  
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

— Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist

In the Footsteps of The Alchemist

A Journey through Spain, Morocco, and Egypt

The Alchemist, a book by Paulo Coelho, has changed the course of many lives, including mine. I remember the first time I read The Alchemist on a flight from Los Angeles to Beijing. I was going through a challenging time in my personal relationship, and — as it would do many times in the future — the book helped me find clarity, peace, and a path forward. Since then, every time I read The Alchemist, another life lesson reveals itself … one that had been there all along, I just needed to open my heart and mind to see it.

It is my passion for this book that inspired me to craft this Journey that, as the title suggests, follows in the Footsteps of the Alchemist. If you answer the call of your heart, you will spend 2 weeks exploring and connecting with the history, culture, and people of southern Spain, northern Morocco, and Egypt. More important than this extraordinary 'Outer Journey' that you will go on is the 'Inner Journey' of learning and growth that you will experience throughout this adventure. You will be invited to look inward to find your own treasure and the Personal Legend that is awaiting each of us. I hope you consider embarking on this extraordinary journey. It will change your life forever.

Michael Bennett, Ed.D. | Co-Founder @ Explorer X

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Highlights of this Journey

While we are keeping the detailed itinerary a bit of a mystery so that you can focus more on the Journey of learning and growth rather than trip logistics, we can share some of the experiences, activities, and adventures we are most excited about!
+ A day with a shepherd in the Andalusian countryside
+ Private intro to Moroccan tea ceremony and tasting
+ Free time to explore the souks and markets of Tangier
+ An evening in the Desert with a Bedouin community
+ Privately guided visit to the Pyramids at Giza

Learn More

  
“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”

― Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist

Your Journey begins in **Spain …**

You’ll spend the first 4 days of your adventure exploring the rolling countryside of **Andalucia**. You’ll meet with shepherds and farmers, visit local villages, enjoy the food and wine of this spectacular region of southern Spain, and experience what life would have been like for Santiago. Next, head to Tarifa, a town on the southern coast with stunning views across the Mediterranean to Africa, where local musicians and gypsies will share their traditions and culture.

  
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: The fear of failure.”

― Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist

The Journey continues in Morocco …

From Spain, sail across the straight of Gibraltar to **Morocco**. Over the course of the next 4 days, you’ll explore the lovely port city of Tangier with a local guide: Learn about the importance of tea in Morocco, meet local experts and artisans who will teach you about Moroccan and Arabic culture, and spend time meandering through the souks and markets of northern Morocco.

  
“It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

— Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist

Finally, your Journey ends in Egypt.

Lastly, make your way to **Egypt**, where you’ll spend the first 2 nights at the Fayoum Oasis, a location of one of our favorite scenes from the book. After exploring the desert and learning about the Bedouin people and the culture of the Oasis, head to **Cairo** for the final 2 nights of your adventure. On the last full day of your adventure, you’ll have a privately guided visit to the **Pyramids at Giza**. That night, celebrate the Journey you have been on and prepare to pursue your Personal Legend.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”

― Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist

Handpicked Accommodations

Throughout your Journey, stay at small, charming, local accommodations that capture the essence and spirit of the destinations you will be visiting. These properties have been handpicked by our experts on the ground in Spain, Morocco, and Egypt; here are a few of them to whet your appetite!