Have you ever dreamt of seeing all seven of the New Wonders of the World?
Conquer the Seven Wonders in seven days with the power of private charter
Have you ever dreamt of seeing all seven of the New Wonders of the World? Thanks to private aviation, the ambitious challenge of seeing all seven in just seven days is no longer a far-fetched fantasy. While adventurers like Guinness World Record holder Jamie McDonald and travel YouTuber Simon Wilson have tackled the challenge on scheduled airlines – enduring sleepless nights in terminals and navigating punishing flight schedules – flying by private charter offers an entirely different experience.
Traditional attempts to complete this whirlwind tour are often gruelling, with travellers sleeping upright in economy seats or curled up on airport floors while enduring endless layovers. By contrast, an ultra-long-range private jet transforms the experience:
- Fly on your own schedule, with direct routing between each destination;
- Maximise your time at each wonder by avoiding long check-ins, security queues, and waiting for connecting flights;
- Rest and recharge properly in cabins with flat beds, private space, and curated dining, enabling you to step off the aircraft ready to explore;
- Access airports closer to the action, cutting down on ground transfers and giving you more precious hours on-site.
The seven-day journey – full itinerary
Route: China → India → Jordan → Italy → Mexico → Peru → Brazil
Total duration: 7 days (168 hours)
Estimated total travel time (flights + transfers): ~70–75 hours
Aircraft: Ultra-long-range private jet
Total Time at the Seven Wonders: ~20.5–27 hours
Though rules for the official challenge state that travel must happen on scheduled airlines, each stop on our itinerary is timed to align with official access rules and logistical realities, ensuring the experience remains meaningful rather than rushed.
Day 1 – The Great Wall of China
London → Beijing
- Flight time: ~9.5–10.5 hours
- Ground transfer: ~1–1.5 hours each way
- Time at the Great Wall: ~4–5 hours
Depart London Farnborough in the evening and arrive in Beijing by morning. A private transfer will whisk you to a quieter section of the wall, where you can enjoy a walk along its ancient stones in peaceful surroundings. Lunch is served at a nearby hilltop restaurant before an evening free to explore China’s capital city before flying westward.
Day 2 – The Taj Mahal, India
Beijing → Agra
- Flight time: ~6–7 hours
- Ground transfer: ~25 minutes each way
- Time at the Taj Mahal: ~3–4 hours
Fly to Agra at sunrise, arriving in time for a morning visit to the Taj Mahal while the white marble glows in soft light. Enjoy a private guided tour through the gardens and interiors, followed by a traditional Mughlai lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Agra Fort or imbibing the culture and gastronomy of this historic city before your evening flight.
Day 3 – Petra, Jordan
Agra → Aqaba
- Flight time: ~6.5–7.5 hours
- Ground transfer: ~2 hours each way
- Time at Petra: ~4–5 hours
Land in Aqaba and drive across the Wadi Rum desert to Petra. Enter the ancient city through the Siq and witness the Treasury’s iconic façade. After a private archaeological tour and late lunch in a Bedouin tent, return to Aqaba for a sunset dinner overlooking the Red Sea, in preparation for a relaxing flight west for your Italian itinerary.
Day 4 – The Colosseum, Italy
Aqaba → Rome
- Flight time: ~4.5–5 hours
- Ground transfer: ~30 minutes each way
- Time at the Colosseum: ~2–3 hours
Arrive in Rome in the early morning. Enjoy a private tour of the Colosseum, including access to the underground passages and arena floor. Continue with a guided walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Americas are next on the horizon; rest in comfort and luxury in your private cabin for an expansive flight across the Atlantic.
Day 5 – Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Rome → Cancún
- Flight time: ~10–11 hours
- Ground transfer: ~2.5 hours each way
- Time at Chichén Itzá: ~3–4 hours
Land in Cancún and transfer by private vehicle to Chichén Itzá. Explore El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court with your expert guide. A catered picnic is served on-site in a shaded area before returning to the coast for an evening of relaxation before an overnight flight to South America.
Day 6 – Machu Picchu, Peru
Cancún → Cusco
- Flight time: ~5.5–6.5 hours
- Ground & rail transfers: ~4–5 hours each way
- Time at Machu Picchu: ~2.5–3.5 hours
Land in Cusco, and transfer to the luxury train that winds through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Ascend to Machu Picchu for a full guided experience, learning about Incan history and architecture. Enjoy a sunset view before returning to the jet to head to your final stop, and seventh wonder.
Day 7 – Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Cusco → Rio de Janeiro
- Flight time: ~4.5–5.5 hours
- Ground transfer: ~30 minutes each way
- Time at Christ the Redeemer: ~1–2 hours
Complete your journey in Rio de Janeiro. Take a private cable car and vehicle tour to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, gazing over the city and beaches from its panoramic platform. Conclude the adventure with a champagne toast and sunset dinner overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain.
Across seven countries and four continents, this expanded itinerary maximises your time at each Wonder, balancing comfort with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Private charter vs. scheduled airlines: a world of difference
Attempting an ‘around-the-world’ challenge with scheduled airlines often means navigating fixed timetables, indirect routes, and numerous layovers. Rest is snatched wherever possible, whether in cramped airline seats or during long airport waits.
In contrast, a private charter transforms the experience. With direct routes, flexible departures, and minimal airport hassles, the journey flows seamlessly. Ultra-long-range jets offer fully flat berths and dedicated sleeping areas, allowing for genuine rest on overnight flights. Despite the demanding pace, proper sleep, onboard dining, and no repeated check-ins make the seven-day journey more sustainable.
Previous scheduled-airline attempts, like those by Travel YouTuber Simon Wilson and a Guinness World Record holder, focused on speed over experience. These journeys involved fixed schedules, indirect routes, long layovers, and limited time at each Wonder, often just a few hours. The goal was to complete the challenge, not to savour each landmark.
A private-charter itinerary, however, prioritises comfort, continuity, and curated visits. Direct routes cut down on transit inefficiencies, departure times match official access windows, and overnight flights are spent in luxury rather than terminals. While the pace is still intense, travellers arrive at each Wonder refreshed and ready to savour the experience.
Experience the wonders without the hassle
While this journey is not about breaking records – Guinness rules prohibit private jets – it is about creating a unique, aspirational travel experience. With a private charter, you can focus on the moments and experiences that matter, not the queues or layovers.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you offer your clients experiences well outside the ordinary.