9 days in Dominican Republic Itinerary

In an area boasting beaches that face both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, vacations in Punta Cana have been popular with tourists since the early 1970s.

Step off the beaten path and head to Happy Dive Center and Spas. Escape the urban bustle at Punta Espada Golf Course and Hard Rock Golf Club. There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Bavaro Beach, tee off at Iberostate Bavaro Golf & Club, look for gifts at Don Lucas Cigars, and don't miss a visit to Jesus Maestro Parish.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Punta Cana online trip builder.

London, UK to Punta Cana is an approximately 12-hour flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Atlantic Standard Time, which is usually a -4 hour difference. Prepare for much warmer weather when traveling from London in December: high temperatures in Punta Cana hover around 85°F and lows are around 73°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can go by car to Cabarete.

Water sports and adventure tourism have replaced fishing and farming as the focal point of Cabarete.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): stroll through Encuentro Beach, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Cabarete trip site.

Getting from Punta Cana to Cabarete by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight, shuttle, and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In December in Cabarete, expect temperatures between 85°F during the day and 69°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Las Galeras.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Sat): get outside with Playa Fronton, then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then kick back and relax at La Playita Beach.

To see reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Las Galeras attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Cabarete to Las Galeras takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In December, daytime highs in Las Galeras are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 73°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Las Terrenas.

Las Terrenas is a town on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, located in the province of Samaná. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Coson, then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Las Ballenas, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Punta Bonita. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Mon): kick back and relax at Playa Punta Popy, then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Paseo de la Costanera.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, use the Las Terrenas trip builder site.

You can drive from Las Galeras to Las Terrenas in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 85°F in December, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.