The Fener and Balat corporate tour is a guided walking programme of about three hours, starting at 10:00 and finishing at 13:00, through two historic neighbourhoods on the southern shore of the Golden Horn. In streets where Greek, Bulgarian and Jewish communities lived side by side for centuries, religious buildings, bay-windowed houses and neighbourhood life are explained together. It suits small teams with an interest in photography and urban culture.

What is in the programme?

The tour begins with a meeting at the foot of the Fener slope. The first stop is the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Fener, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Church of St George. Next come the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, which stands out on the hilltop with its red-brick façade, and, close by, the Church of St Mary of the Mongols, popularly known as the Kanlı Kilise ("Bloody Church"). The Bulgarian Church of St Stephen on the Golden Horn shore is known as the Iron Church, because its parts were cast in iron and assembled here at the end of the 19th century.

The Balat section takes in the colourful houses, antique dealers' streets and stepped lanes. The Ahrida Synagogue, whose origins go back to the 15th century, is seen from the outside as Balat's Jewish heritage is explained. After a photo stop on the colourful steps there is an optional tea, coffee and simit break, and the tour ends with free time.

Highlights

• A route that brings together the heritage of three faith communities in a single walk
• The Church of St Stephen, assembled from cast-iron parts
• The red-brick Phanar Greek Orthodox College and slopes overlooking the Golden Horn
• Planned photo stops at the colourful houses and steps

Who Is It For?

It suits department and project teams of 8-35; because the narrow streets call for touring in small groups, this scale is ideal. It is a visually rich route for advertising, media and design teams, and it also offers meaningful content for events themed around inclusion and multiculturalism. The effort level is moderate: about three hours of walking on steep, cobbled slopes.

Planning Notes

• Transport, food and drink, personal shopping and any church or synagogue entry fees are not included in the price.
• Because of the slopes and slippery cobbles, flat, closed shoes are recommended.
• Services and religious holidays at the places of worship can affect the visit; take them into account when choosing a date.
• Participants are asked to respect residents' homes and to ask permission before photographing people.