Santo Domingo isn't only the Dominican Republic's capital – it's the largest city in the Caribbean. On this full day tour, you'll discover a city where modern, high-rise buildings tower over a UNESCO World Heritage Site colonial zone. Your day includes guided visits to the Gothic Cathedral and the Alcazar de Colon, plus lunch and free time. Luis, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Calle Colon is one of the most vibrant streets in town, great for people-watching over a coffee. But I love Padre Billini Street, with its medley of weathered colonial churches, whitewashed houses and tree-shaded parks. It's hard to believe it's so central.'

After a three-hour drive to the capital, you'll arrive in the historic heart of Santo Domingo. Here, you'll be transported back to the days of Christopher Columbus as we head into the colonial zone to pass by the National Pantheon, Ozama Fortress and the Museum of the Casas Reales – your guide will explain their history. You'll visit the Alcazar de Colon, which belonged to Christopher Columbus's family, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, dating from the early 1500s. It boasts the title of the oldest church in the Americas.

Enjoy a typical lunch at the family-owned La Atarazana restaurant, then you'll take a sightseeing drive through modern Santo Domingo, passing Plaza de la Cultura, the Museum of Dominican Man, the National Palace and El Faro a Colon monument. It's a jam-packed day exploring 500 years of history and architecture.