Challenge: TURKIYE | Cycling Challenge

Date and Time: September 14-22

Registration Fee: $900

Fundraising Target: $3,000

Register by: July 1

REGISTER NOW

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

Cycle through Turkiye and learn all about the Ottoman Empire!

This unique, one-of-a-kind challenge not only pushes you to the limits physically as you cycle through Turkiye but also allows you to learn and experience Ottoman history. You will have the chance to immerse yourself in this rich history by visiting key historical sites while accompanied by an experienced guide.

And all for a good cause – take on this challenge of a lifetime while raising funds to provide emergency aid in Palestine.

Provide Emergency Aid in Palestine

The people of Gaza have been suffering the most horrific of attacks and systematic Israeli aggression as they experience over 6 months of indiscriminate violence, ongoing blockade, and a starvation diet. Nearly 77,000 Palestinians have been injured and 33,970 people killed, with 1.8 million people forcefully displaced. 

There is an urgent need for food and other basic survival items due to rising famine, poor sanitation and overcrowding. As conditions rapidly deteriorate, Islamic Relief remains steadfast in our determination to stand with the people of Palestine.

Islamic Relief is on the ground in Khan Younis, Deir Al Balah, Zawayda, and Rafah, delivering daily ready-to-eat hot meals in Gaza. We are also distributing hygiene kits, clean water via water tanks, and psychosocial support for the children of Gaza.

This is where your donations will go towards: providing life-saving aid and support to bring relief and dignity to the people of Gaza.

 
 

PACKAGE & INFORMATION

What will Islamic Relief cover with registration fees?

  • Transportation within Turkiye to/from airport in Istanbul 
  • 3 meals/day for duration of trip (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Costs of all activities and tours listed below
  • Entrance fees for sites/parks 

What will YOU have to cover?

  • Transportation to/from Turkiye/Istanbul (Flight + baggage expenses)
  • Selected meals on arrival/departure dates
  • Snacks outside of meals
  • Souvenir/Gift Shopping
  • Personal Expenses
  • Medical Expenses (travel insurance is required)
  • Hiking Equipment (boots, poles)
  • All other expenses outside of Islamic Relief Turkiye Cycling Challenge (extra tours, stays, transportation, meals)

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Istanbul
  • Drive to Eskişehir
  • Hotel check-in and free time
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Trekking in Yazilikaya Village (4 hours)
  • Explore old villages and Phrygian sites
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Dinner at hotel
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer to Syed Ghazi Complex
  • Visit the mosque and tomb of Syed Battal Gazi
  • Pick up bikes and cycle 43km back to Eskişehir
  • Overnight in Eskişehir
  • 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 İdadisi & Hamidiye Mosque & Medrese
  • Overnight in Sogut
  • 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
  • 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
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Explore Bursa – Great Mosque, Koza Han, Green Mosque & Green Tomb
  • Visit Cumalikizik
  • Drive to Istanbul
  • Overnight in Istanbul
  • Explore Istanbul – Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazar
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Istanbul
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Free time until departure
  • Transfer to the airport for flight home

*Please note that all activities are pre-planned, but may be subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

More Information

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.

Please note that all applicants will undergo a selection process to ensure that participants meet the specific requirements and criteria of the challenge. Selected participants will be notified and provided further instructions on how to proceed with their registration and preparation for the event.

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.

Questions?

Email us at [email protected] with any questions or for any further information. We’re here to support 9am to 5pm EST, Monday to Friday.