Tomorrow is our first stop on our 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, the beautiful city of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Located on the northern coast of the island, Puerto Plata is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. When we arrive at port, we will be greeted by the warm sun, crystal-clear waters, and the lively rhythms of merengue music. I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of our visit will be to explore the historic Fort San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates and foreign invaders. The fort is now a museum, where we will learn about the history of the island and its many battles.
The next stop will be the Cathedral of San Felipe, a historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city of Puerto Plata. It is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the country. The construction of the cathedral began in 1502, shortly after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. It was completed in 1552, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in the New World. The cathedral has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries, but it still retains much of its original colonial-era architecture. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and intricate carvings. The cathedral also houses several important religious relics, including a statue of the Virgin Mary that is believed to have miraculous powers.
Then it will be on to the Aurora Cigar Museum, also known as the Museo del Tabaco, which s located in Santiago de los Caballeros, which is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic and is considered the heart of the country’s cigar industry. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and craftsmanship of cigar-making, which is an important part of Dominican culture. We will take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a walk through the museum’s exhibits that feature artifacts, tools, and photographs that highlight the history of the cigar industry in the Dominican Republic. The museum also features a replica of a traditional Dominican cigar factory, where we will observe the different stages of the cigar-making process, from tobacco leaf selection and sorting to rolling and packaging. In addition to the exhibits, the Aurora Cigar Museum also offers cigar-making workshops and tasting sessions, where visitors can learn about the different types of cigars and how to properly enjoy them. These workshops are led by expert cigar-makers who share their knowledge and expertise with visitors. At the end of the tour, we can purchase cigars from the on-site gift shop, which offers a variety of premium cigars from the Aurora brand, as well as other popular Dominican brands for our home humidor.
Our next stop is the Del Oro Chocolate Factory, a popular tourist attraction also located in Puerto Plata. The factory is dedicated to producing high-quality, organic chocolate using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. We will be taking a guided tour of the facility including a walk through the chocolate-making process. The tour begins with an introduction to the history of chocolate and the origins of cocoa beans. We will observe the various stages of chocolate production, from the roasting and grinding of the cocoa beans to the molding and packaging of the finished product. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to taste the chocolate at different stages of the production process, from raw cocoa beans to finished chocolate bars – yum!. We can also sample a variety of chocolate products made on-site, including chocolate bars, truffles, and other chocolate-based treats. In addition to the tour, the Del Oro Chocolate Factory also offers workshops where visitors can learn to make their own chocolate creations, under the guidance of experienced chocolatiers. The Del Oro Chocolate Factory is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers like us and anyone interested in learning about the traditional methods of chocolate production. We also like the factory’s commitment to organic and locally sourced ingredients, as well as its dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of cocoa production in the Dominican Republic, making it a unique and worthwhile experience.
The final stop will be the Ron Macorix Factory just in case we need something to go along with the Cigars and the Chocolate. The factory is dedicated to producing high-quality, premium rum using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. We will take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a walk through the rum-making process. The tour begins with an introduction to the history of rum and the origins of sugar cane, the key ingredient used in rum production. We can then observe the various stages of rum production, from the fermentation and distillation of the sugar cane juice to the aging and blending of the finished product. We will get the chance to taste the different types of rum produced at the factory, including dark and light rum, as well as flavored varieties. I think you can also sample a variety of rum-based cocktails made on-site, using the factory’s premium rum as a base. The Ron Macorix Factory also offers workshops where visitors can learn to make their own rum cocktails and traditional Dominican dishes, under the guidance of experienced chefs and bartenders.
Well that’s the game plan for tomorrow and we cant wait, so exited.
Until next week’s post, Be Social. Fly Private!
