Santo Domingo – the capital of the Dominican Republic and also the oldest European established city of the Americas. It was founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus, Bartolomew in 1496. It is referred to in history, as the administrative capital of the west indies for the Spanish. This excursion is an incredible opportunity for those who love history, historical sites, old world architecture, museums and ancient culture. A very unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, standing tall and well preserved, since the times of Columbus!
- Tres Ojos Park: We visit this beautiful National Park with a cave and 3 picturesque freshwater lakes, it is located in the center of the city. This park has the perfect name (3 Eyes Park) considering this is where parts of the famous Jurassic Park movie was filmed, a must see destination!
- Faro a Colon: This magnificent structure is built in the shape of a cross and is also a huge lighthouse, fully lit and illuminating the sky at night. The stories passed down through history say that the mausoleum in the center of this building contains the remains of Christopher Columbus, one of the most famous explorers in history.
- Teleferico Cable Car: Gliding high above the city in this very modern cable car, you will have the opportunity to see this amazing city from the air, a spectacular birds eye view. Views of the River Ozama, the bustling action of daily life in the slums and the modern parts of the city side by side, and keep your eye out for many displays of rooftop art.
- Zona Colonial: Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this original city located on the west bank of the Ozama River, preserved since the times of Columbus and surrounded by stone walls, this is where we will visit a number of incredible, ancient sites.
- Lunch: Inside the Colonial zone, we will be served a traditional Dominican dinner (choice of chicken or pork), the open bar will feature local rum, coke cola, sprite and water. An opportunity to relax and absorb the beauty of the old city in the very area where Christopher Columbus and his family walked, lived, ate, laughed and made the decisions of the new world. After lunch, we will visit the following sites.
- Cathedral Primada de America: Construction began in 1514 with the first cornerstone placed by Diego Columbus (son of Christopher) and it was declared by Pope Paul III in 1546 as the 1st cathedral of the new world. This magnificent cathedral has many ancient artifacts and wonders to see, and is located in the square of Colon Park (Columbus Park).
- Calle Damas: The first street of the city, as we wander along this street, you will see many beautiful and historical buildings.
- National Pantheon/Fortaleza Ozama: In ancient times, this building was originally Fortaleza Ozama, the House of Government, with the Governor’s Seat, the offices of government and where the decisions were debated and made. Now it is the National Pantheon and contains many ancient tombs of the former Presidents, Army Generals and other people of historical importance in the Dominican Republic.
- Casa Real National Museum: This stately colonial mansion was the Palace of the Royal Audience of Santo Domingo and is the Museum of the Royal Houses, a cultural monument of Dominican history containing colonial artifacts such as guns, uniforms and ancient masks of the Taino indians.
- Alcazar de Colon: originally twice the size, this is the massive home of Diego Columbus, (first born son of Christopher Columbus and the 4th Governor of the new world). It was constructed in 1510-1512 and is designated as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, with a spectacular view overlooking the Ozama River. It is now a Museum (Museo Alcazar de Diego Colon), with the Caribbean’s most important collection of European late Medieval and Renaissance works of art and an impressive 15th to 17th century Tapestry collection, as well as period pieces.
- Free Time: 30 min approx. An opportunity to do as you wish, shop, relax in the square, wander the ancient streets tracing the steps of the first pioneers of the new world or revisit your favorite site on our tour of the Colonial Zone (most of the sites are within a few minutes walking distance of the main Square).
**Beverages: Rum is included and available upon arrival in Santo Domingo, water, sprite and coke cola are also included and available throughout this excursion.
**Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Phone/Viber/Whatsapp +1-829-499-9798
Email info@scubadominicana.pl
