Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to immerse your students in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic on this journey from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata. Your class will learn about Dominican agriculture on a guided chocolate tasting tour, visit the Pomier Caves, and try their hand at mastering the merengue and the bachata. Your students will also fly through jungle canopy on a zipline and swim through the Damajagua waterfalls.
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."
Chocolate tasting tour
Discover the origins, harvest, and production of Dominican chocolate during a guided and tasting tour.
Day 3
Travel to Santiago via San Cristobal
Pomier Caves Anthropological Reserve visit
Discovered in 1851, the Pomier Caves house the largest collection of rock art in the Caribbean. The drawings date back as far as 2,000 years and are believed to be the work of the Taíno, Carib, and Igneri peoples. Visit a portion of the 55 caves, where over 6,000 carvings and drawings made with charcoal depict human and animal life. Caves 1 and 2 are the most physically accessible. Flashlights are provided and expect to encounter spiders, frogs, and bats!
Santiago guided sightseeing tour
Discover the cultural heart of Santiago on a guided tour through its top landmarks. Visit Centro León for Dominican art and history, admire sweeping views from El Monumento, stroll the vibrant shops of Calle El Sol, and relax in the shaded charm of Parque Duarte, a favourite local gathering spot.
Day 4
León Jiménez Cultural centre visit
This cultural centre features four exhibition rooms, a media library, an auditorium, multipurpose lounges, a Caribbean-menu cafeteria, and a shop offering curated products crafted by national artisans and creators from the Greater Caribbean. Its gardens showcase sculptures, native and endemic plants, and an aviary home to birds and reptiles. Centro León meets standards set by the International Council of Museums and UNESCO, and runs diverse programs focused on art, culture, and the environment. These initiatives support community development through three core pillars: creativity, identity, and habitability.
Travel to Puerto Plata
Traditional Dominican dance lesson
In the Dominican Republic, dance and music are an integral part of daily life. Merengue is the most popular form of Dominican dance and music, developed in the mid-19th century and adapted from European styles with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. It reflects Dominican society and forms the base of many traditional songs, heard in bars, streets, businesses, and homes. Bachata, another beloved genre, originated in rural areas and features a more melancholic beat, often focusing on country life and romance.
Damajagua (27 Charcos) waterfall adventure
Of all the phenomenal waterfalls on the island, Damajagua, also known as the 27 Waterfalls, is the most visited water adventure location. Trek to the main waterfall and prepare to dive, swim, climb, and slide through natural corridors, crystal-clear pools, and the surrounding lush tropical forest.
Isabel de Torres visit
Day 5
Puerto Plata Tour Director-led sightseeing
Catch a glimpse of the city's serene beauty and colonial past as your Tour Director guides you through its most historically significant spots. Visit Fort San Felipe, one of the oldest colonial military structures in the Americas. Although the aerial tramway to Isabel de Torres peak is temporarily closed, you’ll still enjoy breathtaking views of Bahia de Puerto Plata and a smaller version of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
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.
Day 6
Catamaran cruise & snorkeling excursion (optional)
Your aquatic adventure begins as soon as you set sail from Puerto Plata. Feel the fresh tropical breeze as you sail east, surrounded by beautiful clear water. Keep an eye out for the island's vibrant marine life. Even before snorkeling begins, you may spot plenty of fish and possibly wild dolphins or whales. You will then anchor at Sosua Bay and navigate through its expansive and breathtaking reef before sailing back to Puerto Plata.
Day 7
Free time at the beach
Travel to Santo Domingo
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)
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
Scenes from the Dominican Republic
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.
