Sugarcane, sacred shrines, a riverboat trip and even a voodoo show. This exclusive excursion has a bit of everything that makes the Dominican Republic such a fascinating country. Expect to meet plenty of locals and explore the wild landscapes on either side of the River Yuma during this breathless full day tour.

You'll get a real taste for the country straight away with a visit to a plantation. Savour fruit such as papaya and pineapple as well as coffee and cocoa. Up next is Higuey, the provincial capital, where you'll browse its market for typical spices. You'll also see the futuristic-looking basilica – an important shrine.

We'll then journey through tropical countryside en route to the south coast fishing village of Boca de Yuma. A lunch here is followed by a boat ride on the river. Afterwards, visit a sugarcane plantation and a ‘batey'. These are communities of sugarcane-harvesting Haitians. Meet them, and then watch as they put on a voodoo show.