Istanbul street-food walk

Istanbul eats on its feet. We split the group into units of about 15, each with a food guide, and start at the Eminönü waterfront with simit and tea. The route climbs through the lanes behind the Spice Bazaar towards the Grand Bazaar, stopping at small places that have made one thing well for decades.

Tastings include balık ekmek, börek, midye dolma, lahmacun, a bowl of lentil soup, Turkish coffee and künefe to finish, around ten stops in all. Guides talk about where each dish comes from and how migration shaped the city's food. We plan halal, vegetarian and seafood-free versions of the route ahead of time, and nobody is pushed to try anything.

For larger groups, units start at staggered times and finish together at a terrace for coffee, where each team shares its favourite bite.