Description
This tour will take you back in time and show you Santo Domingo from the times of spanish colony. You’ll admire architecture from XVI century and feel the ambience of the past centuries. Not to be overwhelmed by the monuments, you’ll also explore the cenotes in the tropical scenery, approach the giant Columbus Lighthouse and ride the cable car over the city.
You’ll start early in the morning (about 6am) and will have a packaged breakfast on the way. Transfer to the capital will take about 3.5h.
Once arrived to Santo Domingo, you’ll see first the famous Malecon Boulevard by the Caribbean Sea. Then you’ll follow to the east part of the city, where you’ll have a glance of eye at the huge Columbus Monument. Nearby are located beautiful cenotes The Three Eyes. You’ll explore the limestone caves and will have a ride on a small boat inside the cavern.
Your next attraction will be the cable car over the city, connecting different neighbourhood’s of the capital. You’ll be surprised to see how varying can be local people’s living conditions…
About noon you’ll be heading to the old city, to have about 1 hour walk. You’ll follow the route of the first governor of Santo Domingo – Nicolás de Ovando. Buildings dating to his times were the first spanish creations in the New World. Santo Domingo was at that time the head quarter of all spanish colonies. You’ll discover the most important monuments: Alcazar de Colón, Casas Reales, Ozama Fortress, Cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery and others.
After the visit, enjoy dominican lunch in form of tasty buffet with soft drink included. Then you’ll have a free time to explore the old city by your own. It’s perfect occasion to make some souvenir shopping or just stroll around.
We’ll leave the city around 4-5pm and come back to the north coast about 8/9pm.