Dominican Republic
Beyond the Smoke
When you enter the city of Santiago in the Dominican Republic, you aren’t just experiencing a place that is known for tobacco. You are entering the center of the Dominican Cigar industry. Immerse yourself on this Guided Experience that takes you through the journey of the Dominican Cigar.
From seeing the places that tobacco is grown and dried, to the rolling rooms of places that have created Cigar of the Year, to blending your own, the journey isn’t just one that can be found in a blog.
Indulge your senses by participating in cigar and rum pairing classes that reveal the complexities of cigar blends and aging techniques. Enjoy a cigar with gourmet dinners where you never know which industry giant is at the table next to you. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Santiago where you can enjoy local culture, cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the Dominican people.
Santiago offers a unique getaway for both seasoned cigar aficionados and newcomers alike. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or simply wish to savor the experience, Santiago’s cigar scene promises an unforgettable journey that goes beyond the smoke. Experience the allure of Santiago and elevate your appreciation for cigars while immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural landscape.
What You’ll Do
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Day 1: Arrive at Santiago!
Wheels down, lighters up!
It is a simple day, after landing you will be transported to the hotel where you will check in and begin to relax.
Later that night we will all meet for a catered meal from Nomad Navigation allowing for you to meet everyone in the group.
*alcohol not included
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![Inside a wooden barn with hanging tobacco leaves drying from the ceiling, with some chairs and stools on the dirt floor.]()
Day 2: Farm Day
Enjoy the provided breakfast at your leisure this morning. Nothing is in a hurry on Dominican time, and that includes the starts to the day.
Soak up the sunrise on the rooftop with a stogie or relax before the day begins.
You’ll be taken to a local lunch spot before leaving for the country side. There you’ll embark on a journey from seed to harvest of the tobacco plant.
A sea of green tobacco leaves with the backdrop of a drying barn await you, along with insider knowledge of how these plants came to be and where they are going.
The evening is yours to enjoy for dinner, while dinner holds a specialized experience.
Join us for a rum and cigar pairing at a local lounge where you will learn how the flavors of a cigar and a glass of rum can make an unexpected, but phenomenal experience for your taste buds.
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![Interior of a store, with wooden shelves and a brick archway. The shelves hold wine boxes, and there is a counter with a wooden top. Bright lighting illuminates the space.]()
Day 3: Factory Tours
Pick up where we left off from the dried tobacco in the farms and now into the hands of production.
3 separate factories await the group as we embark on the journey from tobacco to cigar. From high production to boutique establishments, you’ll get the full picture of what they are about and how their product ends up in your humidor.
See how companies pick and choose their blends, & then hand roll them to perfection. From the hands of master blenders to the labeling process, you won’t miss out on a second of what these guys have coming up.
After you have the night to enjoy at your own pace. As always, hosts will be heading out to a cigar lounge in Santiago and you are welcome to join in!
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![A stack of cigar-looking dark brown wood sticks displayed in a row on a wooden surface.]()
Day 4: Blending Day
Another day, another morning embracing the lifestyle that is the DR. At the afternoon we will pick you up and take you out on a truly spectacular experience.
Today you get hands on with blending your own cigars. Pick and choose your unique flavor profile to create your own cigar blend!
At night you’ll join us for dinner at a mountainside restaurant to enjoy the views of Santiago lit up at night and a fresh menu that is sure to impress. Dinner is on us tonight to celebrate more than just cigars, but also the culture of the Dominican Cigar.
*alcohol not included
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![A row of green golf carts parked on a golf course with trees and grass in the background.]()
Day 5: Free Day
The free day has arrived!
Maybe a local suggested a lounge you haven’t been to yet this week, or a factory you’ve had your eye on is available to visit. No matter what you want to do, the day is yours to do it!
Visit the local cigar shops to bolster your collection, or spend the day on the golf course with a Golfing Add-On with your hosts.
This is your final 24 hours to soak in the city of Santiago.
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![An airplane flying in a sky filled with scattered clouds.]()
Day 6: Departure Day
The final day to get breakfast and buy those last cigars. Spend the day at your leisure and the complimentary shuttles will take you to the airport at the desired time.
Enjoy the memories and look forward to the next cigar trip in the future! See you in Esteli!
What You’ll Get
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✺Accommodations
Center of Santiago in a hotel that puts you in walking distance of many different attractions.
The hotel includes an outdoor pool to enjoy the environment of the Dominican, casino, and lively atmosphere for you to call home for the week.
*single and multi person rooms are available.
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✺Meals
Breakfast is included at the hotel every morning of the trip.
Dinner at a well-known restaurant that features a cigar friendly atmosphere.
Dinner at a mountain side restaurant overlooking the city of Santiago on a cigar friendly patio. The menu is curated for each season, providing the best dishes for you to enjoy.
*Alcohol purchases not included
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✺Personal Experiences
Local cigar lounge rum and cigar pairing experience.
Private factory tours to 3 industry leading establishments.
Private tour of tobacco farm that has grown Cigar of the Year tobacco.
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✺Transportation
Transportation is provided from the airport to hotel and all scheduled events.
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✺Tips
Tips for all support staff have been included in the cost of the trip.
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✺Trip Hosts
You will have access to and guidance from your Nomad Navigation team during the entirety of the trip. All logistics will be taken care of for you so you can just enjoy the trip.
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✺Industry Insider Knowledge
Enjoy not just another touristy trip to the Dominican. Our trip hosts have traveled to Santiago before and worked in the industry, so the knowledge and connections will be seen from recommendations for meals to what lounge to call it a night with your favorite stick.
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✺Planning: None
With all Nomad trips, the amount of planning you have to do is minimal. We plan the largest part of the trip and the small details, you show up and enjoy. Ample free time is schedule into the week so if you want to explore on your own you absolutely can! Or if you want to rely on hosts recommendations we’ve got you covered there as well.
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✺Transaction Fees
Transaction fees for deposit and up to one payment are included.
You may choose to select a payment plan, but fees will apply to payments other than the final amount for the cost of the tip.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Dates for this trip are changing. Look for updates soon!
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You purchase your flight to Santiago. We will take it from there. This trip is built for relaxing and exploring. You will have some free time away from the scheduled events for your personal pleasure. That is at your cost.
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This is a very popular trip and spots are filling up quickly! Deposits will hold your spot and final payment is due by May 19th, 2025.
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Absolutely! This trip is designed to be a great time whether you’ve traveled before or are in possession of a never before stamped passport. Trip hosts will always be available so you are never navigating alone if you aren’t comfortable.
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When you make your deposit, there will be an add-on available to let us know you want to schedule a round! Tee times are subject to availability as well as renting golf clubs. Please let us know which option you prefer when it comes to renting clubs or bringing your own.
You can also choose to add-on a round later on, which will be subject to the availability of the course.
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Some of these unique established are limited with space. So to keep this a more personal experience. We will have 2 trip hosts and 13* spots available for guest.
*subject to availability
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Trip with single hotel room is only $2835. Shared (2 person room) is only $2435. Please reach out to us if you would like alternative room options.
$600 deposit, with final payment due before May 19th, 2025.
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The first 30 days of the trip launching, we are giving an early bird discount that takes $100 off of the trip. You’ll see this reflected on your deposit for the trip.
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Of course! each day you have your own personal time to enjoy your trip. You can relax at the hotel pool, gamble at the hotel casino, or go back to your favorite spot you found in town. Don’t forget to stock up on the local cigars, coffee, or food before you have to leave.
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Payment plans are available on a request basis. While transaction fees are included in the overall cost, any payment made outside of the initial deposit and final payment are not included. Please email us to arrange a payment plan for the trip and a timeline that works best for you.