12-Day Central Middle East Cross-Country Rail Journey: Turkey & Jordan in October
Embark on a journey that blends the sophisticated steel of modern rail with the timeless luxury of the Levant. This 12-day odyssey takes you through the heart of the central Middle East, starting in the vibrant crossroads of Istanbul before traversing the rugged Anatolian interior via Turkey's most scenic rail route, and finally descending into the archaeological wonders of Jordan.
Traveling in October offers the ultimate luxury: perfect weather. You will witness the vibrant autumn foliage in the Turkish highlands and enjoy the mild, sun-drenched afternoons in the Jordanian desert. With first-class rail cabins, private transfers, and stays in world-renowned luxury estates, this is the definitive route for the discerning traveler seeking both adventure and elegance.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Imperial Splendor
Private Transfer to Sultanahmet
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet, a converted neoclassical prison offering peerless luxury.
Hagia Sophia Private After-Hours Tour
Enjoy an exclusive look at the golden mosaics of the Hagia Sophia without the midday crowds, arranged through your hotel concierge.
Fine Dining at Mikla
Experience "New Anatolian Kitchen" at Mikla, located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera Hotel, offering panoramic views of the illuminated city.
Nightcap with Bosphorus Views
Relax with a signature cocktail at the hotel bar overlooking the Sea of Marmara.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus & Bazaars
Private Yacht Charter
Cruise the Bosphorus on a private yacht, passing Ottoman palaces and waterfront "Yali" mansions while enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast on deck.
Grand Bazaar Curated Shopping
Meet a local historian who will guide you through the secret corridors of the Grand Bazaar to find the highest-quality silk carpets and hand-hammered jewelry.
Topkapi Palace Harem Visit
Explore the opulent private quarters of the Sultans with an expert archeologist guide.
Meze Tasting in Karaköy
Dine at Karaköy Lokantası for an authentic taste of high-end Turkish meze in a beautifully tiled historic setting.
Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara (Turkey) - High-Speed Elegance
Business Class YHT High-Speed Rail
Depart from Söğütlüçeşme station for Ankara. The YHT Business Class offers spacious seating, complimentary meals, and high-speed transit through the Anatolian countryside.
Anitkabir Visit
Arrive in Ankara and visit the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Explore one of the world's most important archaeological museums, located in a restored 15th-century bazaar building.
Dinner at JW Steakhouse
Enjoy a premium steak dinner and stay overnight at the JW Marriott Ankara, the city's premier luxury address.
Day 4: Ankara to Kars (Turkey) - The Touristic Eastern Express
Board the Touristic Eastern Express
Embark on the legendary "Turistik Doğu Ekspresi." You will have a private sleeper cabin specifically designed for luxury travel across the Anatolian plateau.
Gourmet Cabin Picnic
Settle into your cabin with a curated box of Turkish cheeses, local wines, and dried fruits as the train begins its ascent into the mountains.
Dining Car Social
Join fellow travelers in the dining car for a traditional Turkish dinner as the sun sets over the central Anatolian plains.
Overnight in Sleeper Cabin
Fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the rails as the train heads toward the high-altitude East.
Day 5: Onboard Eastern Express - Anatolian Vistas
Sunrise over Erzincan
Wake up to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Eastern Turkey, where the October frost creates a shimmering silver landscape.
Erzincan Excursion
Disembark for a private 3-hour tour of the local waterfalls and historic sites before the train continues its journey.
Tea and Scenery
Enjoy traditional Turkish tea served in tulip glasses while passing through the rugged Euphrates river canyons.
Arrival in Kars
Arrive in the frontier city of Kars and transfer to the Cheltikov Hotel, a beautifully restored Russian-era stone mansion.
Day 6: Kars, Turkey - The Ghost City of Ani
Archaeological Site of Ani
Take a private guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ani, the medieval "City of 1001 Churches," located on the border with Armenia.
Kars Goose Dinner Lunch
Try the local specialty, slow-roasted goose with bulgur pilaf, at the renowned Kars Kaz Evi restaurant.
Kars Castle & Mosque of the Apostles
Explore the 12th-century fortress and the unique cross-cultural history of this border city.
Local Cheese Tasting
Sample the famous Kars Gruyere, aged for years in local caves, before a relaxing evening at your boutique hotel.
Day 7: Kars to Amman (Jordan) - Cross-Border Transition
Flight to Amman via Istanbul
Transfer to Kars Harakani Airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Enjoy the business class lounge during your brief layover in Istanbul.
Arrival in Amman
Clear immigration with your VIP meet-and-greet service and transfer to the St. Regis Amman.
Sunsets at the Citadel
Visit the Temple of Hercules at the Amman Citadel for a stunning view of the city's seven hills at sunset.
Dinner at Fakhr El-Din
Dine at Amman’s most prestigious restaurant, located in a former prime minister's home, serving world-class Levantine cuisine.
Day 8: Amman to Petra (Jordan) - The Desert Road
Mount Nebo & Madaba
Depart Amman with a private driver. Stop at Mount Nebo to see where Moses looked over the Promised Land and view the famous 6th-century mosaic map in Madaba.
Lunch in the Wadi Mujib Valley
Enjoy a scenic lunch overlooking the "Grand Canyon of Jordan" before heading south.
Check-in at Petra
Arrive at the Mövenpick Resort Petra, located directly at the entrance to the archaeological park.
Petra by Night
Experience the Treasury lit by over 1,500 candles during an exclusive evening performance.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Rose-Red City
Early Entry to the Siq
Beat the crowds by entering as the gates open. Walk through the narrow Siq canyon to witness the Treasury in the soft morning light.
The Monastery (Ad Deir) Hike
Climb the 800 steps to the massive Monastery, where your guide will arrange a private tea session with a local Bedouin family.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Enjoy a high-end buffet lunch inside the archaeological site, managed by the Crowne Plaza.
Royal Tombs Exploration
Discover the intricate facades of the Royal Tombs before returning to your hotel for a traditional Turkish Hammam treatment.
Day 10: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Luxury
Drive to Wadi Rum
Transfer south into the red desert of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its otherworldly landscapes.
Check-in at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Settle into your glass-walled "Martian Dome," offering 360-degree views of the desert and night sky.
Luxury 4x4 Desert Safari
Explore the red sand dunes, ancient petroglyphs, and natural rock bridges in a private, air-conditioned luxury SUV.
Zarb Bedouin Dinner
Enjoy a feast cooked underground in a traditional earth oven, followed by stargazing with a professional astronomer.
Day 11: Wadi Rum to Dead Sea (Jordan) - The Lowest Point on Earth
Camel Trek at Sunrise
Experience the desert as the Bedouins do with a gentle sunrise camel ride through the Lawrence of Arabia canyon.
Drive to the Dead Sea
Traverse the Wadi Araba road to reach the lowest point on earth, checking into the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea.
Salt Floating and Mud Spa
Float in the hypersaline waters and enjoy a therapeutic Dead Sea mud wrap at the hotel's award-winning Ishtar Spa.
Farewell Dinner at Akkad
Celebrate your final night with a Mediterranean dinner by the infinity pool, looking across the water toward the lights of Jerusalem.
Day 12: Dead Sea, Jordan - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast & Final Swim
Enjoy a final dip in the infinity pool and a world-class breakfast buffet at the Obelisk Restaurant.
Private Transfer to Queen Alia Airport
Your driver will escort you to the airport in Amman (AMM) for your international flight home.
VIP Lounge Access
Relax in the Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge before boarding your departure flight.
Departure
Depart Amman with unforgettable memories of the Anatolian rails and the golden sands of Jordan.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
October is arguably the best month to visit Turkey and Jordan. In Turkey, the scorching summer heat has faded, replaced by cool, crisp air perfect for the long Eastern Express journey and vibrant autumn colors in the Anatolian mountains. In Jordan, October marks the end of the summer heat and the beginning of the trekking season, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C—ideal for exploring Petra on foot and sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum.
Visas & Border Crossings
Travelers can easily obtain an E-visa for Turkey online. For Jordan, the most efficient method is purchasing the "Jordan Pass" before you arrive; this pass waives the visa fee (provided you stay at least three nights) and includes entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra. When traveling between the two, flying is the only realistic luxury option, as land borders in the Levant can be subject to closures and significant delays.
Getting Around Middle East
This itinerary leverages the best of regional transport: the high-speed YHT rail between Istanbul and Ankara, and the specialized sleeper cabins of the Touristic Eastern Express for the scenic mountain crossing. Within Jordan, private chauffeured cars are the gold standard for luxury travelers, offering flexibility and comfort on the King’s Highway. For the cross-border leg from Turkey to Jordan, Turkish Airlines or Royal Jordanian provide frequent, high-quality flight connections.
