Dominican Republic self drive tour
 

Hello, we have been invited to stay with friends in their home in Punta Cana - not a place we would have chosen for a vacation as we totally dislike big all inclusive resorts, shopping malls, organized avtivity - but we are not turning it down! We'd also like to add an extra 5-6 days to tour the island by car. I have come up with this itinerary but would appreciate suggestions from experts.
2 nights Santo Domingo
Drive to friends' home - 6 nights
1 night Samana peninsula - where is the best place to stay? Is it fun to be close to Las Terrenas in terms of walking arround town, finding a nice restaurant in the evening? Or is Las Galeras a better option? Is whale watching a good experience for the whales as well as for us?
1 night Puerto Plata - in town or out? Any accommodation suggestions?
1 night Jarabacoa - stopover or other place from where to see the scenery around Constanza
3 nights Barahona - already booked
I would add our budget is around $200 per night. We prefer clean and quirky as opposed to top amenities and luxury, we like to drive a lot and don't mind staying in a different place every night. Our interests are nature, food, animals, colonial architecture, local villages & people.
Any suggestions most welcome.