Private La Romana Shopping with Lunch

Private La Romana Shopping with Lunch
From $147.00/person to $1,600.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Active, Scenic
Shore Excursion Duration 5 Hours
Activity Level ? Easy
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? An approximately 5 to 10 minute walk from the cruise ship tender pier.
Food/Beverage Provided Lunch is included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and walking shoes. We also suggest bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Restrictions Guests must be able to step in and out of the transportation. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Private La Romana Shopping with Lunch

Leave the pier area on your intimate, private tour as you ride in comfort to the city of Higuey. Your day of discovery includes hidden factories, workshops, markets and shops with your local, English-speaking guide who will help guide you to the best souvenirs ever! Along the way you will stop to admire some of the city's most impressive architecture, learn more about the lifestyle of a typical Dominican and enjoy a traditional lunch at the home of a local family.

Upon arrival, begin with an introduction to the history and culture of the island outside the impressive Basilica de Higuey Cathedral. Home to the La Altagracia Virgin, stop to admire the modern architecture and hear the old colonial legend about how the celebrated painting of the Virgin first appeared. There will be an opportunity to purchase religious-themed art and gifts before moving on to look around San Dionicio's Sanctuary.

Begin a short stroll to get to know the neighborhood and arrive at a traditional saddlery to see how the famous Higueyan horse saddle is made. Watch local artisans painstakingly stitching the leather together as you find out what makes these unique saddles so special. Continue to a cigar factory where you will see how Dominican cigars are produced and find out why they are considered some of the best in the world. Try one for yourself and buy cigars at a special factory price.

Next on the agenda is a visit to one of your guide's favorite galleries to peruse the colorful artworks on display. Watch the talented artists at work in the workshop and discover African, Haitian and Aboriginal-inspired works of art. Take your time, browse and shop for a piece to take home. A walk through the buzzing streets of the city will next take you to a very special artisanal shop that boasts an excellent selection of wooden handicrafts, musical instruments and fine jewelry. Find out about the Dominican Republic's precious stones, such as amber and larimar, the latter of which is particularly special as it can only be found here on the island.

Continue to the vibrant fruit and vegetable market which boasts an extraordinary variety of food and flavors to taste. Your guide will speak about the most popular spices used on the island before taking you to visit another market known for its traditional medicines and potions.

By now you will have worked up an appetite, so one of the best ways to learn about a new culture is through their food. Be led to the home of a friendly, warm local family where you will try traditional, delicious Dominican fare and be refreshed with an ice-cold beer. After lunch there is one more stop to pick up dessert at a local bakery famous for their sweet delicacies which include delicious rice and milk treats and coconut and banana bread.

As you ride back to your ship and the pier area, recount this very special day with your private introduction to Dominican culture, a day you will surely always remember.