Full-day tour of Higuey with local lunch at a ranch

This snapshot of Dominican life beyond the Coconut Coast has all the makings for a great day out. A sugarcane farm and a cigar-rolling demonstration are just some of the highlights, along with lunch at a local ranch. As Ramon, one of our local guides, says, ‘I'm always proud to show off my heritage through our food. Like the island itself, Dominican cuisine has been influenced by Taino, Spanish and African flavours. There's even a hint of the Middle East in some dishes. You'll see, smell and taste a whole new side to our country.'We kick off early, with a trip to Higuey to see the famous Altagracia Basilica – a pilgrimage site because of its miraculous image of Our Lady. Then, make sure to have your camera at the ready as we take a scenic drive through rustic villages, on our way to the next stop – a coconut oil producer. You'll also visit a sugarcane farm for a rum tasting session and watch a cigar-rolling demonstration with a master of his craft.After such a busy morning, you'll be ready for your lunch - a feast of typical dishes made with locally sourced produce. You'll also get to see a family's farm and coffee estate, and taste freshly grown cocoa and fruit. We'll round the day of exploration with some time to relax in natural surroundings and maybe enjoy a swim.