Real Mexico

This 14-day overland trip runs from Mexico City down to the Caribbean coast at Playa del Carmen, taking in a real cross-section of the country along the way. You'll travel with a small group through colonial cities, highland towns and jungle ruins, covering a lot of ground without rushing past any of it.

Expect cobblestoned streets in Oaxaca, mountain air in San Cristobal de las Casas, and the ruins of Palenque tucked into the jungle, before winding up on the Yucatan peninsula for Chichen Itza and the colour of Valladolid. Food is a big part of it too — street tacos, tostadas and tejate along the way.

There's plenty of free time built in, so you can go as active or as laid-back as you like, whether that's exploring on your own or settling into a bar for the evening.

What you'll do

• Wander the cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture of Oaxaca
• Spend time in the highland town of San Cristobal de las Casas
• Explore the jungle ruins of Palenque
• Visit Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
• See the colourful streets of Valladolid
• Eat your way through street tacos, tostadas and tejate