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Watercolor Adventure in the Dominican Republic with Madeline & Amber
Dates
Apr 27 – May 3, 2024
Group Size
8–20 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileMadeline Kerrii & Amber Lane
Madeline loves watercolor, food, and traveling so this trip is a blend of all her favorite things. She lives in CA with her husband and two kids. Hi, It’s Amber…I’m an eclectic and rustic artist who tries to push herself daily to learn more, explore and stay curious. I absolutely can’t wait to share this experience with you.
Trip Activities
Hidden Beach Hopping
El Limón Waterfall Hike
El Limón Waterfall Visit
Playa Frontón and Playa Madama Visit
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
Local guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Arrival airport transfer on a group basis (until 5pm on first day)
Departure airport transfer on a group basis (morning of last day)
Not Included
Flights (except as noted)
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and Travel insurance
Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
Tips & Gratuity
What's included by Your Host
Welcome Workshop
Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor Workshop
Impromptu Plein Air Painting Sessions
Possible (bonus) Watercolor Workshop
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Arrival Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) to the hotel between 8am and 5pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.
dinner
Welcome dinner at the hotel is included. Dinner will usually be a buffet style of international cuisine with Caribbean influences, subject to change.
Hodelpa Novus Plaza (or similar)
Overnight in Santo Domingo
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer to Las Galeras
Take a private transfer to Las Galeras on Samana. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.
dinner
Dinner at the restaurant in Hotel Villa Serena. Dinner will typically be a set menu of international cuisine with Caribbean influences, with one non-alcoholic drink included. Menu is subject to change.
Welcome Workshop
Join us for our first official workshop seaside in the watercolor studio at the Hotel Villa Serena hotel. We will break out our supplies, talk about techniques and learn and explore color.
Hotel Villa Serena (or similar)
Overnight in Las Galeras
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Villa Serena hotel offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Watercolor Workshop
Inspired by our day of beach hopping we'll get to paint together for two watercolor workshops. Madeline will demo a landscape for the morning session. Amber will demo a landscape for the afternoon session.
Hidden Beach Hopping
Today you'll spend the afternoon beach hopping through 7 hidden beaches. You'll be walking almost 2 miles on sand, dirt, and uneven ground but with little to no elevation gain. Your journey culminates at the breathtaking Playa Rincón, an unspoiled paradise framed by lush palm trees and fringed by powder-soft sands, with the serene presence of the Caño Frío River gently flowing nearby.
Watercolor Workshop
Inspired by our day of beach hopping we'll get to paint together for two watercolor workshops. Madeline will demo a landscape for the morning session. Amber will demo a landscape for the afternoon session.
Hotel Villa Serena (or similar)
Overnight in Las Galeras
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Villa Serena hotel offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to El Limón Waterfall Trailhead
Take a private transfer to the El Limón Waterfall trailhead.
El Limón Waterfall Hike
Enjoy this hike to the amazing natural waterfall. On your way you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna. The wild landscape thrives with native plants like royal palm trees and pineapples, while birds such as the palmchat (the DR's national bird), the Hispaniolan woodpecker, and the Broad-billed tody fill the air. Expect to walk on a dirt trail with rocks. Overall the trail has minimal elevation gain, but does have a few steep inclines as well as a final (roughly) 250 stairs decent to the base of the waterfall. Bathrooms are available at the trail head and before the entrance to the waterfall itself. Distance: 1.5 miles one-way (3 miles roundtrip) / Elevation Gain: 500 feet / Difficulty: Moderate / Duration: 1 hour (each way)
El Limón Waterfall Visit
After reaching the waterfall, relax, take some iconic photos and of course take a dip in the emerald pool. Time spent here can vary from group to group, but typically groups will spend one hour at the waterfall before returning.
lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Lunch will typically be a Dominican style buffet, with one non-alcoholic drink included. Menu is subject to change.
Return Transfer from El Limón Waterfall Trailhead to the Hotel
Take a private return transfer from the El Limón Waterfall trailhead back to your hotel.
Watercolor Workshop
After our waterfall hike and lunch, we will meet again together in the afternoon in our watercolor studio. This session will be a collaborative paint along. Madeline and Amber will be available for questions.
Hotel Villa Serena (or similar)
Overnight in Las Galeras
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Villa Serena hotel offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Boat Transfer to Playa Fronton
Take a short 15 minute walk to La Playita where you will hop on a small private boat to head to Playa Fronton. Boats can hold 8-10 people per vessel, so depending on the size of the group you may need to take two boats. Life jackets will be provided during your boat transfer.
Playa Frontón and Playa Madama Visit
Playa Frontón is a secluded beach only reachable by boat. You will have the place all to yourself to snorkel through its clear waters filled with marine life. You'll be able to spot different types of colorful fish that make this special place their home. You will have a fruit snack as you bask in the sun and serene nature before making a short stop at Playa Madama on your way back to La Playita. Due to the fact that these beaches are remote and untouched, there will not be bathrooms available here. We recommend using "nature's bathroom" if necessary. Mask and snorkel are provided.
snack
Fruit snack included at Playa Frontón.
Return Boat Transfer to La Playita
Take a return boat transfer back to La Playita. Boats can hold 8-10 people per vessel, so depending on the size of the group you may need to take two boats. Life jackets will be provided during your boat transfer.
lunch
Lunch in La Playita is included.
Watercolor Workshop
We'll again meet in our waterfront art studio for a painting session after our boat and beach day.
Impromptu Plein Air Painting Sessions
Gather informally for a group plein air painting session.
Hotel Villa Serena (or similar)
Overnight in Las Galeras
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Villa Serena hotel offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Santo Domingo
Take a private transfer to Santo Domingo. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.
dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner will typically be a Dominican style buffet, subject to change.
Possible (bonus) Watercolor Workshop
Time permitting, we will have one last gathering to paint a fun farewell activity.
Hodelpa Novus Plaza
Overnight in Santo Domingo
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Departure Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 2 departure transfers from the hotel to Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) between 8am and 12pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to the trip departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to the airport.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.