13 days in Dominican Republic Itinerary

In an area boasting beaches that face both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, vacations in Punta Cana have been popular with tourists since the early 1970s.

Explore hidden gems such as Hard Rock Golf Club and Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Punta Cana: Boat Tours & Water Sports (in Bayahibe) and Parroquia de San Dionisio (in Higuey). Spend the 18th (Wed) exploring nature at National Park of the East. The adventure continues: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, look for gifts at Don Lucas Cigars, see the interesting displays at ChocoMuseo Punta Cana, and play a few rounds at Iberostate Bavaro Golf & Club.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Punta Cana trip itinerary website.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Punta Cana. In November, daytime highs in Punta Cana are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to take a shuttle to Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, remains the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the New World.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): admire the natural beauty at National Botanical Garden, don't miss a visit to La Casa de Los Jesuitas, and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an in-depth tour of Museo Memorial de la Resistencia, contemplate the long history of Fortaleza Ozama, then relax in the rural setting at Kahkow Experience, then see the interesting displays at Museo De Las Casas Reales, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Palacio National.

To find traveler tips and more tourist information, read our Santo Domingo online journey planner.

Getting from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by shuttle takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can go by car to Santiago de los Caballeros.

Founded in 1496 by Christopher Columbus' brother, Santiago de los Caballeros was among the very first European settlements in the Americas, which explains its nickname: "First Santiago of the Americas." Today, the city represents one of the Western Hemisphere's major financial, cultural, and industrial centers.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Wed): don't miss a visit to La Aurora Cigar Factory, then admire the masterpieces at Centro Leon, then appreciate the history behind Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauracion, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.

To see photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Santiago de los Caballeros trip planner.

You can drive from Santo Domingo to Santiago de los Caballeros in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 35°C, and evening lows to 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a bus to Puerto Plata.

Although out of fashion in the past decades, major revitalization efforts have made a trip to Puerto Plata a growingly popular option for the adventurous travelers.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Zipline and Diamonds International Amber Cove. Explore Puerto Plata's surroundings by going to Cabarete (Encuentro Beach, Dive Cabarete, &more). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Macorix House of Rum.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Puerto Plata trip maker app.

Getting from Santiago de los Caballeros to Puerto Plata by bus takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. November in Puerto Plata sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 25°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can go by car to Las Galeras.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sun): stroll through La Playita Beach, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and then head outdoors with Playa Fronton. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Samana Bay and then get engrossed in the history at Tainopark.

To see more things to do, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Las Galeras trip itinerary planning website.

Drive from Puerto Plata to Las Galeras in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 35°C in November, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) to allow time to drive back home.