A Walk through Santo Domingo's Old Town
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port
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$110
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Go beyond the ordinary with a journey back in time, where cobbled streets, colonial-era architecture, and charming plazas transport you to the heart of the Caribbean’s oldest European settlement. Welcome to Santo Domingo.
Listed as a UNESCO Colonial City, Christopher Columbus's arrival on the island in 1492 meant the arrival of the first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university in the Americas. The city was laid out on a grid pattern that became the model for almost all town planners in the New World.
Discover the many faces of the oldest capital in the New World as you transfer by air-conditioned coach to the Columbus Lighthouse. This towering monument commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in 1492. The explorer's tomb also lies here.
Then, explore the Old Town of Santo Domingo – boasting a glorious 500-year-old past. Walk down the famous Calle las Damas – the first cobblestone street built in the Americas – lined with beautiful old buildings. The street is named after the ladies-in-waiting of the Viceroy's wife, who took their afternoon stroll down this very street.
Next you’ll visit the regal Columbus Palace, house of Don Diego Colón. The son of Christopher Columbus and Dominican Republic's Viceroy, he lived here between 1511 and 1514.
Continue along to the impressive Las Casas Reales Museum. For three centuries, the administrative offices of the Colonial Government were housed here. Now a cultural treasure trove, this museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that chronicle the history of the Dominican Republic.
You'll also pass the National Pantheon – tomb of famous writers, politicians and heroes of the Republic; then, head to Santa María la Menor for a guided tour of the first cathedral in the Americas. It is an architectural gem in the heart of the colonial city that captivates visitors with its intricate details and centuries-old aura.
Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time for shopping before walking back to your transportation.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations.