Join us for an exhilarating adventure across Turkey as we pedal through history with Islamic Relief's Cycling Challenge, where every mile counts towards changing lives.

Embark on an unparalleled adventure that not only tests your physical limits as you cycle through Turkey but also offers an immersive journey into Ottoman history. Accompanied by a seasoned guide, you'll delve into the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire, visiting significant historical sites along the way. Seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support those in need in Palestine while tackling this extraordinary challenge.

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Living under occupation and a constant threat of violence, Palestinians have been robbed of nearly every basic human right. Food insecurity; poor water quality; limited access to healthcare; lack of education opportunities; high unemployment; and restricted movement are only a few of the many problems the people of Palestine are forced to face in their daily lives. 

Gaza has been described as an “open-air prison.” Years of restrictions on movement coupled with blockades have left over 2 million residents stuck with little hope of bettering their lives. Reports conclude that Gaza will soon become “unlivable” if this continues. The conflict has also led to one of the biggest refugee crises our world has faced. More than 7 million Palestinians have been displaced.

Our hope is to show the people of Palestine they have not been forgotten.

Join us on this challenge and support our brothers and sisters in their time of need.

Eligibility Requirements for Sign-Up:

• Age: Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Physical Fitness: Individuals should be physically fit and capable of participating in physically demanding challenges.
• Health Conditions: Participants should not have any serious medical or health conditions that could jeopardize their well-being, such as physical injuries, heart conditions, or pregnancy. It is advisable to consult with a doctor before signing up.
• Fundraising Goal: All participants must raise 100% of their fundraising goal before the challenge begins.

Refund Policy

Refund requests for deposit payments will only be considered if vendor payments have not yet been finalized. Once vendor payments have been completed, deposit payments become non-refundable. Please note that this may occur as early as one month prior to the event or even earlier.

DAY 1 - Saturday September 14, 2024

• Arrive in Istanbul
• Drive to Eskişehir
• Hotel check-in and free time

DAY 2 - Sunday September 15, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Trekking in Yazilikaya Village (4 hours)
• Explore old villages and Phrygian sites
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner at hotel

DAY 3 - Monday September 16, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Syed Gazi Complex
• Visit the mosque and tomb of Syed Battal Gazi
• Pick up bikes and cycle 43km back to Eskişehir
• Overnight in Eskişehir

DAY 4 - Tuesday September 17, 2024

• Morning visit to Old Eskişehir District, Odunpazari
• Cycle to Sogut (50km)
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Visit Ertugrul Gazi Tomb & Fountains, Ertugrul Gazi Museum, Hamidiye Idadisi & Hamidiye Mosque & Medrese
• Overnight in Sogut

DAY 5 - Wenesday September 18, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Cycle to Osmaneli through Vezirhan
• Lunch at 17th-century Caravansaray in Vezirhan
• Free time and tour of old streets in Osmaneli
• Drive to Nicea
• Overnight in Nicea

DAY 6- Thursday September 19, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Cycle around Nicea
• Visit Hagia Sophia Mosque, Nilufer Hatun Imaret, Green Mosque and historic tile workshops’ archaeological site
• Free time to enjoy Nicea Lake
• Drive to Bursa
• Overnight in Bursa

DAY 7 - Friday September 20, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Explore Bursa – Great Mosque, Koza Han, Green Mosque & Green Tomb
• Visit Cumalikizik
• Drive to Istanbul
• Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 8 - Saturday September 21, 2024

• Explore Istanbul – Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazar
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 9 - Saturday September 22, 2024

• Breakfast at hotel
• Free time until departure
• Transfer to the airport for flight home

“If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.”

–Anthony Bourdain