into a museum showcasing 16th century furniture, art, musical instruments, and weapons. Winding staircases lead towards the couple’s well-preserved bedrooms, and to the lavish crystal chandelier-lit reception hall where events were hosted for the Spanish aristocracy.
This 18th-century Jesuit church is the resting place for many of the greatest Dominican heroes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will contact you 24 hours prior to departure to confirm your pick-up time
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Total Duration is 10 hours including the travel time
Reviews(4)
The trip is just too long. We understood this and thought it would be ok but for what you get skip it! The first stop at 3 eyes needs more time. Beautiful-best part of trip. The stops for bathrooms were at low quality souvenir shops. Passed right by nice decent places to shop and use bathrooms. Food was HORRIBLE. The place was just too small for the size of our group. I ate the lettuce, cucumbers and not ripe tomatoes for lunch. When stopped at other places the guide did not tell us how long we had. People just sat in the shade instead of exploring since it was another cheesy shop but it was part of time to explore on your own. They should provide a cooler or water at the minimum. They should also divide this trip by language. The time spent listening to it being translated 4 times was just too much.
Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the inconveniences you experienced. Your comments on the trip duration, stops, food, and language translation will be addressed. Please contact our customer service to resolve these issues.
My favorite part was Tres Otis. I loved all the old buildings. I wish they took us to artisan crafters instead of cheap tourist stores. Our guide was very nice but spent more time explaining everything in Spanish than English so I felt I was not getting the same amount of information. I loved th church also.
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed Tres Otis and the old buildings. We'll definitely consider your suggestions about artisan crafters and language balance for future tours. Please contact our customer service to discuss further.
