Santo Domingo: Unforgettable Colonial Journey from Punta Cana

More driving time than sightseeing. Knew the ride there and back would be long, expected less driving time in the city, though. I never expect much from a tour lunch, but provided lunch was the worst, I have ever encountered on a tour. Our guide was good, was having to interpret in three languages. Might not have gotten as much information because of this.

I normally do not leave a review but thought if I would have a read a review similar to the one I’m writing, I would have passed on the tour. We booked the day before the tour. Follow up email said someone would contact us with a time for pickup. That didn’t happen. We received a call when they were actually at our hotel for pickup. 15 passenger van was our mode of transportation which would have been fine for a short distance. The seat was approximately 12” wide and the smaller gentleman sitting next to me took up half the space, leaving me with half an aisle seat the entire trip. To make it even worse of a ride, the driver played loud Latino music. We picked up our guide at the first stop in Santo Domingo. He was the only good part of the tour., he was Very knowledgeable. After stopping at the national park and Columbus lighthouse, we went to Santo Domingo and saw the presidents house and continued on to a downtown area. It would have been nice if at this point we could have ventured out on our own and had a meeting point as we were not interested in the tourist shops or some other points of interest that were in this area. The lunch was similar to resort food, not to our liking. We had actually rented a car for our entire trip but weren’t sure if we could navigate Santo Domingo on our own. Come to find out, it would have been very easy to navigate. On the way home, we had to stop at 5 hotels before our stop, adding another 45 minutes to the long day. We left at 8 and returned at 8. Hopefully this review gives enough information to those considering it.

It was a long day but worth it because we saw so many highlights and important sights in Santo Domingo. It’s such a significant part of American history that people should learn about. Also a nice lunch was included. Great price for an entire full day!

Had to transfer to a different bus and ride is very long n bring. Tour guide didn’t speak English well and what he did know he talked very fast. During tour he walked very fast had to find him several times. Tour should provide at least water but we had to buy everything.

It was alot of walking, but it was fun. We were dropped off by our individual driver at the gas station and pick up by a bus. We saw the presidential house, we shopped and ate. The food was fantastic and the tour guy did a great job explaining in English.

Everything started well, transportation only for two, the friendly driver, nice guide, knowledgeable about his country and although I knew that we would do the same activities as another group, the issue of food disappointed me a lot, we paid much more for VIP treatment and we received the buffet food of any normal tour, super bad presentation, unpleasant taste, they even presented burnt rice, there was nothing good in that food, it was so unpleasant that I ended up with a stomach ache. They never gave us drinks during the tour, not a bottle of water at least. In addition, the driver got confused and we had to wait 20 minutes in that intense sun without water or shade for the guide to look for him while the other tours with 15 people and their drivers were ready. Bad coordination and was the worst meal of my life. Disappointed and sick!

We had booked for a small group of no more than 15 people. A large bus picked us up, but later dropped us off at a gas station where a small van of 6 passengers were transported to Santo Domingo. The tour guide was very informative. 4 more passengers were added to the van as we traveled through Santo Domingo. The van driver drove well,but did not know where any of hotels were upon return.

Beautiful tour, place with many stories, city with many cultural riches.... It should be left to do close to the return as it is almost 200km from Punta Cana, but it is worth it.

Leo the guide knew a lot about history and the places we visited. Excellent guide. At lunch they allowed us to stay down and watch the final of the world cup!! The only negative is that the van was not so comfortable for such a long trip. Everything else excellent!

The part where we walked and the operator explained everything through the streets. Very good food, clean restaurant and good service. The driver very patient too and beautiful treatment.