Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the authentic culture, language, and community of the Dominican Republic when you join an ongoing community project in rural Jarabacoa! Students can look forward to activities like painting the local school or preparing a garden. When not working on their projects, your class will also enjoy exploring Los Tres Ojos National Park, riding horses to Baiguate Waterfall, and flying through jungle canopy on a special zipline tour.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Santo Domingo
Please note: Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Santo Domingo Tour Director-led sightseeing tour
Walk the largest Dominican city, Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital of this Caribbean country. Located by the sea, Santo Domingo boasts a well-preserved Colonial Zone you can explore on foot. Feast your eyes on 16th-century buildings, palatial houses, and beautiful churches. Visit the Catedral Santa María la Menor, the oldest cathedral built in the Americas, and the Alcázar de Colón, America’s first castle. Step into history at the Ozama Fortress, one of the oldest European military structures in the New World. Then take a scenic stroll along the Malecón, a lively seaside boulevard lined with palm trees, monuments, and ocean views, perfect for soaking in the local culture and coastal breeze.
Los Tres Ojos National Park visit
Make your way through one of Santo Domingo's most dazzling attractions: Los Tres Ojos National Park, an open-air limestone cave featuring three stunning lakes known as "The Three Eyes."
National Museum of Anthropology visit
Explore one of the top anthropology museums in the world. Arranged in over 100,000 square feet of display space are such artifacts as massive Olmec stone heads, the tomb and skeletal remains of an 8th-century Mayan ruler, a carved jaguar with a hollow back for the hearts of human sacrifices, and the famous Aztec Calendar Stone. At the museum entrance, the rain god Tlaloc stands guard over all these treasures. City residents claim that when this statue was moved here from its original home, severe rainstorms raged and ended a citywide drought.
Travel to Jarabacoa
Day 3
Community project orientation
Meet your project coordinator to understand the scope and goals of your project.
Jarabacoa community project
It’s not just exposure to new places that brings growth; it’s participation and personal engagement that challenge travelers to make an impact. We work hand in hand with trusted organizations and charities around the world to coordinate volunteer projects that meet the needs of local communities. When your group travels, you may take part in activities such as painting, repairs, and cleaning for building maintenance, or helping set up a library by stocking, classifying, and organizing shelves, and leading reading sessions with younger members of the community.
Day 4
Jarabacoa community project
It’s not just exposure to new places that brings growth; it’s participation and personal engagement that challenge travelers to make an impact. We work hand in hand with trusted organizations and charities around the world to coordinate volunteer projects that meet the needs of local communities. When your group travels, you may take part in activities such as painting, repairs, and cleaning for building maintenance, or helping set up a library by stocking, classifying, and organizing shelves, and leading reading sessions with younger members of the community.
Day 5
Jarabacoa community project
It’s not just exposure to new places that brings growth; it’s participation and personal engagement that challenge travelers to make an impact. We work hand in hand with trusted organizations and charities around the world to coordinate volunteer projects that meet the needs of local communities. When your group travels, you may take part in activities such as painting, repairs, and cleaning for building maintenance, or helping set up a library by stocking, classifying, and organizing shelves, and leading reading sessions with younger members of the community.
Horseback ride to Baiguate Waterfall
Ride through the scenic landscape and local villages of the area to reach the Baiguate Waterfall (Salto de Baiguate), which cascades into an emerald-coloured jade pool below. Take a deep breath and enjoy the nearby fragrant cilantro fields. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Day 6
Travel to Cabarete Beach
Canopy zipline tour
Experience the thrill of flying through the air, 7,900 feet high, on this countryside zipline adventure. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Free time at Cabarete Beach
Enjoy free time in a tropical paradise.
Day 7
Travel to Santo Domingo via Santiago
Cultural Centro León visit
Centro León’s historical collections offer insight into the pre-colonial culture of the Taíno people, Spanish colonization, the lives of African slaves, and how modern-day Dominicans retain elements of each of these three cultures.
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.