Move beyond the classroom and embark on a meaningful educational journey into the heart of Dominican social and cultural traditions. This Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness Educational Project connects you with local communities through hands-on service learning. Analyze the all-inclusive tourism model, participate in ecological cleanups, master traditional crafts like chocolate-making, and share moments of joy at a children’s home. This is a transformative experience designed to foster profound cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and a lasting connection to the authentic spirit of the island.
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Activity Level
Easy
Tour Type
Guided Edu Tour
Group Size
Minimum 16 people - Maximum 25 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18+
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Activity Level
Easy
Tour Type
Guided Edu Tour
Group Size
Min 16 – Max. 25 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18+
DOMINICAN SOCIAL & CULTURAL AWARENESS MAP
Santo Domingo – Monte Plata – Azua – Pueblo Viejo – Barrera – Santo Domingo
The total travel distance for this multi-day educational tour package is approximately 550 km, all comfortably covered by private coach.
Dominican social and cultural awareness tour package highlights:
This sociocultural student trip explores Dominican community life, traditions, and habits. The Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness educational tour integrates key practices: social, cultural, historical, and environmental learning, voluntourism, and community involvement for sustainable travel. Journey with purpose and make the Dominican Republic your ultimate classroom!
The program contains the following active learning practice and engagements:
– Cacao, Clay & Cultural Roots.
– Cultural Exchange & Shared Play.
– The Modern City’s Infrastructure.
– The People’s History & Collective Memory.
– Market Engagement & Agricultural Economics.
– Culinary History as Cultural Text.
– Community Immersion & Cross-Cultural Connection.
– Rural Immersion & Coastal Stewardship: A Day of Community and Care.
– Boca Chica – Inside the All-Inclusive Bubble.
– Dominican Cooking Class.
DOMINICAN SOCIAL & CULTURAL AWARENESS TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1. Arrival at SDQ Airport. Santo Domingo
Welcome to Santo Domingo, the first city of the Americas and the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic. This educational tour in Dominican social and cultural awareness invites you to explore a city steeped in history, culture, and traditions. Immerse yourself in its unique energy – a captivating mix of colonial charm and modern Caribbean elegance.
SDQ Airport Transfer
- Arrival in Santo Domingo Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)
- Meet & Greet at Santo Domingo Airport. Meet your tour director
- Group transfer to the Hotel in Santo Domingo. 1 bottle of water per person
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast.
- Check In starts at 3 p.m.
Scheduled Activities
- Welcome briefing & tour instructions – meet your expert guide and your group
- Welcome gift for every participant
Included Meals
- Group welcome dinner at a colonial style restaurant. Menu.
DAY 2. Organic Rhythms: Cocoa, Craft & Community
Immerse yourself in the heart of Dominican culture. At a cocoa ranch, join local chocolate makers to roast, grind, and craft chocolate by hand. Then, feel the rhythm in a ceramics workshop accompanied by folk music and African rhythms. We’ll witness how local children preserve traditions by dancing to the original music of their ancestors before exploring the real life and traditions of Yamasá neighborhoods.
Hands-On Service Learning: Cacao, Clay & Cultural Roots
- Cacao Cultivation 101
Sustainable growing and harvesting of the cacao pod. - Bean Roasting & Winnowing
Hands-on traditional techniques to unlock the core flavors of chocolate. - Artisan Grinding & Chocolate Making
Grind nibs into paste and form traditional cakes for hot chocolate. - Taino History & Spirituality
An interactive lecture on Taino gods, beliefs, and ceramic artifacts. - Taino Ceramics Workshop
A hands-on session to sculpt personal clay figures inspired by Taino symbols. - Rhythms of Syncretism
Explore the fusion of Taino, African, and Spanish musical traditions. - Cultural Exchange & Shared Play
Local Children’s Foundation
On-tour transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast.
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- Traditional buffet style lunch. Natural and organic local food.
Scheduled Activities
- Guided, full-day cultural tour to Monte Plata Province
- Immersion in Rural Community Life & Traditions
- Cultural Exchange & Shared Play at a Local Children's Foundation
- Enjoy a free evening in Santo Domingo and dinner on own
DAY 3. Santo Domingo: A Living Classroom
Discover the nation’s pulsating heart in Santo Domingo, a city where history and modernity collide. We’ll experience the city’s layers—from its ancient cobblestone streets to its panoramic modern views—treating the entire urban landscape as our dynamic classroom for the day.
Urban Inquiry: Uncovering the Layers of Santo Domingo’s History, Economy, and Culture
- Field Study: The Modern City’s Infrastructure
Activity: Use the city’s cable car and subway system as a living case study. Students will observe and analyze who uses this infrastructure, its efficiency, and its role in shaping the modern urban landscape.
Learning Goal: To understand the contemporary challenges and solutions of urban planning and public transit in a growing capital. - Field Study: The People’s History & Collective Memory
Activity: A guided historical investigation through the Colonial City and Malecón. This tour will specifically examine the legacy of the Trujillo dictatorship, using monuments and museums to analyze themes of power, resistance, and how history is remembered and presented.
Learning Goal: To critically assess how a nation’s complex history is embedded in its physical spaces and influences its present-day social identity. - Field Study: Market Engagement & Agricultural Economics
Activity: An interactive session at a local vegetable and fruit market. Students will be tasked with engaging directly with productores (producers) to learn about their crops, supply chains, and economic realities.
Learning Goal: To move beyond passive tourism and understand the importance of local food systems, the role of small-scale agriculture, and the challenges faced by Dominican farmers. Field Study: Culinary History as Cultural Text
Activity: A “Taste of Resilience” gastronomic tour. The degustation of traditional Dominican finger food and a homemade-style lunch become a platform for analyzing the fusion of Taino, Spanish, and African influences and discussing food sovereignty and cultural preservation.
Learning Goal: To use food as a primary source for understanding cultural synthesis, history, and economic resilience within the Dominican Republic.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- A degustation of iconic Dominican finger foods and local favorites
- A typical Dominican lunch, served in an atmosphere of timeless Dominican charm and tradition
Scheduled Activities
- City as Classroom: A Guided Exploration of the real Santo Domingo
- Enjoy a free evening in Colonial Santo Domingo and dinner on own
DAY 4. Community Immersion & Cross-Cultural Connection
Step into the social heartbeat of Santo Domingo by exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and tight-knit communities. Observe daily life in a local supermarket and stroll through residential areas that pulse with the city’s unique spirit. The journey deepens with a visit to a local children’s home, where you’ll connect through the universal languages of play. By drawing, playing games, and sharing a joyful snack with the kids, this encounter becomes a profound lesson in Dominican Social and Cultural Awareness, fostering a powerful sense of empathy, connection, and mutual understanding.
Experiential Focus: Community Immersion & Cross-Cultural Connection
- Local Market Dynamics Field Study
Analyze the economic and social role of local commerce by touring a supermarket and a traditional colmado (corner store). - Guided Neighborhood Exploration
Observe the fabric of Santo Domingo through a guided bus tour with strategic stops. This mobile classroom format allows for a broader overview of different working-class and mid-level neighborhoods, their layout, and daily life from a unique vantage point. - Collaborative Educational Exchange at a Children’s Home
Co-teach a simple, pre-prepared English lesson alongside our local hosts. This activity focuses on supportive educational engagement and cross-cultural communication. - Creative Play and Connection Session
Facilitate and participate in joint activities like drawing and simple games, using universal languages of play to build rapport and joyful connections with the children. - Shared Meal and Cultural Exchange
Solidify the day’s bonds by sharing a joyful snack with the children and caregivers, turning a meal into a moment of authentic human connection and mutual understanding
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- A shared snack filled with joy at the local children's home
Scheduled Activities
- Guided Neighborhood Bus Tour
- Local Food Market Analysis
- Educational & Creative Exchange
- Shared Mealtime
- Enjoy a free evening in Santo Domingo and dinner on own
DAY 5. Countryside Life and Eco-Action
Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of the Dominican countryside. Visit traditional villages to engage with local residents and gain a firsthand understanding of their daily life and customs. The day also features a meaningful eco-voluntourism activity: joining local environmental enthusiasts in a community-led beach cleanup initiative, contributing directly to the preservation of the region’s natural beauty.
Experiential Focus: Rural Immersion & Coastal Stewardship: A Day of Community and Care
Pueblo Viejo Community & Classroom Exchange
Immerse in the daily life of the settlement. The experience includes a visit to a rural basic school, where students can engage in a collaborative educational activity with local children, sharing stories or games and learning about the educational landscape of the Dominican countryside.Barrera Village Collaborative Dialogue
Continue the immersion in the small village of Barrera. This session focuses on social engagement through a guided dialogue with community members, exploring local customs, livelihoods, and the unique aspects of village life.Caobita Beach Eco-Action Initiative
Partner with local environmental enthusiasts in a hands-on beach cleanup. This initiative provides a tangible contribution to environmental preservation while learning about local conservation challenges directly from community advocates.Azua Region Culinary Appreciation
Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring a classic dish from the Azua region, connecting the day’s cultural experiences to the local cuisine in a beautiful beachfront setting.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water, sodas, light snacks
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- A traditional lunch featuring a classic dish from the Azua region, enjoyed right on the beach
Scheduled Activities
- Rural School & Community Engagement
- Village Dialogue
- Coastal Stewardship
- Cultural Lunch and Beach Time
- Transfer back to Santo Domingo. Enjoy a free evening in Colonial Santo Domingo and dinner on own
DAY 6. Coastal Dynamics & Culinary Heritage
Our final day offers a profound culmination of your Dominican Social and Cultural Awareness. We begin with a case study in Boca Chica, where we will analyze the “all-inclusive” beach hotel model – a major force in the nation’s tourism economy. This exploration provides a critical lens on a defining aspect of modern Dominican life. In the evening, we shift to a deep, hands-on appreciation of authentic culture through its cuisine, culminating in a festive farewell dinner to celebrate the personal growth and cross-cultural connections forged throughout our journey.
Experiential Focus: Boca Chica – Inside the All-Inclusive Bubble
Experience a day inside a regular all-inclusive beach hotel with a goal: to understand the Dominican all-inclusive tourism strategy. Through direct observation, you will learn how this model operates, its core features, and its role as a dominant force in the local economy and tourism landscape of Boca Chica.
Hands-On Dominican Cooking Class
Participate in an interactive class led by local chefs, learning to prepare authentic dishes as a direct engagement with the nation’s culinary heritage
On-tour transportation
- Comfortable private coach
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- Buffet lunch in Boca Chica. Open bar with local drinks
- Farewell Buffet Dinner - Traditional Dominican Cuisine
Scheduled Activities
- Boca Chica: Inside the All-Inclusive Bubble
- Cooking class and Farewell dinner
DAY 7. Departure. SDQ Airport
Airport Shuttle. Departures to SDQ International Las Americas Airport
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Santo Domingo Hotel
- Check out at 12 p.m. (the latest time)
Included SDQ Airport Transfer
- Shuttle group transfer from Santo Domingo hotel to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ).
- Depart at any time.
THE DOMINICAN SOCIAL & CULTURAL AWARENESS TOUR PACKAGE RATE INCLUDES
Hotel Accommodation ½ DBL Room (twin beds)
- Comfortable hotel in the colonial city center of Santo Domingo (6 nights)
Transportation
- Round trip group airport shuttle: SDQ Airport – Santo Domingo Hotel – SDQ Airport
- On-tour transportation: private coach. Medical Kit
Meals
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Snack, 1 Brunch, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Expert Guide
- An expert certified tour guide and a tour director
Scheduled main Activities
- Welcome gift for every participant
- Group welcome dinner
- Full-Day Guided Interactive Learning Experience: Organic Rhythms - Cocoa, Craft & Community
- Full-Day Guided Educational Tour: Santo Domingo, A Living Classroom
- Full-Day Hands-On Discovery: Community Immersion & Cross-Cultural Connection
- Full-Day Immersive Guided Experience: Rural Immersion & Coastal Stewardship
- Practical Activity: Inside the All-Inclusive Bubble
- Group Cooking Class
- Farewell Group Dinner
Others
- Entrance fees due to itinerary
- Local taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare. Air tickets and airport fees
- Mandatory International Medical & Travel Insurance
- Meals not indicated in the Itinerary
- Alcoholic Drinks & Beverages at all meals
- Tips
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
Booking Terms and Conditions
All requests must be submitted via email to book@academtours.com only.
Group tour dates may be proposed by an educational institution or any other organization in its email quote request. A college or university group leader, or another authorized representative, may submit a booking or amendment request in accordance with the educational institution’s requirements.
We do not charge enrollment fees; however, a non-refundable deposit of USD 300.00 per participant is required to confirm and guarantee your booking for the Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness educational tour.
Early Bookings: For group bookings prepaid more than 70 days before the start of a land-only tour package, a 10% discount will be applied to the published tour rate.
Extra Nights: Additional pre- or post-tour nights in Santo Domingo are available upon request. A special rate of USD 110.00 per double room (twin beds for two guests) per night, including buffet breakfast, applies.
Payment Instructions
To confirm your Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness group tour package, a non-refundable deposit of USD 300.00 per participant is required.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 25 days before the first tour day or the group’s arrival in the Dominican Republic.
You may choose to pay in full or follow an approved payment plan.
All payments must be made in USD via bank wire transfer to the account of PRO ACADEM TOURS RD SRL, as indicated on our official invoice.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness group booking up to 25 days before the first tour date; however, the USD 300.00 deposit per participant is non-refundable.
For cancellations received 24 days or fewer before the tour start date, a refund will be issued minus the non-refundable deposit (USD 300.00) and an additional USD 300.00 cancellation fee.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 7 days of the first tour date.
Accommodation & Rates
The published rate applies to the Dominican Social & Cultural Awareness tour package per person in double-room (DBL) accommodation.
Rates for single-room (SGL) accommodation or for a third person sharing a double room are available upon request.
This tour is for adults aged 18+ only.
Extra Nights & Transfers:
Additional nights at the Santo Domingo hotel are available upon request.
If you have purchased this tour and wish to add an extra night or arrival/departure transfer, you may benefit from a special preferential rate for these services.
Health Conditions & Dietary Requirements
If you have specific dietary needs or restrictions, please inform your booking agent in advance so we can determine whether your requirements can be accommodated.
Please note that pregnant women are not permitted to participate in this tour.
All participants must confirm that they are in good physical and mental health and free from any major condition that could interfere with tour activities — including but not limited to dizziness, vertigo, heart disease, seizures, loss of balance or coordination, or serious food allergies related to the culinary experiences included in the program.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Medical and travel insurance are not included in the tour package.
Therefore, it is mandatory for all travelers to obtain comprehensive international travel insurance. The policy must be valid for the duration of the tour and must provide adequate coverage for at least the following:
- Medical expenses
- Personal accidents
- Repatriation costs
- Emergency evacuation
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and members of the European Union, are not required to obtain a visa for tourist travel to the Dominican Republic.
It is the sole responsibility of each traveler to verify the specific entry requirements based on their nationality with the nearest Dominican Republic embassy or consulate.
Force Majeure
The Company (PRO ACADEM TOURS RD SRL) shall not be held liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this agreement, including any delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations, due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Under such Force Majeure events, no refunds will be issued.
These circumstances include, but are not limited to:
- Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters:hurricanes, floods, severe storms, or other adverse weather conditions.
- Government Actions:travel bans, border closures, or new restrictions.
- Civil Unrest:war, terrorism, strikes, or riots.
- Significant Accidents or Infrastructure Failure.
In the event of a Force Majeure, we will monitor the situation and make all reasonable efforts to amend itineraries or provide suitable alternative arrangements for the safety and welfare of our clients. Any decisions made by the Company in such circumstances will be final.
From: USD 1,895
