Santo Domingo & Samaná

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic. Located on the south central coast of the island, it is considered the oldest European city in the Americas.The Colonial Zone is the perfect starting point for visitors to discover Santo Domingo. Here, between Independence Park and the Ozama River, you will find the first city built in the New World by European settlers. The first street in the Americas is Calle de Las Damas, featuring many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture, including the Ozama Fortress, the oldest fortress in the Americas, and the Alcázar de Colón. Of great historical interest is the Museo de las Casas Reales, the restored 16th century palace of the Spanish Court, which features a wonderful glimpse of the past. Nearby the walled city, visitors will find the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Menor, considered the first cathedral in the New World. While touring the narrow streets of the Colonial Zone, visitors will feel that history comes alive here. The Zone ends at the Malecón. Also known as George Washington Avenue, El Malecón is a waterfront boulevard lined with bistros, bars and discos and is the location of the Dominican Carnival celebrated in February.Santo Domingo is a cosmopolitan and lively city full of historical colonial sites and oozing Latin charm from every street and plaza.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Samaná, in full Santa Bárbara de Samaná, is a town and municipality in northeastern Dominican Republic and is the capital of Samaná Province. Samana is an Ecotourism destination surrounded by breathtaking nature, with its own paradise island called Cayo Levantado just a few minutes away by boat, lush tropical mountain hills, virgin forest of El Valle, many beautiful waterfalls, caves with petroglyphs and pictograms, famous Playa Rincon beach and countless other secluded beaches with crystal clear waters.