Santiago Day Trip from Santo Domingo

Your day trip starts with hotel pickup for the 1.5-hour coach drive northwest from Santo Domingo to Santiago (or Santiago de los Caballeros, as it’s officially known), the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city, located in the center of the island of Hispaniola in the fertile Cibao Valley.

When you arrive, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city on your coach, stopping at the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration (Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración), a 225-foot (70-meter) tower structure dedicated to the soldiers who fought for independence from Spain. Walk around the monument to enjoy its pretty landscaped setting and views of the city.

Next, head to a local restaurant for lunch (included) before visiting Centro León, a culture museum built by the Jimenez tobacco family. Tour the museum’s wide range of displays about the history, art and culture of the Dominican Republic and greater Caribbean. See colorful paintings and exhibits about the indigenous Taino people, and learn about the island’s evolution over the years.

Your day trip ends with the return drive to Santo Domingo for hotel drop-off.