La Romana, Dominikanska Republika

Jump on the safari truck and let the Dominican rhythm sweep you away: sugarcane fields as far as the eye can see, villages painted with bright colors and smiles that feel like home. Taste coffee that awakens your soul, fruit bursting with sweetness and mamajuana that warms your heart. Then, down from the truck and into a boat on the Chavón river, up to Bayahibe, for a bathe in the blue that you won't forget in a hurry.

• Sugar cane plantation
• Village on the plantation: the inhabitants’ life and work
• Typical Dominican ranch: tasting coffee and mamajuana
• River boat 
• Bayahibe: free time on the beach

• Hop in our open air safari truck and get to ready to immerse yourself in the real Dominican countryside. 
• We depart from the La Romana pier on an overall sightseeing and cultural experience. You will enjoy typical scenes of rural Dominican everyday life. Drives through the largest sugar cane plantation in the country with over 200,000 acres, the fields are also one of the most extensive in the world. Taste freshly cut sugar cane and learn about the traditional ways of life in a remote “batey” village. 
• After passing through the batey village you will cross through sugar cane fields and see typical brightly colored Dominican houses and local stores.  
• We continue our journey to a typical Dominican house where you will get the opportunity to purchase local souvenirs and taste typical Dominican coffee, fresh fruit and a famous local drink called ¨mamajuana¨. 
• Aboard a riverboat and enjoy the landscapes of the Chavon River with the sounds of nature as your background. From the boat you can see the Chavon Town and take great pictures of the rive that has served as a studio for multiple and popular films.
• After learning about the Dominican countryside, we will head to the beautiful fishing village of Bayahibe, where we will enjoy aproximately one hour at a beautiful Caribbean beach.

• This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
• This excursion includes a journey on rough ground on-board a safari type off-road vehicle.
• This excursion will be conducted in English.
• Minimum age: 4 years old. Minors under the age of 4 cannot participate in the excursion as the vehicles are not equipped with suitable child seats.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.
• Collapsible wheelchair can be stored.

Set sail for the heart of paradise! Glide on the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic and let Saona welcome you, where the sand is as soft as talcum powder and the sea seems hand-painted. Savor a buffet that tastes of the Caribbean, stretch out in the shade of the palms and then... set course for the natural pool, amid starfish and crystal-clear water. It's more than an experience, it's a waking dream.

• Boat tour
• Island of Saona
• Caribbean Buffet
• Relaxation on the beach
• Natural pool

• We leave from the port of La Romana by coach and head for Bayahibe, where we board our speed boat.
• During our tour along the coast we stop at the Caribbean beach of the Island of Saona, where we can indulge in various recreational activities such as: swimming in the crystal clear waters, sunbathing and relaxing in total abandon.
• When it is time for lunch we are treated to a Caribbean style buffet with refreshing drinks.
• After lunch, we have more time to relax and enjoy the splendid beach.
• We also stop for a peaceful swim at a charming natural pool that is less than one metre deep with particularly calm waters: ideal for regenerating energy reserves in preparation for the return journey by speedboat.
• Minimum age 9 years old

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• There is limited availability of English speaking guides. If these are not available then the guide's commentary will be provided in Spanish.
• You need to be able to swim and be physically fit for this excursion.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with back problems and pregnant women.
• The boats have open tops so we recommend waterproof clothing.
• The boat transfer to Saona Island takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Depending on the weather and the conditions of the sea, the swimming pool stop may be subject to change.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.
• We do not recommend this tour to pregnant women, people with back problems and newborns • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.

Descend into the bowels of the earth at the Three Eyes Caves, amid mysterious lagoons and spectacular stalactites, with a spectacular “bottomless” sulfur lake that will raise an eyebrow. Then climb onto the bus and enjoy incredible views as you approach Santo Domingo, where the colonial past vies with the boldest modernity. From the Alcázar de Don Diego Colón to the first cathedral of the Americas, every stone tells a thrilling tale. Mystery, history and amazing view: the perfect mix for a memorable day.

• Colonial quarter: National Pantheon (from outside), colonial market, Cathedral of Santa María La Menor, Alcazar Museum (from outside) 
• The Caves of the three Eyes 
• Local typical lunch

• We reach the Caves of the three Eyes... “Cuevas Los Tres Ojos” (The Three Eyes Caves), series of huge natural caverns dotted with fresh water lagoons of different sizes and depths, including also a mysterious sulfur lake rumoured to be bottomless in an extinguished volcanic crater. The caves are decorated by an array of stalactites and stalagmites. 
• The pre-Columbian Taino Indians used the site for religious ceremonies. We then proceed to the capital of the Dominican Republic by coach. The journey enables us to admire the amazing views while the guides tell us about the country’s history and culture. 
• Once in Santo Domingo, the charming combination of past and present immediately catches our eye * colonial buildings erected 500 years ago coexist with modern architecture, bestowing a truly unique character to the city. Our first stop is the famous Alcázar, where Don Diego Colón, first governor of Hispaniola island and son of Christopher Columbus, used to live. It was built between 1510 and 1512 by over 1500 Taino indios without the use of a single nail, but only rudimentary tools such as saws, scalpels and hammers. We stroll through the amazing colonial quarter, the first still-existing settlement created by Christopher Columbus upon arriving in the New World, and admire ancient buildings such as the National Pantheon, resting place of many Dominican heroes. 
• We then head to the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor, the first of the Americas and a source of pride among the Dominican population. We leave the colonial quarter and make our way to our Restaurant to taste a typical local lunch. 
• If we want to buy a few souvenirs, the characteristic colonial market is the perfect place to choose traditional handicrafts, jewelry, cigars and rum.
• We then head to the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor, the first of the Americas and a source of pride among the Dominican population. 
• We then make our way to a our Restaurant to taste a typical local lunch 

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• The path inside the park of the "Three eyes" involves the ascent and descent of numerous earth steps. It is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes. 
• The tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
• There is limited availability of English speaking guides. • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.
• In case of closure of the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor, the visit will be replaced with the Ozama Fortress.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.

Glide on the Chavón among green curves and cinematic views, until it emerges: Altos de Chavón, the village that pretends to be centuries old… but was built in the ’80s! Artists and craftsmen have filled it with stone, arches and fountains like in a Mediterranean dream, but with a view of the Caribbean. An irresistible mix of beauty, scenography and shots even your camera will fall in love with.

• Boat Ride
• Chavón river
• Altos de Chavón: Greco-Roman amphitheatre, Design schools, Artistic citadel, 

• Our excursion starts with a lovely cruise along the Chavón river, location of many films such as “Apocalypse Now”, and during which we enjoy fantastic unforgettable views.
• We disembark to visit Altos de Chavón, a peculiar reconstruction of an ancient Mediterranean village built along the river. Its unique architecture immediately catches our eye, as its buildings resemble those of a typical Italian Medieval town.
• The village also boasts a large Greco-Roman amphitheatre inaugurated in 1982 with a Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana concert.
• In a village characterised by such an artistic spirit, a Design school is a must. The one in Altos de Chavón is affiliated to the Parsons School of Design in New York as well as other design schools in France and Japan.
• We wander around the roads of the famous artistic citadel where, after a bit of shopping, we can admire the Taino exhibition in the Pre-Columbian archaeological museum.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• This excursion includes long walks along cobbled roads.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• There is limited availability of English speaking guides.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.

Admire the view from our bus, then Santo Domingo welcomes you with a disorienting combination: 500-year-old buildings that show off alongside glass and cement. Among conquistador museums, colonial alleys, markets tinged with rum and cigars and the first cathedral of the Americas, this is a journey through time... with a buffet lunch to finish.

• Columbus lighthouse 
• Colonial quarter: National Pantheon, colonial market, Cathedral of Santa María La Menor
• Buffet lunch

• We reach the capital of the Dominican Republic by coach. The journey enables us to admire the amazing views while the guides tell us about the country’s history and culture.
• Once in Santo Domingo, the charming combination of past and present immediately catches our eye * colonial buildings erected 500 years ago coexist with modern architecture, bestowing a truly unique character to the city.
• Our first stop is the Columbus Lighthouse, for a visit to this mausoleum monument, built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. This museum also holds several galleries featuring donated items from various countries. These exhibits showcase cultural, historical, and artistic artifacts, reflecting international recognition and honouring the global significance of Columbus’s voyages. Each country exhibit offers a glimpse into its unique heritage and its connection to the history of the Americas. Next, head to the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
• We stroll through the amazing colonial quarter, the first still-existing settlement created by Christopher Columbus upon arriving in the New World, and admire ancient buildings such as the National Pantheon, resting place of many Dominican heroes.
• If we want to buy a few souvenirs, the characteristic colonial market is the perfect place to choose traditional handicrafts, jewelry, cigars and rum. We then head to the Ozama Fortress, to explore the oldest European Fortress in the Americas still standing. We leave the colonial quarter and make our way to a buffet lunch.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• The coach journey from the International Tourist Dock to La Romana at Santo Domingo takes around 2 hours each way.
• This excursion involves a lot of walking, it is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended.
• In case of closure of the Catedral Santa Maria La Menor, the visit will be replaced with the Ozama Fortress.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight. • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.

Start your engine and get ready to get muddy and have fun! With your dune buggy discover the most authentic side of the Dominican Republic. Dart around dusty trails, sugarcane fields and villages where life moves at a slow pace. Taste the freshly cut cane, chat with the locals and discover the secrets of the traditional bateyes. And when you start to feel the heat… a refreshing break with fresh fruit and ice-cold drinks. Adventure, laughter and a bit of dust guaranteed!

• Dune buggy tour
• Wide variety of landscapes

• After a short drive, arrive at theBuggy base station to receive the usual security briefing. 
• Then it’s time totake the exciting Buggy to begin the adventure along the country roads,sugar-cane plantations and countryside. Experience the “unique” sensation ofdriving your Buggy on a wonderful trip to experience the Dominican nature.During the different stops, pass close to the Haitians villages (calledBateyes) and their schools; learn how they cut the sugar cane and taste itsnatural flavour. 
• Soft drinks, water and fresh fruits will be part of thismemorable adventure.

• This excursion does not include a guide.
• Minimum age: 8 years to join the tour and min 18 to drive. For American guests min 16 to drive
• To drive a dune buggy you must possess a valid driving license (must bring it with you on the excursion).
• We recommend you wear comfortable and closed shoes.
• To participate in this excursion, you must be physically fit; the excursion is not recommended for those who have mobility problems or pregnant women.
• Participants may get dirty during the excursion, we do not therefore recommend that you wear white and/or new items of clothing.
• Minimumnumber of participants per buggy is two persons: driver + passenger. Driving time will be shared between eligible guests.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.

Embark on a speedboat trip along the Dominican coast: the sea sparkles, the breeze caresses your face, and the feeling of freedom stays with you. On the horizon appears Saona: a true tropical paradise. Here, you'll find pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a break of pure relaxation with swimming, sunbathing, and cocktails. Let yourself be amazed by the wonders of this place! Then enjoy a mouth-watering Caribbean lunch. A dream on the water.

• Panoramic boat tour
• Island of Saona: Caribbean buffet, relax on the beach
• Transfer to the airport

• After a bus transfer to Bayahibe we get on our speed boat for a tour along the coast and up to Saona Island.
• During our tour along the coast we stop at the Caribbean beach of the Island of Saona, where we can indulge in various recreational activities such as: swimming in the crystal clear waters, sunbathing and relaxing in total abandon.
• When it is time for lunch we are treated to a Caribbean style buffet with refreshing drinks.
• After lunch, we have some free time to relax and enjoy the splendid beach to the full.
• Now it's time to prepare for your return journey; we'll take you directly to the airport in time for your flight!

• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with back problems and pregnant women.
• Minimum age: 9 years.
• You need to be able to swim and be physically fit for this excursion.
• The journey to Catalina Island takes around 45 min each way.
• Deck chairs are included in the price but parasols have to be paid for separately. • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.
• The tour ends at the airport and is available for flights after 7 PM.

Here there's all of La Romana in one: a perfect mix of dream villages, ancient crafts and… masterfully crafted cigars. From the lively rhythm of the city to the charm of Altos de Chavón, a genuine bonbonnière in stone, every corner tells a story. The highlight? Exploring a historic tabacalera, where the scent of tobacco envelops you and you learn why Dominican cigars are legendary. Prepare for an experience flavored with tradition, art... and some good smoke!

• Picturesque centre of La Romana
• Santa Rosa de Lima obelisk and church
• Stroll around Altos de Chavón
• Tabacalera Cornelio: guided tour
• Conquista Park: museum of the first encounter between Indios and conquistadores

• We get on an air-conditioned coach and reach the city centre, where we admire the colourful obelisk erected between Avenida Libertad and Calle Dr. Teófilo Hernández, recently renovated with decorations and paintings depicting La Romana’s local identity and tourist attractions.
• We then move on to the town of Altos de Chavón, overlooking the valley and copy of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. Every stone, wood and wrought iron detail is hand crafted.
• We see some of the town’s main attractions: a large Greek-style amphitheatre, the Archaeological Museum displaying precious artefacts from Pre-Columbian times, the school of design and St. Stanislaus Church.
• We move on and stop at Tabacalera Cornelio, a family business founded in 1876 producing some of the best Dominican cigars.
• During our guided tour of the company, we discover all the secrets of tobacco plantations as well as the procedures to make cigars.
• The last stop on our excursion is the Conquista Park, the largest historical reconstruction in the Caribbean illustrating the first encounter between the local Taino Indios and the Spanish conquistadores in the heart of a traditional village that comes back to life thanks to 247 life-size figures recreating 27 scenes.

• Audio-guides in 6 different languages available at Conquista Park.
• This excursion involves walking over pebble roads and up and down steps.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.
• Changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions

Climb aboard the colorful Chu-Chu train and allow yourself to be transported into the heart of La Romana, amid sugar plantations, Caribbean smiles and local curiosities. A sweet, fun journey among history, culture and beauty to be discovered... with wind in your hair, and nose and sugar in the air!

The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.

Walk among the golden stones of Altos de Chavón, a seemingly historic village… but actually a stroke of genius dating to ’78! Artists and craftsmen built it to recreate a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village with a touch of tropical creativity. Art shops, scenic fountains and an amphitheater worthy of the stars accompany you to the breathtaking view of the Rio Chavón. Imagination found a home here… and it never left.

• Altos de Chavón: reconstruction of an ancient 17th-century Mediterranean village
• Unique architecture, cobbled streets, iron decorations, red roofs
• Breathtaking views over the Chavón river from the panoramic terrace
• Shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts
• Greek-Roman amphitheatre, Lovers’ fountain, Regional Museum of Archaeology, Saint Stanislaus Church
• Amazing panorama of Resort Casa de Campo: a paradise for the lovers of golf and luxury villas

• We leave the international Casa de Campo tourist dock on a coach headed to Altos de Chavón, the so-called “Artists Village”, i.e. a unique reconstruction of an ancient 17th-century Mediterranean town recreated by local artists between 1978 and 1982 based on an idea by Charles Bludhorn and designed by Roberto Coppa.
• Once there, we immediately notice the peculiar architecture of this place perched above Rio Chavón, the river from which it takes its name.
• We stroll along its cobbled alleyways, admire the iron decorations and sculptures and notice how the entire village is made of coral stone with the classic red roofs that would be easily found in towns in Tuscany or Umbria. 
• From the top of the panoramic terrace, a breathtaking view of the Chavón river awaits us - it was the filming location of Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece “Apocalypse Now”.
• The small centre is brimming with small shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts.
• But there is more: the village is also home to a large Greek-Roman amphitheatre inaugurated in 1982 with a concert by Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana, the Lovers’ Fountain that seems to be inspired by the Trevi fountain in Rome, the Regional Archaeological Museum inaugurated in 1981 and home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artefacts found nearby and, finally, Saint Stanislaus Church, extremely picturesque and romantic and popular for weddings.
• On our way back to the port, we admire the amazing panorama offered by the exclusive Resort Casa de Campo, a paradise for golf lovers and also famous for the luxury villas owned by celebrities, actors, athletes and singers such as Shakira.

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• This excursion involves long walks on cobbled roads, therefore it is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight.

Slip into the Caribbean blue and let time stop: the private beach of an exclusive resort awaits you with all the pleasure of a day dedicated to you alone. Amid swaying palms, picture-postcard sea and 4-star comforts, Bayahibe beach pampers you with style. Not a care, just well-being. Here, relaxation isn't optional: it's your new way of experiencing paradise.

• Catalonia hotel
• Caribbean beach
• Crystal clear waters
• Private swimming pool
• Rich buffet with local and international dishes

• You will spend a very relaxing time on one of the most wonderful beaches of the Caribbean, underneath palm trees. Departing from the pier, your air-conditioned bus will take you on a half hour drive to Bayahibe, a picturesque fishing village which has become very popular for tourists, while maintaining its old-time fishing flavour. Bayahibe's beaches are Blue Flag thanks to their safe and clean waters.
• In a private beach area at a four-star resort, with all the facilities you need, you can choose between swimming or going for a walk along the sandy beach, playing volleyball or relaxing on a sun bed, having a drink or working on a gorgeous suntan.
• Lunch will be available for you at both the snack buffet or the main buffet restaurant.

• The coach transfer to Bayahibe takes approximately 30 minutes.
• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion does not include a guide.
• The excursion returns to the port and is reserved for both guests in transit and disembarking. Check on board if the tour is compatible with your flight • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.