13-Day Northern Middle East Cross-Country Rail Journey: Turkey & Jordan in October
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Middle East during the shoulder season of October, where the scorching summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air and golden foliage. This 13-day itinerary is meticulously designed for families, combining the nostalgic charm of Turkey's legendary rail networks with the bucket-list adventures of Jordan's desert trails. We focus on balanced pacing, ensuring that both children and adults remain captivated by the history and hospitality of this vibrant region.
Our journey begins in the transcontinental metropolis of Istanbul, utilizing the high-speed and scenic sleeper trains of the TCDD (Turkish State Railways) to traverse the heart of Anatolia before flying south to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. With comfortable accommodations and logistical ease at the forefront, this route offers a seamless blend of classic sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path rail discovery.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - The Gateway to the East
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Touch down at Istanbul's world-class airport. Use the efficient Havaist shuttle or a private transfer to reach your hotel in the Sultanahmet district.
Sultanahmet Square Stroll
Stretch your legs in the heart of the Old City. The square between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia is stroller-friendly and perfect for a slow introduction to the city.
Basilica Cistern
Descend into the cool, atmospheric underworld of this ancient Roman reservoir. Kids will love the Medusa heads and the "upside-down" columns.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal featuring mild kebabs and freshly baked pide at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Marmara Sea.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Palaces and Bazaars
Topkapi Palace Museum
Explore the sprawling home of Ottoman Sultans. The Harem section and the palace gardens are especially engaging for older children interested in history.
Grand Bazaar Exploration
Navigate the world's oldest covered market. It’s a sensory delight; focus on the leather goods and colorful ceramics for high-quality souvenirs.
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Slightly more manageable than the Grand Bazaar, this market is perfect for sampling Turkish Delight (lokum) and dried fruits.
Eminönü Street Food
Try the famous Balık Ekmek (fish sandwiches) directly from the swaying boats at the pier for an authentic local experience.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus and Connectivity
Bosphorus Public Ferry Cruise
Take a public ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy. It's the most scenic and affordable way to see the city's waterfront mansions and fortresses.
Ortaköy Baked Potatoes
Grab a 'Kumpir' (giant stuffed baked potato) by the mosque—a hit with kids who can choose their own toppings.
Galata Tower View
Head across the bridge to the Galata district. Take the elevator up the tower for a 360-degree view of the Istanbul skyline in the soft October light.
Preparation for Rail Travel
Pack a small bag for the upcoming train segments, keeping essentials easily accessible for the cross-country transit tomorrow.
Day 4: Istanbul to Ankara, Turkey - High-Speed Rail Transition
YHT High-Speed Train to Ankara
Depart from Söğütlüçeşme station on the YHT. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and offers comfortable seating and a dining car.
Anıtkabir Visit
Upon arrival in Ankara, visit the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The scale and the changing of the guard ceremony are very impressive.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Located near Ankara Castle, this museum is manageable for families and showcases the incredible depth of Turkey's ancient history.
Dinner in Ulus
Enjoy Ankara’s famous döner kebab in the historic Ulus district before heading to your hotel near the train station.
Day 5: Ankara to Kars, Turkey - The Legendary Dogu Express
Boarding the Dogu Express (East Express)
Begin your 24-hour journey across the Anatolian plateau. The landscape in October shifts from amber fields to rugged, snow-dusted mountains.
Dining Car Socializing
Enjoy a simple lunch in the dining car. It’s a great place to meet local travelers and watch the scenery unfold through panoramic windows.
Golden Hour Photography
As the sun sets over the Euphrates River, the train offers unparalleled photo opportunities for the autumn foliage.
Stargazing from the Rails
With minimal light pollution on the Anatolian steppe, the view of the night sky from your cabin window is magical for children.
Day 6: Kars, Turkey - The Silk Road Frontier
Arrival in Kars
The train arrives in the morning. Check into your hotel, often featuring unique Russian-influenced Baltic architecture.
Ancient Ruins of Ani
Take a short drive to the border of Armenia to see the 'City of 1,001 Churches'. The ruins are vast and allow for plenty of exploration space for kids.
Kars Castle
Climb the fortress for a view of the city. October temperatures here can be chilly, so ensure everyone has a warm autumn jacket.
Kars Goose Dinner
Try the local specialty—roasted goose with bulgur pilaf—at a cozy restaurant accompanied by traditional Caucasian music.
Day 7: Kars to Cappadocia, Turkey - Journey to Fairy Chimneys
Cross-Regional Transfer
Take a flight or a comfortable private transfer from Kars toward the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia (Nevşehir/Kayseri).
Check into a Cave Hotel
Stay in a boutique cave hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp—an unforgettable experience for families.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Let the kids identify shapes in the rock formations, including the famous camel-shaped fairy chimney.
Pottery Kebab Dinner
Watch a chef crack open a clay pot at your table to reveal a steaming stew (Testi Kebab)—a dinner and a show!
Day 8: Cappadocia, Turkey to Amman, Jordan - Border Crossing
Hot Air Balloon Watch
Even if you don't fly, watching hundreds of balloons rise over the valley at dawn is a must-see event from the hotel terrace.
Flight to Amman
Transfer to Kayseri airport for your flight to Amman (via Istanbul). This is the transition from Anatolia to the Levant.
Arrival in Amman
Check into your hotel in the Shmeisani or Rainbow Street area. Amman is hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Levantine Mezze Dinner
Dine at 'Sufra' on Rainbow Street for the best introduction to Jordanian hospitality and hummus.
Day 9: Amman, Jordan - Citadels and Roman Echoes
Amman Citadel
Explore the Temple of Hercules. The site offers incredible views of the sprawling white city below.
Roman Theater
Visit the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater. Let the kids test the acoustics by shouting from the center stage.
Downtown Souks
Walk through the bustling fruit and vegetable markets for a glimpse into daily Jordanian life.
Children's Museum Jordan
If the kids need a break from ruins, this interactive museum in Al Hussein National Park is world-class.
Day 10: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating in Autumn Sun
Drive to the Dead Sea
It's a short 1-hour drive from Amman. The descent to the lowest point on Earth is spectacular.
Dead Sea Floating
Experience the unique buoyancy of the salt-rich waters. Use a resort beach for better amenities and fresh-water showers.
Mud Bath Fun
Cover yourselves in mineral-rich mud—great for the skin and a hilarious photo opportunity for the family album.
Sunset Dinner
Watch the lights of the West Bank flicker across the water as you enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort.
Day 11: Dead Sea to Petra, Jordan - The Rose City
Drive via Kings Highway
Take the scenic mountain route to Petra. Stop at Karak Castle, a massive Crusader fortress, along the way.
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa is the gateway town to Petra. Check into your hotel and have a hearty lunch before your first entry.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If it's a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, see the Siq and Treasury lit by 1,500 candles.
Bedouin Cooking Class
Participate in a family cooking class at 'Petra Kitchen' to learn how to make Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish.
Day 12: Petra to Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
The Treasury and the Siq
Enter Petra early to avoid the crowds. Walking through the narrow Siq canyon to reveal the Treasury is a life-changing moment.
Drive to Wadi Rum
A 2-hour drive south brings you to the protected desert wilderness made famous by Lawrence of Arabia and 'The Martian'.
4x4 Jeep Safari
Explore red sand dunes, ancient petroglyphs, and natural rock bridges on a private Jeep tour.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked in an underground oven, followed by tea around a campfire.
Day 13: Wadi Rum to Amman, Jordan - Final Farewell
Sunrise Camel Trek
Take a short camel ride around the camp—the quietest and most traditional way to see the desert at dawn.
Return Drive to Amman
Travel north on the Desert Highway back to the capital or directly to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
Last Minute Souvenirs
Stop at the 'Wild Jordan Center' for ethically sourced local crafts and a final view of the city.
Departure
Head to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of iron rails and desert sands.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
October is arguably the finest month to visit Turkey and Jordan. In Northern Turkey, the autumn foliage is in full display, and the temperatures are a comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F), perfect for long train journeys. In Jordan, the extreme summer heat has dissipated, leaving pleasant 25°C (77°F) days, which makes hiking in Petra and exploring the desert of Wadi Rum enjoyable for children without the risk of heat exhaustion. This shoulder season also means fewer crowds at major landmarks compared to the spring peak.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this multi-country route, most Western travelers require an e-Visa for Turkey, which should be obtained online at least a week before travel. When moving from Turkey to Jordan, you will clear customs at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport. For Jordan, the 'Jordan Pass' is highly recommended; it waives the visa entry fee (approximately $60 USD) if purchased in advance and held for a stay of at least three nights. Always ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
Getting Around Middle East
This itinerary focuses on the contrast between Turkey’s sophisticated rail network and Jordan’s road-based transit. In Turkey, the TCDD High-Speed (YHT) and the Dogu Express are reliable, safe, and scenic ways to travel. Within cities like Istanbul, the tram and ferry systems are excellent. In Jordan, there is no active passenger rail, so the best way to move between Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra is via a rental car or a private driver. The roads are well-paved and signage is in both Arabic and English, making navigation straightforward for international visitors.
