For cigar aficionados this is a must do your while visiting Dominican Republic, Eugenio the tour guide is very knowledgable and passionate about the process around manufacturing a high quality cigar and how to really appreciate the flavor and aroma. Eugenio also is willing to teach and share that kind of appreciation to the visitor.
Your guide shakes your hand and sticks a cigar in your mouth and then walks you through the factory where every part of the process can be experienced. It's an excellent tour, an excellent factory and an excellent cigar. The guide obviously enjoys his cigar as well his job and he is one of the best parts of the tour. Make sure to buy a couple of boxes of cigars when you leave. If not for yourself, they make great presents. You'll regret it if you don't!
Learn about the cigar history and the La Aurora brand from the most friendly and welcoming family + Eugenio + Javier
I went with three friends for the factory tour. We made reservation in the morning and when we arrived Eugenio was waiting to take us on the tour. The tour exceeded all our expectations. Eugenio showed us how to light, hold and walk with a cigar. He really enjoyed his job and enjoyed sharing his appreciation of a fine cigar with us. We saw all aspects of the cigar factory and the various tobaccos and cigars. During the tour we were given a cigar to smoke. I am not a big cigar fan, but then I have never had such a fine cigar. I thoroughly enjoyed the cigar and was disappointed when I finally had to put it out when I finished. The shop has all levels of cigars and Eugenio will treat you well with some deals. The shop staff was also very helpful. This is a great business with a proud tradition that takes pride in its product and its people. If you are near Santiago, Dominican Republic make sure to book a tour. Our only negative about the tour was trying to find the factory. Most tours are booked through guides. We did our own. The Trip Advisor map shows the factory in the middle of Spain. For those coming from Puerto Plata, take the new toll road DR 1 north of Santiago. Take the exit to Tamboril. The free trade park is about a kilometer north on the right. Ask the guard from there. We took many wrong turns trying to find it. We all agreed afterwards that the effort was well worth it.
We visited last week and the entire staff were great. The tour took around 45 minutes. We were offered a selection of complimentary cigars to enjoy during the tour. Nice touch! Dress casual in light clothing as there are sections without air conditioning! We did buy cigars from factory store at a discounted price. Our tour had 12 in our group, many different nationalities, fun group. The cigar factory guide spoke 5 languages so no issue with our International group. I highly recommend the tour if you enjoy seeing the cigar making process up close.
I had a great time. I walked through the factory and saw first hand how some of the best cigars in the world are made by hand. I even was allowed to help make some of the cigars. The workers and staff were very friendly and answered all my questions with patience and ease.
I like the ambiance and the the staff treated me well considering I don't speak spanish well. Very nice setting and seating inside and out
To see the entire process of cigar making is incredible. All Brothers Of The Leaf should see the effort put into making the cigars we enjoy.
One of the best excursions I have ever been a part of. Only non Dominicans can tour the facility so one the couples with us had to wait in the lounge area at the factory shop but the rest of us had a great time. We started with visiting the area where the tobaco is dried and followed the hand rolling process from start to finished product, all individually wrapped to preserve their freshness. Very surprised to see that the work force are allowed to sample there products during work time but are forbidden from taking any out of the factory. We were even instructed in how to smoke a cigar correctly to ensure full enjoyment to the very last puff.I would like to add that I do not and have never been a smoker but had a wonderful time.
Visited the factory and was just so impressed. "Eugene" and staff were freindly, welcoming and made us feel right at home...like old friends. Factory was amazing, and every where we went staff was friendly and happy. The cigar knowledge was amazing as was the history. Getting the chance to meet the rollers and watch them at work was just spellbinding. Highly recommend this tour.