Sailing towards the Dominican Republic in 1492, Christopher Columbus clapped eyes upon on the island's pristine golden sands, lush mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and abundance of wildlife. This spectacular natural scenery has continued to captivate thousands of visitors every year. Holidays in the Dominican Republic are not complete without at visit to the island's capital, Santo Domingo, which is the oldest city of the 'New World'. Santa Domingo features the first cathedral, the first chapel, the first university and hospital, as well as numerous colonial buildings.

The majority of holidays in the Dominican Republic are based along the 870-mile stretch of coastline, particularly the northern 40-mile section between Puerto Plata and Cabarete. Puerto Plata is known for its beautiful golden sandy beach lapped by striking turquoise seas and set against a lush backdrop of verdant mountains. Christopher Columbus described Puerto Plata as 'the fairest land under heaven'. Similarly, the golden sands of Cabarate are lined with palm trees and known for excellent windsurfing and kiteboarding. Evenings in both Puerto Plata and Cabarete are spent enjoying live music in bars and discos.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic offer various sightseeing opportunities. Tourists can visit the Museo Alcazar de Colon, once home to Columbus' son, displaying numerous objects belonging to the Columbus family. Also worth a visit is the Museo de las Casas Reales with its colonial collections, and the Museo Mondo de Ambar with its impressive displays of amber. Evenings in the Dominican Republic are spent tucking into traditional Dominican dishes, enjoying live music in bars and discos, and gambling in the glitzy casinos. (Note that casinos here are not regulated, so be careful of scams).