In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful
In June 2025, we set out on a road trip across Europe that would take us over 5,400 miles (8,700 km) in less than two weeks. Starting from England, we travelled through seven countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and finally back through France before returning home to the UK. This wasn’t just about the miles we covered, it was about experiencing the landscapes, history, and cultures of each place along the way. A big part of the journey was discovering Europe’s rich Islamic heritage, whether through visiting mosques, historic sites, or simply connecting with local communities. From the busy streets of major cities to quiet coastal towns and mountain passes, every day brought something new. What follows is a record of that journey, part practical guide, part reflection, for anyone thinking of setting out on a similar adventure.
Day 1 – Saturday, 14 June 2025
From UK to Lyon
The trip began in England, with its rolling green landscapes giving way to the busy motorways leading south. Knowing that we would soon be entering France, we secured the Crit’Air emissions sticker online, essential for driving in France’s low-emission zones. This small but vital sticker (cost: approx. €4.61 / £4) helps avoid fines when entering cities with environmental restrictions. Although the physical sticker is sent by post, an email receipt provided peace of mind for the journey ahead. Crossing the Dartford Crossing came next, with the £2.50 toll paid online. Our destination was Folkestone, to board the LeShuttle (Eurotunnel). At the terminal, we opted for a next-day return ticket at £200, significantly cheaper than a single one-way fare (£240). The Channel Tunnel crossing at 11:54 am was smooth, the train carrying our vehicle beneath the sea in just over half an hour.
Emerging at Calais, we were now in France, the largest country in Western Europe, famed for its varied landscapes: from the coastal plains of the north to the towering Alps and the sunny Riviera. France is home to Western Europe’s largest Muslim population, estimated at between 5 and 8 million, primarily of North African heritage. This vibrant community is visible in major cities through mosques, halal restaurants, and cultural centres. Adjusting to local time (one hour ahead of the UK) and driving on the right-hand side, we set off towards Lyon. The car’s number plate included a GB marking, so no extra GB sticker was required. Mobile roaming worked well, Lebara SIMs proved reliable on French networks.
The drive involved paying motorway tolls. One major toll on this leg cost around €52. Across much of Europe, motorways are toll roads, with fees ranging from as little as €1 to as much as €50 depending on the distance and route. While non-toll alternatives do exist, they can add hours to a journey and often take you through slower, local roads. Along the way, we enjoyed glimpses of the French countryside: wide, open fields dotted with wind turbines and traditional stone villages.
Arriving in Lyon, France’s third-largest city, known for its Roman heritage and role as a centre of Islamic life, we visited the Grande Mosquée de Lyon. This impressive mosque, with its distinctive dome and minaret, serves as a spiritual hub for the city’s Muslims.
We also visited Mosquée Omar, the regional markaz where we had the chance to meet members of the local community and reflect on the condition of Muslims in France. Isha was called at 11:17 pm and performed immediately after. The day ended with an overnight stay at a hotel in Lyon, bringing to a close the first leg of what promised to be an unforgettable journey.
Day 2 – Sunday, 15 June 2025
From Lyon to Bern
The second day of the journey saw us leave Lyon, the historic city in east-central France, and head towards Switzerland, a country renowned for its alpine beauty, pristine lakes, and well-organised infrastructure. Before entering Switzerland, it was necessary to purchase the Swiss motorway vignette online (cost: €49.95). This mandatory permit covers all motorway tolls across the country, with the exception of two specific routes. Travellers planning to drive in Switzerland should arrange this in advance, as fines for non-compliance can be steep. The drive from Lyon included several tolls along the French motorways, before a refreshing break at Plage Du Sougey on the shores of Lac d’Aiguebelette. This tranquil lake, set against a backdrop of forested hills, offered a peaceful spot to dip our feet in the clear water before continuing the journey.
Crossing into Switzerland was seamless; no customs check or stops at the border. Almost immediately, the scenery transformed: towering mountains, neat villages, and shimmering lakes appeared at every turn. It’s worth noting that mobile roaming on Lebara did not work reliably here, a useful point for travellers to prepare for. We opted for an e-sim alternative, which was cheap and would suffice for our stay in Switzerland. Passing the World Trade Center Lausanne, we made our way to Lac Léman (better known as Lake Geneva), stopping near the UEFA headquarters. The lake, one of the largest in Western Europe, straddles the border between Switzerland and France and is famed for its deep blue waters and views of the Alps.
Further along the journey, we paused at various points along Lake Thun (Thunersee). Scenic stops included spots near Gunten Sigriswil, each offering spectacular views across the lake’s glassy surface framed by snow-capped peaks. A highlight of the day was visiting the St. Beatus Caves (St. Beatus-Höhlen). Located above Lake Thun, the caves are named after Saint Beatus who is said to have driven a dragon from the area. The short climb of 10–15 minutes to reach the entrance rewarded us with panoramic lake views. While there is a fee to explore the interior of the caves, the surrounding area itself was worth the visit.
Next, we explored the famous Interlaken region, a village nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (Brienzersee). The area is famed for its outdoor sports, and alpine scenery.
Continuing towards the Lauterbrunnen Valley, we entered one of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, home to 72 waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. We stopped at a stream on the left-hand side of the road, before admiring Staubbachfall from the car park one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
Though we reached Trümmelbach Falls too late (it closes at 5 PM), it’s worth noting that this unique site features interior glacier-fed waterfalls accessible by lift and tunnels carved inside the mountain. Further along, we saw Erschwandenbachfall, another striking waterfall of the valley.
Our final scenic stop was along the shores of Lake Brienz, where the turquoise waters reflected the surrounding cliffs and forested slopes.
The day concluded in Bern, Switzerland’s capital. This compact city is known for its medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its distinctive arcades, and the iconic clock tower.
Day 3 – Monday, 16 June 2025
From Bern to Milan
The day began with a drive out of Bern, the picturesque capital of Switzerland. Switzerland is home to a small but established Muslim community, making up around 5% of the population. The community consists mainly of people with roots in the Balkans (especially Kosovo and Bosnia), Turkey, and parts of North Africa. Mosques and Islamic centres can be found in most major cities, including Bern, Zurich, and Geneva.
Our destination for the morning was Grindelwald, a village at the foot of the Eiger mountain. Parking was easily arranged using the Parkingpay app. Tickets for the cable car were available only onsite (despite the website’s guidance), and we secured passes for unlimited cable car use plus one activity, priced at around 86 CHF per person.
The cable car transported us to the top station, where we set out on the First Cliff Walk, a metal walkway that hugs the cliffside and typically reveals stunning alpine panoramas. This time, however, low-hanging clouds obscured much of the view. On the descent to the mid-station at Schreckfeld, some of the group experienced the First Glider, while others chose the First Flyer, a zipline that speeds down to Schreckfeld.
Next, we rode mountain carts down to Bort (21 CHF per person), then switched to Trottibikes, sturdy, oversized scooters, for the final leg to Grindelwald (also 21 CHF per person). Both experiences were well worth it and together stood out as highlights of our time in Grindelwald.
After a memorable morning in Grindelwald, we left Switzerland and began making our way towards Italy. The route took us over the spectacular Susten Pass, where we drove through clouds, past icy waterfalls and high-altitude lakes, with the temperature dropping to 9°C. The scenery along this stretch was some of the most dramatic of the trip, with towering peaks and winding mountain roads at every turn.
We passed by the Gotthard Base Tunnel, at 57 km, the world’s longest and deepest railway tunnel, before descending towards the Italian border.
Crossing into Italy was seamless, with no border checks. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and varied landscapes, is home to a Muslim population estimated at around 2% to 3% of the total population. The community is largely made up of immigrants from North Africa, South Asia, and Albania, with notable concentrations in major cities such as Milan, Rome, and Turin. While small compared to some other European nations.
Reaching Lake Como, we navigated the famously narrow, winding roads around Bellagio. These scenic routes, often featured in films, offered stunning views of the lake framed by dramatic hillsides and elegant villas. We stopped at Parchetto della Punta, a peaceful spot perfect for admiring the scenery.
Before reaching our accommodation in Milan, we prayed at Moschea Al-Rahman (Masjid al-Rahman), one of the city’s established mosques serving its vibrant and diverse Muslim community. That evening, we also took the opportunity to try some of the local specialities, freshly made pasta and authentic Italian pizza, a perfect way to end the day. We spent the night in Milan, ready for the next stage of our journey.
Day 4 – Tuesday, 17 June 2025
From Milan to Marseille via Monaco
Leaving Milan, we set our sights on the coast. The journey led us westward, out of Italy, and into France, before briefly entering the tiny but glamorous country of Monaco.
Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world (after Vatican City), covers barely 2 square kilometres. It is a sovereign state famous for luxury, tight winding roads, and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Driving through Monte Carlo, we navigated the legendary Fairmont hairpin bend arguably the most famous corner in motorsport, part of the Formula 1 street circuit. At Port Hercules, we admired the rows of super yachts, a hallmark of this city-state’s opulence.
After Monaco, we re-entered France continuing along the famed French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), we approached Nice. Here, using resources like the Halal Paris guide proved helpful in locating halal eateries. We stopped at Plage Beau Rivage, a popular beach along the Promenade des Anglais, near Nice’s historic old town.
The scenic coastal route led us past Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, noted for its heavy use by private jets, reflecting the region’s affluent visitors. Driving onward towards Cannes, tolls punctuated the journey, typical of French motorways. We passed Plage Macé and stopped at Plage des Rochers de la Bocca, both offering classic Riviera seaside views.
Our route continued along the Mediterranean to Saint-Tropez, famed for its celebrity allure and luxury yachts. Parking was arranged at Parking du Nouveau Port, with fees settled upon exit. A visit to the Port of Saint-Tropez offered more views of sleek yachts and waterfront cafés.
As evening approached, we headed towards Marseille, paying further tolls along the way. On arrival, we noted the Porte d’Aix, a triumphal arch marking the old entry to the city. Marseille, France’s second-largest city, is home to one of the country’s largest Muslim communities. Around 25% of Marseille’s population is of Muslim background, making it a significant centre of Islamic life in southern France, with numerous mosques, halal eateries, and community organisations. We settled for the night in Marseille, having travelled through some of Europe’s most iconic coastal landscapes.
Day 5 – Wednesday, 18 June 2025
From Marseille to Valencia
Departing from Marseille, we began the day by passing some of the city’s historic citadels and grand cathedrals, reminders of its long and layered history as a Mediterranean port. We made a stop at Pointe Rocheuse, a rugged point along the coast offering striking views of the sea, a last look at the French Riviera before crossing borders once again.
From here, the route took us towards Barcelona. Spain, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to around 2 million Muslims (approximately 4% of the population). The majority are of Moroccan origin, with growing communities in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. Spain’s Islamic heritage runs deep, dating back to the era of al-Andalus, when Muslim rule shaped architecture, science, and culture for centuries.
In Barcelona, we stopped at Mirador de Pedres for a view of Barceloneta Beach, a lively stretch of coastline popular with locals and visitors alike. As we navigated the city, we passed the iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Família, a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí’s unique architectural vision, and Camp Nou, the legendary home stadium of FC Barcelona.
Leaving Barcelona, the drive southwards brought us to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, celebrated for its blend of modernity and tradition. Here we prayed at the Gran Mesquita de València, one of the main mosques serving the city’s Muslim community. We settled for the night in Valencia, ready to continue exploring the Iberian Peninsula.
Day 6 – Thursday, 19 June 2025
From Valencia to Lisbon
We left Valencia early, heading west towards Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The drive took us through the arid, sun-drenched landscapes of southern Spain, from afar, we glimpsed the Alcazaba de Badajoz, a mighty fortress from Spain’s Islamic period, standing as a reminder of the deep historical connections between these lands and their Muslim past.
The heat along the route was intense, with temperatures reaching 40°C, making the long drive across the Iberian interior all the more challenging. Crossing into Portugal, we entered a country with a rich seafaring history and striking Atlantic coastline. Though Portugal’s Muslim population is small estimated at around 0.3% of the total its capital Lisbon is home to the largest and most active Muslim community in the country. This community includes immigrants from former Portuguese colonies such as Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, as well as more recent arrivals from North Africa and South Asia.
Portugal shares its time zone with the UK, so the clocks shifted back an hour as we crossed the border a welcome adjustment after days of being an hour ahead. Toll roads continued as we neared the city. One of the most memorable moments of the day was crossing the 25 April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), the striking red suspension bridge that spans the wide Tagus River and forms one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
On reaching the city, we visited the Lisbon Central Mosque (Mesquita Central de Lisboa) a key centre for the Muslim community. When we arrived, the mosque was hosting a Qur’an competition that continued until the Asr prayer. The atmosphere reflected both the vibrancy and the devotion of this small but active community. By the end of Day 6, we had covered approximately 4750 km, traversing mountains, coastlines, and cities. We spent the night in Lisbon, reflecting on the distance covered and the adventures still to come.
Day 7 – Friday, 20 June 2025
Lisbon
After the many kilometres covered in the past week, our stay in Lisbon was a welcome opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect with the local Muslim population. Our morning began at the Lisbon Central Mosque (Mesquita Central de Lisboa). This striking structure, with its blend of modern and Moorish-inspired design, stands as the heart of the city’s small but dedicated Muslim community. We joined the congregation for Jumu'ah prayers, after which the afternoon session of the ongoing Qur’an competition began. The mosque was alive with activity: the recitation of participants filled the hall, drawing attendees from across the city. In the break between sessions, we took a short drive through Lisbon’s historic streets, passing landmarks such as the Church of the Saint Condestable, a reminder of the city’s layered religious history, from Islamic rule during Al-Andalus to centuries of Christian dominance.
Returning to the mosque, we spent the remainder of the day attending the competition, immersed in the spiritual atmosphere. The night was spent once again in Lisbon.
Day 8 – Saturday, 21 June 2025
Exploring Lisbon and Cascais
Our final full day in Lisbon offered a chance to take in some of the city’s natural beauty and family-friendly attractions before heading further along the Portuguese coast. We began by visiting the Tagus River, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. Its wide estuary has long been central to Lisbon’s identity a gateway to the Atlantic, it shaped Portugal’s seafaring legacy during the Age of Discovery. Next, we visited the Oceanário de Lisboa, the second-largest aquarium in Europe and one of the city’s most popular attractions. Tickets, including entry to the aquarium and a two-way ride on the Lisbon cable car, cost €29.90 per person.
The Oceanário, situated at the Parque das Nações, houses marine life from at least five different oceans. We explored the second floor first showcasing vibrant ecosystems filled with exotic fish and plant life. The journey continued across a bridge to the main aquarium, where enormous tanks offered views of sharks, rays, and colourful schools of fish, set against lifelike recreations of marine environments.
Afterwards, we boarded the Telecabine Lisboa cable car at the South Station, gliding high over the waterfront to the North Station before returning. The ride provided sweeping views of the river, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and Lisbon’s modern skyline.
Leaving Lisbon behind, we headed west along the coast to Cascais, a charming town once a royal retreat, now known for its beaches, historic centre, and relaxed atmosphere.
In Cascais, we stopped at the dramatic Boca do Inferno (Devil’s Mouth), where Atlantic waves crash into a rugged cliffside chasm, a natural spectacle that draws visitors year-round. As evening approached, we made our way back to the Lisbon Central Mosque
Day 9 – Sunday, 22 June 2025
From Lisbon to Huelva
Our morning was dedicated to attending the final session of the Qur’an competition at the Lisbon Central Mosque. The closing ceremony marked the end of a spiritually enriching few days in Lisbon, offering a meaningful connection with the city’s small yet vibrant Muslim community. Leaving the mosque, we set out on our next leg crossing the Vasco da Gama Bridge, a modern engineering marvel stretching over 12 km across the Tagus River. This is one of Europe’s longest bridges.
The drive took us eastwards, back towards Spain. On crossing the border, we adjusted our watches as the time moved one hour ahead. We arrived in Huelva, a city in Andalusia near Spain’s Atlantic coast. While smaller and quieter than Spain’s major centres, Huelva lies within a region deeply marked by its Islamic past, part of al-Andalus for centuries. Today, Spain’s Muslim population is estimated at 2 million (around 4% of the national total), with communities scattered across cities large and small, including parts of Andalusia.
We spent the night in Huelva, preparing for the next stage of the journey through southern Spain.
Day 10 – Monday, 23 June 2025
From Huelva to Málaga via Seville and Gibraltar
Note: For a well-written and insightful travelogue on Islamic Spain, Mufti Dr. Yusuf Shabbir’s account is a true gem, rich with fascinating details and reflections on the legacy of Islamic scholarship across the cities of al-Andalus.
We began the day heading east from Huelva towards Seville (al-Ishbiliyah), one of Andalusia’s most iconic cities and a major centre during the golden age of al-Andalus. Our journey took us across the Guadalquivir River (al-Wadi al-Kabir). In Seville, we admired the Golden Tower (Torre del Oro), a 13th-century military watchtower that once played a vital role in the city’s defences during Muslim rule, standing proudly beside the Canal de Alfonso XIII.
Our main stop was the Royal Alcázar of Seville. Tickets were purchased onsite (€15 standard / €8 for students). With time to spare before our 10 AM entry, we explored the area, passing by the Catedral de Sevilla and the towering La Giralda, once a mighty minaret of the city’s main mosque. Inside the cathedral, free access is limited to the main area near the entrance, but outside, at the Puerta del Perdón and Patio de los Naranjos, Arabic inscriptions such as ‘al-Mulk lillāh wal Baqā’ lillāh’ still echo the city’s Islamic heritage.
The Alcázar, entered through the Lion Gate, was a highlight, its intricate architecture, lush gardens, and rooms filled with Arabic calligraphy a vivid reminder of the city’s Muslim past.
We also stopped at the Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla), regarded as the largest wooden structure in the world. Located at Mercado de la Encarnación, we viewed it from the outside as it was closed.
Navigating Seville’s narrow, maze-like streets tested our patience, a quirk of its medieval layout, not always GPS-friendly! We had planned to visit the Al-Andalusia Madrasah, but unfortunately, it was closed. Its founder, Shaykh Mohammad Idrissi, of Spanish descent, completed his Alimiyyah studies in Dewsbury, UK. He is the first to establish a structured Islamic seminary in Spain since the Reconquista and is making a significant impact across the Spanish-speaking world. We had the opportunity to meet him in Portugal at the Qur'an competition.
From Seville, we journeyed south towards Gibraltar (Jabal Tariq). After a smooth border crossing where passports were stamped, we entered this unique territory, which, despite its Mediterranean location, feels much like the UK. Gibraltar is tax-free, with familiar British features from currency to road signs.
We passed Masjid Tariq Ibn Ziyad, named after the Muslim general who led the conquest of Iberia. We took the Top of the Rock cable car to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar, return tickets cost £17 for students. The cable car whisked us up to 412 metres in just 6 minutes, offering panoramic views across the Mediterranean, and on a clear day, even the coast of Morocco. The famous Gibraltar apes roamed the summit, a reminder for visitors to stay alert. From the descent, we saw the airport runway spanning the peninsula. Before leaving Gibraltar, we passed the King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud Mosque and the Europa Point Lighthouse, then drove through the Dudley Ward Tunnel, which cuts through the Rock itself.
Crossing back into Spain, passport checks caused a short delay. From there, we made our way along the coast to Marbella, stopping at the Marbella Grand Mosque (Gran Mezquita de Marbella), built at the expense of King Salman ibn Abdul Aziz when he was prince of Riyadh. We then briefly visited the coast near the Playa de la Fontanilla.
Finally, we arrived in Málaga, where we visited the Alcazaba fortress (from the outside, as it was closed) and the Málaga Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano de Málaga). The city, like much of Andalusia, is steeped in layers of Roman, Islamic, and Christian history.
In preparation for the next day, a friend helped arrange tickets for the Alhambra in Granada at €38 per person, higher than the usual price of around €19. Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces are particularly difficult to obtain during busy periods, so it is advisable to book well in advance. We stayed the night in Málaga, reflecting on a packed day through some of the most historic lands of southern Spain.
Day 11 – Tuesday, 24 June 2025
From Málaga to Madrid via Granada and Córdoba
We set off early from Málaga, heading first for Granada to visit one of the jewels of Al-Andalus, the Alhambra Palace. After parking amid rows of orange trees, we entered the site, where pine trees shaded the paths and we spotted a small historic mosque within the complex.
The highlight was exploring the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaríes) a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with intricate stucco work, carved wood, and serene courtyards. Our 10 AM ticket ensured timely entry.
We briefly visited the imposing Palacio de Carlos V, then climbed the towers of the Alcazaba, enjoying sweeping views over Granada.
Our next stop was the Mezquita Mayor de Granada, the city’s first purpose-built mosque since the Reconquista. Constructed by local Spaniards, it stands as a symbol of the revival of Islamic presence in a city that was once at the heart of Muslim Spain. This beautiful mosque offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra Palace across the valley, with its graceful architecture blending seamlessly into the historic landscape. Beside the mosque stands the San Nicolás Church, a former mosque, near the site where the Madrasa Yusufiyyah once stood, both of which have long since disappeared.
Leaving Granada, we journeyed to Córdoba, another of Andalusia’s great historic cities. We parked near Elvira Street, renowned for its Moorish charm, before visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral). Tickets were purchased for both the main site and the bell tower, as separate tickets apply. Inside, the forest of columns and iconic red-and-white arches revealed the grandeur of what was once the second-largest mosque in the Islamic world, a structure whose architecture echoes that of al-Masjid an-Nabawi today.
Yet, it is deeply saddening to witness such a magnificent masjid, once filled with the voices of scholars like Ibn Hazm and Ibn Rushd, now silent of Salāh and stripped of its Islamic soul. The space is dominated instead by idols and Christian relics. Before we entered, security instructed us not to pray inside, and guards monitored visitors closely at every turn to enforce this. Like so many of the sites we visited across Islamic Spain, it is the legacy of Islamic architecture that continues to captivate and draw crowds. Visitors stand in awe at the stunning stucco work, geometric designs, and elegant kufic inscriptions. The original mihrāb still stands, a remarkable piece of history, though today it remains locked behind gates.
While waiting for our tower slot (6 PM), we explored more of Córdoba’s old quarter. We saw the Casa Andalusí from outside, a small museum evoking the life of Al-Andalus, and passed the closed Córdoba Synagogue, one of the few remaining medieval synagogues in Spain. Statues of two of Córdoba’s most famous sons, Maimonides (Musa ibn Maymun) and Averroes (Ibn Rushd), reminded us of the city’s intellectual legacy under Muslim rule.
We performed prayers at Mezquita Attawhid de Córdoba an active centre for the city’s Muslim community today. Returning to the Mosque-Cathedral, we climbed the Torre-campanario, enjoying panoramic views of the city, mosque and river.
As night approached, we set out for Madrid. On arrival, we visited the Centro Cultural Islámico de Madrid, Spain’s largest mosque and a key hub for its Muslim community, also housing the offices of the Muslim World League. The masjid was built during the reign of King Fahd and was inaugurated by prince Salman ibn Abdul Aziz. We spent the night in Madrid.
Day 12 – Wednesday, 25 June 2025
From Madrid to northern France
Our long return journey from Madrid to the UK was a tiring 23-hour drive. It began as we left Madrid, heading north towards Bordeaux. As we crossed into France, the route was punctuated by multiple toll stations a familiar feature of the extensive French motorway system. In Bordeaux, famed for its wine and historic architecture, we passed the Garonne River as it winds through the city, and caught sight of the impressive Miroir d’eau, one of the largest reflecting pools in the world, mirroring the grand façades of Bordeaux’s classical buildings.
From Bordeaux, we pressed on towards Calais, booking our ferry on the Direct Ferries website before midnight for a DFDS sailing. The drive continued through the night along the A28 motorway, northbound from the Le Mans area, a long haul through the heart of France, with fatigue setting in as we neared our final leg.
Day 13 – Thursday, 26 June 2025 (1 Muharram 1447)
From northern France to Blackburn
As dawn broke on the first day of 1447 Hijri, we continued towards Calais. Along the way, we paused at the Grande Mosquée de Boulogne-sur-Mer for Fajr prayer, a final connection with France’s Muslim community before leaving the continent.
At the Port of Calais, formalities included passport checks and UK border control clearance. Our ferry crossing, operated by DFDS, departed at 6:05 AM (France time), arriving at Dover at 6:35 AM (UK time) after about an hour and a half. The sight of the White Cliffs of Dover signalled our return to British shores.
From Dover, we journeyed through the midlands concluding an extraordinary trip that covered around 5,400 miles (approx. 8,700 km) over 13 days, a route rich in landscapes, history, faith, and cultural encounters.
