You have chosen two charming hotels. I would stick with Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, so you have time to relax. Also, there is lots to see and do. My recommendations...
If you are a history buff, may I recommend you tour the Colonial City with my good friend-tour guide Samuel who is studying for a doctorate in Dominican history. Samuel can also help customize a route for other parts of Santo Domingo, and then you can hire a taxi to take you to those other places. Email me at
Dolores@dr1.com for his contact details. In Santo Domingo, I always recommend a visit to our Botanical Gardens. Plan on taking three hours for that. Check our Calendar at
http://www.dr1.com/calendar for an evening event that may fit your schedule. In the Colonial City, drop by Meson di Bari for Dominican food – try the stewed crab.
In the Colonial City, drop by the gift shop besides Hard Rock Café (in front of the Colonial City to check out the handicrafts. The Mercado Modelo is within walking distance, so you can check out the gift shop to have an idea of prices and then visit the market, where you are expected to bargain. Also for shopping, in the Colonial City is Jenny Polanco and Bibi Leon’s boutique on Padre Billini street near Isabel la Catolica. You might want to get an idea of good Dominican art – Museo Bellapart and/or Museum of Modern Art. You should also check out art galleries – Mildred Canahuate at Arawak Art Gallery, in modern Santo Domingo, is very knowledgeable. Try to go when she is there; she is a walking encyclopedia of Dominican art. Of course if you are a history buff, you must visit the Columbus Lighthouse.
In Puerto Plata, ask for chef Rafael Vasquez at the Casa Colonial, and ask him to prepare you something truly Dominican for dinner. Tell him that Dolores of DR1 is sending you. He is a great chef. Be sure to make a day trip to Sosua Beach, and then visit Motif art gallery, of Lisa Kirkman. She has a very good selection of young Puerto Plata artists – lots of great paintings. Next spend an entire day in Cabarete, watching the spectacle of the kite sailors and windsurfers. Shop for beach wear at Carib Bic Wind Center. Nights are great in Cabarete, and taxis are available to take you back to Playa Dorada.
Visit the Victorian Houses of Puerto Plata, and the small fort, one of the first contraband points in the New World. And take time to take the skylift (go first thing in the morning to get the best views) up to the Botanical Gardens of Puerto Plata. They are special because everything up there grows so dinosaur-like. Ocean World has a good Latin music show in the evening – they have a package of pick up, dinner and casino time plus show. The spa at Casa Colonial is pricey, but I had one super experience of a couple’s massage. Go for it.
Depending on the time you come, please take time to stroll the Malecon and note the changing colors of the almond and sea grape trees – especially in February and March.
There is a small beach next to the apartment building No. 5, known as Long Beachito, that is nice for bathing. Few people seem to have yet discovered it. Also, note the painting of the whales on the oil tanks also on the Malecon, and check out the mural built by the students of the Antera Mota public school. When you take a taxi to Puerto Plata town, ask the driver to point these out to you.
Also, Playa Dorada, where your hotel is located, is full of small birds so bring your camera and catch them in the early morning and late afternoon. For dining, you can check out Al Fresco in Playa Dorada Plaza, and there is a patio of a well known musician in downtown that has good local food, too. Will ask for the name.
Re cigars, my recommendation would be for a stopover at the Centro Leon in Santiago on the way to Puerto Plata. It is probably the best museum right now in the DR and they have a separate area for cigars. Their own cigars are very good. On the way to Puerto Plata from Santo Domingo, you will see tobacco plantations. If you take the Metro Bus to Santiago, you can make a stopover in Santiago and take a taxi from the station to Centro Leon, and then catch the next bus to Puerto Plata, and from there a taxi to Casa Colonial.
Enjoy!
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New to Dominican Republic--itinerary questions
A vist to rocky
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