Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in New York
You'll land in New York and head straight to your hotel to drop off your bags. Once you're settled, the city's waiting for you starting with Times Square, where the neon lights and crowds give you that classic New York energy. If you've got the time and interest, The Edge observation deck offers skyline views from way up high, though that'll cost you extra.
Optional Activities
- Visit The Edge observation deck with glass floor views
- Explore Times Square
Landmarks Times Square The Edge - Day 2
New York
Getting up early pays off when you catch the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise with that golden light hitting Manhattan just right. Grab bagels at Ess-a-Bagel for breakfast, then take the free Staten Island Ferry to see the skyline and pass by Lady Liberty. Later you'll check out the 9/11 Memorial, and then wander through Greenwich Village's boutiques, vintage shops, and cafés for the rest of the afternoon.
Included Activities
- Brooklyn Bridge sunrise viewing
- Staten Island Ferry (free)
- 9/11 Memorial visit
- Greenwich Village exploration
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel
Landmarks Brooklyn Bridge Staten Island Ferry Statue of Liberty 9/11 Memorial Greenwich Village - Day 3
New York
Start your day at Ellen's Stardust Diner where the staff sings while they serve breakfast, so you get entertainment with your meal. After that, head through Broadway's theater district to scout out last-minute ticket deals if anything catches your eye. Central Park's next on your list, where you can grab coffee and spend time watching people. By evening you'll explore Midtown Manhattan, checking out the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building area while hitting up some street food vendors.
Included Activities
- Central Park visit
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner with singing staff
- Broadway musical theater tickets (last-minute deals available)
Landmarks Ellen's Stardust Diner Broadway Theater District Central Park Empire State Building Flatiron Building - Day 4
New York to Jarabacoa
You'll fly from New York to Santo Domingo and pick up a rental car for the drive into the Dominican countryside toward Jarabacoa. Known as the 'city of eternal spring,' this area's surrounded by cocoa, coffee, and banana plantations, so the landscape changes as you drive. Once you reach your accommodation, settle in and get a feel for the relaxed local rhythm.
Landmarks Jarabacoa - Day 5
Jarabacoa
Today's yours to explore Jarabacoa at your own pace since all the activities are optional and you pay locally. River rafting's available if you want some adrenaline, or you could head to Salto Jimenoa waterfalls for swimming and nature. Paragliding gives you aerial views of the area, and if you prefer something quieter, the coffee factory tour teaches you about organic coffee production.
Optional Activities
- River rafting
- Salto Jimenoa waterfall visit and swimming
- Paragliding
- Coffee factory tour
Landmarks Salto Jimenoa - Day 6
Jarabacoa to Cabarete
You'll drive north from Jarabacoa and stop in Santiago de los Caballeros to check out Mercado Modelo for empanadas and fresh fruit. Climbing 175 steps up to Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración costs extra but rewards you with city views, and you can also see Los Pepines street art. After that, the landscape flattens out from mountains into tropical coastal scenery as you continue driving toward Cabarete. Once you arrive and check in, relax on Playa Cabarete and catch the sunset.
Included Activities
- Mercado Modelo exploration and local food
- Los Pepines street art viewing
Optional Activities
- Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración climb and city views
Landmarks Mercado Modelo Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración Los Pepines Playa Cabarete - Day 7
Cabarete
Beach day in Cabarete means you can try water sports like kitesurfing or surfing with lessons available for a fee, or just relax on the sand watching others do their thing. Playa Encuentro's nearby if you want to check out a legendary surfing spot, or you can stay on the main beach. Fresh squeezed juices are everywhere, so grab one and take your time figuring out what appeals to you.
Optional Activities
- Kitesurfing lessons
- Surfing lessons
- Playa Encuentro beach visit
- Beach relaxation and people-watching
Landmarks Playa Cabarete Playa Encuentro - Day 8
Cabarete
You get to choose between two optional day trips based on what sounds better to you. Head to Puerto Plata's old town to see candy-colored colonial houses, street murals, and visit the Amber Museum if you want to pay entrance. Alternatively, take a boat trip to Cayo Arena, a secluded sandbank with turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Each option gives you something different from the Caribbean.
Optional Activities
- Puerto Plata old town exploration
- Amber Museum visit
- Fortaleza San Felipe visit
- Cayo Arena boat trip and beach day
Landmarks Puerto Plata Amber Museum Fortaleza San Felipe Cayo Arena - Day 9
Cabarete to Las Terrenas
You'll drive to the Samana peninsula heading toward Las Terrenas, a laid-back surfer town, passing through scenic views of palm trees, mountains, and small villages. After checking in, explore the town and get familiar with the area. Dinner comes with fresh fish right on the beach at sunset, then head to Playa Punta Popy with a cocktail to watch the sun go down.
Optional Activities
- Fresh fish dinner on the beach
- Playa Punta Popy sunset cocktail experience
Landmarks Las Terrenas Samana Peninsula Playa Punta Popy - Day 10
Las Terrenas
This is a relaxing beach day without much planning required. Visit Playa Las Ballenas for soft sand and calm waters where you can swim and read, or rent a bike or quad bike for a fee to cruise along the coast checking out beach bars and colorful houses. Grab a mojito on Playa Bonita, and if you're interested, paragliding flights over the coast are available as an optional activity.
Optional Activities
- Playa Las Ballenas beach day
- Bike or quad bike rental
- Playa Bonita mojito experience
- Paragliding flights over the coast
Landmarks Playa Las Ballenas Playa Bonita - Day 11
Las Terrenas
Head inland to Salto El Limón waterfall, which costs money but locals consider it worth it. You'll hike or ride horseback through the jungle for about 30 minutes to reach the waterfall cascading into a natural pool below. Jump in to cool off and swim once you get there, and don't worry about the muddy trail since it's all part of the adventure. Back in Las Terrenas later, enjoy evening drinks at beach bars with your feet in the sand.
Optional Activities
- Salto El Limón waterfall hike or horseback ride
- Waterfall swimming and natural pool
Landmarks Salto El Limón - Day 12
Las Terrenas
Explore Las Terrenas beyond just the beach today by walking through town's colorful alleyways where mopeds buzz past and handmade jewelry glints in shop windows while reggaeton music fills the streets. Try a fresh batida, which is a local drink, visit the art market, and chat with people on the Malecón. In the afternoon, head to the quieter Playa Cosón beach with snacks and stay until sunset.
Optional Activities
- Town center exploration and shopping
- Art market visit
- Local beverage tasting
- Playa Cosón beach visit
Landmarks Las Terrenas Center Malecón Playa Cosón - Day 13
Las Terrenas to Santo Domingo
You'll drive south from Las Terrenas toward Santo Domingo, watching tropical landscape gradually give way to urban scenery with skyscrapers and more traffic. After checking into your accommodation, head straight to Zona Colonial, the historic heart of the city. Explore cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, the Catedral Primada, and Parque Colón, then finish with drinks from a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
Included Activities
- Zona Colonial exploration
- Catedral Primada viewing
- Parque Colón visit
Optional Activities
- Rooftop bar drinks with city views
Landmarks Zona Colonial Catedral Primada Parque Colón - Day 14
Santo Domingo
Start with breakfast on Calle El Conde while watching street activity and listening to local music mixed with traffic noise. Visit the Alcázar de Colón, which is the oldest colonial building in the New World. Explore Mercado Modelo with its vibrant colors and spices everywhere. Head to the Malecón seafront promenade where waves crash against the wall, then grab empanadas and a cold Presidente beer before diving into the city's evening nightlife.
Included Activities
- Alcázar de Colón visit
- Mercado Modelo exploration
- Malecón seafront promenade walk
Optional Activities
- Calle El Conde breakfast and street observation
- Evening nightlife exploration
Landmarks Calle El Conde Alcázar de Colón Mercado Modelo Malecón - Day 15
Departure from Santo Domingo
Take time to reflect on everything you've experienced during this journey, thinking back through the highlights with a full head and happy heart. Spend your final moments considering all the memories you've made, then head to the airport for your departure flight back home with luggage full of stories, photos, and experiences to share.
- Day 16
Arrival Home
Your plane touches down and you head home with luggage full of stories and memories from your 15-day adventure across New York and the Dominican Republic.
