100% customisable travel idea

The Caribbean adventure With your children in the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo - El Valle - Las Terrenas

Together under the coconut palms

From $3400 to $4300 per person for 12 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • In the city, by the jungle, or on fine sand: action-packed holidays with the family to enjoy plenty of activities without neglecting gentle relaxation
  • In the heart of the historic centre, among the trees or by the water, your accommodation, brimming with character, takes you as close to nature as possible
  • Santo Domingo in private, on a guided hike, surf session - it’s all already been planned; whale watching in season, paddleboarding or kayaking are appealing options.
  • Direct flights, carbon absorption, rental car, on-site Concierge: convenience, especially with the little ones.
Your children are seeking adventure and a change of scenery; you dream of relaxation and pristine nature. The Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for your family, provided you avoid the vast resorts on the east coast. The journey begins in the capital, Santo-Domingo. The first city of the New World was built on the shores of the Caribbean Sea by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of the famous explorer, 500 years ago - five centuries of history to experience as you wander along cobblestone streets and colonial attractions. Next, head to El Valle, nestled in the Samaná Peninsula. Its beach is one of the most unspoilt in the country. The area has several accommodation options committed to protecting the environment. We stroll with our feet in the sand, facing a crystal clear sea. Depending on the season, it may even be possible to observe humpback whales in the area. Finally, you set down your bags in Las Terrenas, still on the peninsula. On the palm-fringed beaches, lulled by a few notes of merengue, it’s an invitation to disconnect. And you will remember the hospitality of the Dominican people.

Your trip

We have designed this journey to fulfil the wishes of the whole family, from historical visits to more playful activities - starting with a guided bike ride in Santo Domingo. You will then set off with your rental car, heading towards the north coast and the Samaná Peninsula. Scheduled: a hike through the heart of the jungle to a waterfall, a visit to a finca specialising in passion fruit cultivation, and around Las Terrenas, you’ll enjoy a private surf lesson on one of the island’s (and, dare we say, the world’s) most beautiful beaches. Everywhere, you stay in comfortable and well-located accommodation - in the colonial district of Santo Domingo, in an eco-lodge surrounded by nature in El Valle, or on the beach in Las Terrenas. And throughout your journey, our on-site concierge is at your disposal should you need anything or have any last-minute requests. In coordination with your travel specialist, they can even adjust your itinerary along the way. Improvisation also has every right to its place in paradise!

In the Dominican Republic, they’re going to adore…

Jumping into the pool as soon as you arrive at the hotel to recover from the flight; exploring the first city of the New World by bike; playing Robinson Crusoe on picture-postcard beaches; strolling through lush vegetation and splashing about under waterfalls; savouring a hot chocolate, delicious mangoes, bananas, papayas and passion fruit; learning to master a surfboard; observing all kinds of animals in their natural habitat: birds, flamingos, iguanas and whales; discovering the Indian carvings in the Los Haitises caves; swimming in turquoise waters; and dancing to the lively rhythms of bachata and merengue.

Republique Dominicaine © Jan Kangurowski/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Republique Dominicaine © Jan Kangurowski/Getty Images/iStockphoto
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
République dominicaine © Mihailo/stock.adobe.com
République dominicaine © Mihailo/stock.adobe.com
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
République Dominicaine © Office du Tourisme de République Dominicaine
République Dominicaine © Office du Tourisme de République Dominicaine
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
Province de Samana - République Dominicaine © Clemens Zahn/LAIF-REA
Province de Samana - République Dominicaine © Clemens Zahn/LAIF-REA
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
Saint Domingue - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
République dominicaine © Victor Stonem
République dominicaine © Kristin Bethge
République dominicaine © Kristin Bethge
République dominicaine © Angelina/stock.adobe.com
République dominicaine © Angelina/stock.adobe.com
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés
El Valle - République Dominicaine © Droits réservés

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and directed to a private transfer to your hotel for one night. The property is located on a bustling street in the heart of the historic centre. There are several points of interest more or less on your doorstep, so it’s an ideal base for exploring the Old Town. This comfortable hotel is part of a charming collection of 16th- and 19th-century buildings that has been carefully restored. We especially love the original central courtyard, decorated with lush tropical plants. And, of course, the rooftop pool, especially welcome after a long flight or at the hottest time of day.

Already included - Morning bike tour of Santo Domingo’s colonial district.Combine heritage exploration with some (gentle!) exercise for the whole family, by hopping on your bikes and following your private guide. Located on the west bank of the Río Ozama (Ozama River), Santo Domingo’s colonial zone contains historic monuments, beautiful houses and fascinating museums on a gridiron pattern of streets. Enjoy the breeze on this pleasant ride through an open-air UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the Church of Our Lady of Mercies, the beautiful shaded Alley of Regina, Duarte Park, Ozama Fortress, the majestic Plaza de España, and finally the picturesque Church of Santa Barbara. The tour ends with a walk around the legendary Parque Colón (Columbus Park), where the oldest cathedral in the Americas stands.
Collect your rental car and drive to El Valle. Stay for three nights in a property where protecting nature is a priority. This ecotourism approach is becoming widespread in the region. You’ll sleep just a few metres from the beach (one of the most untamed in the Dominican Republic), in a thatched-roof bungalow. Relax in a hammock in the cool shade, soak in a wooden bathtub, and wake to the sound of birdsong. At the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail before sampling the culinary specialities supplied by the local farm and served in your lodge.

Included - Private hike to El Catano Waterfall. Your guide will talk about the trees and plants along the route, and share the history of the old village of El Valle. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can cool off in its natural pool. After a swim, head to a local cocoa farm that has made a name for itself in the region. Learn how cocoa is made, then it’s time to sample a delicious cup of hot chocolate or coffee, served with a piece of pan de coco (coconut bread). This pleasant hike concludes at Playa el Valle, so you can spend the rest of the day at the beach.
Optional - humpback whale watching (in season); boat trip to Playa Ermitano.

Drive to Las Terrenas to spend six nights in a hotel overlooking Playa Las Ballenas. The beach is several miles long, its fine sand edged with coconut palms. The complex where you’ll stay comprises small, two-storey buildings around a large swimming pool. In addition to the beach, the swimming pool - which is cleaned daily and equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas - and its bar area are popular spots during the hottest hours of the day. The restaurant is excellent - and that’s saying something! Tuck into a delicious, generous breakfast, and enjoy seafood specialities for dinner. The city centre is just a 10-minute walk along the beach. The hotel is peaceful, with plenty going on nearby but no disturbances. An excellent spa offers even greater relaxation.

Despite its rapid growth, the small town of Las Terrenas fiercely preserves its authenticity and beautiful, as yet unspoiled, beaches. Soak up the warm atmosphere of this Caribbean island with the soul of an old fishing village. Between diving, swimming and relaxing, enjoy the bars and restaurants, sightseeing, walks and quad bike tours.
Optional - spend a day in Los Haitises National Park.

Included - Private hike and finca visit. Set off from the village of Barbacoa, following steep trails that wind between hills covered with dense vegetation. As you walk through this preserved mountain range on the Samaná Peninsula, you’ll observe a wide variety of wildlife and plants, including medicinal plants once used by the Taíno people and still valued by Dominicans today. The hike ends at a finca, an organic farm specialised in permaculture that produces a variety of products, including passion fruit and turmeric.

Already included - private surf lesson. Playa Bonita is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a long, beautiful bay, separated from Las Terrenas by a rocky point called Punta Bonita - ideal for learning to surf. The waves break gently, making them perfect for trying to stand up and get used to your first experience of gliding on the water.
Optional - Kayak tour between the sea and mangroves; explore the secret beaches of Las Terrenas by paddleboard.

Drive to Santo Domingo airport for your direct international return flight. Overnight flight, arrive the next day.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

Humpback whale watching

Since 1986, Samaná Bay has become a sanctuary for the protection of whales. Every year, between mid-January and mid-March, several thousand whales take refuge there to breed in the warm waters of the region. The spectacle of 40-ton males breaching is narrated by a specialist who has been following these marine mammals for several years and shares their passion by helping visitors observe and understand every action and behaviour of these fascinating cetaceans. 

Boat trip to Hermit Beach

This wild beach, hidden in a small cove on the Samaná Peninsula, can only be reached by boat. Aboard a fisherman’s boat guided by a local guide, we follow the coast towards the west. The lush green hills of El Valle seem to plunge into the ocean, while in the distance glimmers the Ermitano Lagoon, bordered by countless coconut trees. Like Robinson Crusoe, you explore this untouched piece of land before enjoying the beach, swimming, and a gourmet picnic, feet in the sand.

Day at Los Haitises National Park

This area, which covers more than 200 km² (77 square miles) in Samaná Bay, is characterised by lush tropical vegetation and beautiful mangroves. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites on the island, remarkable for its rock formations, its wildlife and plant life, its underground rivers, caves and islets. The landscapes there are grandiose, especially those of San Lorenzo Bay and Bird Island, populated by pelicans. Between land and water, this unique place exudes timelessness. A guide facilitates the day.

Kayak excursion between the sea and the mangroves

Kayaking lends itself beautifully to exploring the magnificent Cosón Bay and its surroundings. Accompanied by a guide who is passionate about the sea, the whole family paddles up to the source of a small river, observing the wildlife and plants that line the marshes and nestle in the mangrove. You then reach the mouth of the “Dos Rios” before continuing on to the coral reef, where a few lucky visitors sometimes spot marine turtles.

Along the secret beaches of Las Terrenas by paddleboard

On crystal-clear water, let yourself drift on your paddleboard, gliding along the coast between mangroves and pristine beaches. With a bit of luck, you might spot the manatees, rays or turtles that inhabit this ecosystem. We set off from Playa Portillo, accompanied by a local guide who joyfully reveals the treasures of these wild, little-visited beaches.

Why visit Dominican Republic with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Dominican Republic

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • CO2 absorption

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Based on 2 adults and 2 children*
The estimated budget for this trip is $3,400 to $4,300 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $3,900 per person
* Excluding the Christmas and New Year period.

Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flight with a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Access to the Extime Lounge at Orly (for departures from Paris)
  • Welcome and assistance on arrival at the airport
  • Private airport-hotel transfer on arrival
  • Car rental for 10 days
  • The first night in Santo Domingo, in interleading double rooms with breakfast
  • Three nights in El Valle, in a family bungalow with half board
  • Six nights in Las Terrenas, in a family suite (two bedrooms) with breakfast included
  • A bike tour of Santo Domingo with a private guide
  • Hiking in the El Valle surrounds, with a private guide
  • Hiking and visiting a finca in the Las Terrenas surrounds, with a private guide
  • Private surf lesson at Las Terrenas
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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