Seven wonders. Seven days.
To put our modern retailing platform to the test, we sent Jamie ‘Adventureman’ McDonald around the world to visit the Seven Wonders of the World in seven days, in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt. All on public transport. All powered by Travelport+.
The challenge
Day 01
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Ready. Set. Go. Adventureman’s challenge kicks off at sunrise at one of the world’s most recognizable Wonders. Is this structure really visible from space? Not according to NASA. But it’s a mighty starting spot, as visiting means climbing a lot of steps. And what goes up must come down (and fast) to make the next flight. The question is…how?
Arrival:
06:30am
Day 02
Arrive Rome
TAJ MAHAL
A hop, skip, and two flights later, Adventureman arrives in Delhi. Next up: the architectural majesty of the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum is a symbol of love – built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete, but there’s only time for a whistlestop visit. The clock is ticking as he crosses mesmerizing, chaotic Delhi to get there by train, soaking in everything that makes this place a feast for the senses.
Arrival:
00:25am
Time until next flight:
15hrs 50mins
Day 03
Arrive Rome
PETRA
Adventureman isn’t the first hero to gasp at the mind-blowing ancient city of Petra. Three days in and he’s following hot on the heels of Indiana Jones, making his way to the famous Treasury site within the Rose City. This Wonder is truly awesome, a scene to behold complete with culture, camels, and chatty locals galore. Three Wonders down, four to go.
Arrival:
01:40am
Time until next flight:
23hrs 05mins
Day 04
Arrive Rome
COLOSSEUM
Adventureman has to see it. It’s time for him to visit the famous Colosseum – an ancient amphitheater known for gladiator fights, underground passages…and more recently, long queues. With limited time at this Wonder, will he make his next flight, or could the trip be in jeopardy only halfway through?
Arrival:
12:40pm
Time until next flight:
6hrs 55mins
Day 05
Arrive Rio de Janeiro
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
A last-minute flight exchange has answered Adventureman’s prayers, and he’s on the move again – this time to see Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. Standing at 30 meters tall, the statue welcomes our hero to his fifth destination with outstretched arms that span 28 meters. The humidity is building, the adrenaline is pumping, and the endorphins are propelling him on.
Arrival:
07:20am
Time until next flight:
12hrs 10mins
Day 06
Arrive Cusco
MACHU PICCHU
It’s Adventureman’s most difficult task yet: getting in and out of mysterious Machu Picchu in a matter of hours. Not only has the temperature dropped, so too has his time to reach the penultimate Wonder. He has tough trek to reach the breathtaking site (located over 2000 meters high), but with a perfectly planned itinerary and the best tools and agents on his side, he may even get a chance to pick up a souvenir or two.
Arrival:
06:20am
Time until next flight:
15hrs 55mins
Day 07
Arrive Cancun
CHICHÉN ITZÁ
06:32am
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MEET
ADVENTUREMAN
Jamie McDonald is an adventurer, author, and motivational speaker who has broken multiple world records, all in the name of charity.
MEET
TRAVELBAG
Find out more about the travel agency that made the 7 Wonders Challenge possible using Travelport+. Now that’s a modern retailer.