1 Week in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore the Northern Dominican Republic

Escape for a seven-day adventure to the white-sand beaches of the Dominican Republic's stunning north coast, and enjoy some off-road fun as well.

Arrive in the town of Samaná, on the DR's north coast. This region may not be as famous as other resort areas like Punta Cana, but it's no less beautiful. Discover the historic heart of the city on a walking tour and visit landmarks like the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress, plus tour a cigar factory and rum museum. On Day 2, head inland for a brisk hike up to a series of waterfalls along the Damajagua River, then have fun as you swim back to the starting point in the river's natural pools and rock waterslides. The next day you'll have free to enjoy Playa Dorada, one of the region's flagship white-sand beaches.

Head into the jungle once more for additional hiking on Day 4, this time to El Limón, an enormous waterfall that exudes romance as it cascades 131 feet (40 m) into a shimmering emerald pool. The next day, leave the hiking boots behind and hop on a quad for an all-day ride around the mountains, rivers, and secluded beaches near Samaná. On Day 6, you'll have free to explore the many beaches in the area, such as Playa El Valle and Playa Bonita. Another great option is a trip to the nearby islet of Cayo Levantado to snorkel around its crystalline waters. The following day, you'll catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: History, Culture & Adventure in the Dominican Republic

Venture off the tourist trail on this week-long journey into Dominican Tobacco country as you horseback ride on mountain trails and brave whitewater rapids.

You'll arrive in the capital of Santo Domingo. However, before heading into the heart of the country, zip through this historic city on a bicycle tour. Santo Domingo is the oldest European-settled city in the Americas. You'll see many 15th-century buildings on tour, like the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (the oldest Catholic church in the Americas). The following day, head north to the Central Cordillera mountain range and the city of Jarabacoa. This will be your base for hiking and horseback excursions around the pine forests and tobacco fields surrounding La Vega Province.

On Day 4, you'll take to the water on a three-hour rafting tour down the Yaque del Norte, the longest river in the country. After enjoying some whitewater fun, you'll break for a buffet lunch, and then you can choose to visit one of the area's two giant waterfalls. The next morning, you'll continue to the north coast and the town of Cabarete, stopping at a historic cigar factory for a tour. Once in Cabarete, enjoy the lovely beach; its wind-swept shores make it ideal for kitesurfing. On Day 6, take a hike along the 27 waterfalls along the Damajagua River, and the next day transfer back to Santo Domingo for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Trip to the Dominican Republic

Pack your bags and wrangle the kids for an unforgettable seven-day family trip to the Dominican in which you'll hit the beaches, visit national parks, go off-roading, and more. 

After arriving in Santo Domingo, the whole clan will hop on bicycles and tour the city's historic center. Visit the Basilica Cathedral and the Alcázar de Colón, the first Spanish fortress in the Americas. Then head to the city's outskirts and tour the limestone caverns at Los Tres Ojos National Park and hike around its shimmering blue grottoes. The next day, hit the road east to Bayahibe, a resort town famous for its towering palms, soft white sands, and turquoise waters. On the way, stop at the mystical Cave of Wonders, where you'll find ancient Indigenous petroglyphs on the walls of the haunting lagoon caverns.

On Day 4, you'll all enjoy a half-day trip to nearby Saona Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. After lunch on the beach, you'll hit the water and snorkel in the crystalline waters around the offshore coral reefs. The next morning, go off-roading in a 4WD buggy, followed by a stop at Monkeyland, a jungle habitat home to friendly squirrel monkeys. More snorkeling (or scuba diving) is in store on Day 6 at Isla Catalina, another pearl of the Caribbean. The following day, you'll transfer back to Santo Domingo and depart. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Explore the Southwestern Dominican Republic

Discover an unspoiled paradise hiding in plain sight as you embark on a seven-day exploration of the Dominican's seldom-visited west side. 

You'll touch down in Santo Domingo and take a guided walking tour of the city's historical landmarks, like the Northern Walls and the ruins of the 16th-century Monastery of San Francisco. The following day, leave the city behind and head west along the coast to Barahona. In this province, rainforest-blanketed mountains run up white-sand beaches fronting crystalline waters—and there are fewer tourists here to appreciate it than anywhere else on the island. Discover serene beauty as you take a day trip to Eagle's Bay in the remote Jaragua National Park and enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Hike to romantic waterfall caves on Day 4 and visit a saltwater lagoon teeming with flamingoes. Then head inland to the Sierra de Bahoruco Mountains for a forest hike and a stop at a local farm to tour coffee fields. On Day 6, you'll hike around Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean. Here you can spot various exotic animals, including iguanas, flamingoes, and even American crocodiles. Cap the adventure with a hike through a tropical forest of fruit trees to magnificent viewpoints looking out over the mountains to the coast. Then transfer back to Santo Domingo and depart. Learn more

More Great Dominican Republic Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Dominican Republic? Check out these other Dominican Republic itineraries, with outdoor adventures, beach vacations, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.