16-Day Northern Middle East Cross-Country Rail Journey: Turkey & Jordan in January
Embark on a breathtaking 16-day journey that redefines travel in the Northern Middle East. This epic route bridges the gap between the Ottoman grandeur of Istanbul and the Nabataean wonders of Petra, all while utilizing some of the region's most scenic and high-speed rail networks. In the peak of winter, you will witness the unique contrast between the snow-dusted minarets of Ankara and the temperate, golden hues of the Jordanian desert.
Traveling in January offers an exclusive 'low season' charm, where luxury becomes more intimate. Enjoy private viewings of world-renowned landmarks, first-class cabin service on the iconic Touristic Eastern Express, and five-star hospitality that ranges from heritage palaces on the Bosphorus to futuristic Martian domes in Wadi Rum. This is a journey designed for the discerning traveler seeking both adventure and absolute refinement.
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Bosphorus Grandeur
Luxury Arrival at Istanbul Airport
Upon landing, enjoy a VIP greeting and private Mercedes-Benz S-Class transfer to your hotel overlooking the Bosphorus.
Private Yacht Sunset Cruise
Glide between two continents on a private motor yacht, sipping Turkish tea and sampling gourmet mezes as the sun sets behind the Blue Mosque.
Fine Dining at Mikla
Experience the 'New Anatolian Kitchen' with a tasting menu at this rooftop gem, offering panoramic views of the illuminated city skyline.
Nightcap at Çırağan Palace
Enjoy a signature cocktail in the gardens of a former Ottoman palace, breathing in the crisp January air.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - The Imperial Legacy
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Private Tour
Beat the crowds with a private historian-led tour of these architectural marvels, focusing on the intricate mosaics and winter light play.
Lunch at Pandeli
Dine at this historic restaurant located above the Spice Bazaar, a favorite of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Topkapi Palace Harem Visit
Explore the secretive world of the Sultans, including the newly restored sections of the Imperial Harem.
Traditional Hammam Experience
Rejuvenate with a luxury scrub and massage at the 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamami, located between the two great mosques.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Contemporary Art & Spice
Istanbul Modern Museum
Explore Turkey's premier contemporary art museum in its stunning Renzo Piano-designed building at Galataport.
Galata Tower District Lunch
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch in the Pera district, known for its neoclassical architecture and boutique galleries.
Private Spice Bazaar Workshop
Meet a master spice blender for a private workshop, learning to create your own signature Turkish coffee blend.
Dervish Performance
Witness the spiritual journey of the Whirling Dervishes at a private performance in a historic Mevlevi Lodge.
Day 4: Istanbul to Ankara, Turkey - High-Speed Elegance
YHT High-Speed Rail Departure
Board the YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren) Business Class for a smooth 4-hour journey across the Anatolian plateau toward the capital.
Anatolia Flavors Lunch
Arrive in Ankara and dine at a boutique restaurant specializing in Central Anatolian slow-cooked lamb.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Explore one of the world's most significant archaeological museums, housed in a restored 15th-century bedesten.
Sunset at Ankara Castle
Take a private car to the citadel for a panoramic view of the capital city as the winter lights flicker on.
Day 5: Ankara, Turkey - The Path of Ataturk
Anitkabir Visit
Pay respects at the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, an architectural masterpiece of modern Turkey.
Capital District Shopping
Explore the upscale boutiques of Tunalı Hilmi Avenue, looking for high-end Turkish leather and silk.
Evening Preparation for Eastern Express
Relax at your hotel and prepare your luxury carry-on for the multi-day rail journey ahead.
Pre-Departure Dinner
Enjoy a quiet, refined dinner at JW Marriott’s Skye Vue Lounge before your late-night train boarding.
Day 6: The Touristic Eastern Express - Through the Snow
Boarding the Touristic Doğu Ekspresi
Step into your private sleeper cabin on Turkey's most iconic train, starting a 30-hour journey through snow-covered landscapes.
Crossing the Anatolian Heartlands
Watch the changing scenery from the dining car as the train snakes through mountains and frozen rivers.
Erzincan Excursion
The touristic version of the train makes long stops; take a guided tour of Erzincan's copper markets during the break.
Dinner on the Rails
Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal in the vintage-style dining carriage while meeting fellow international travelers.
Day 7: Kars, Turkey - The Silk Road Frontier
Erzurum Stop
Explore Erzurum’s double-minaret madrasas during the train's morning stop before the final push to Kars.
Arrival in Kars
Arrive in the 'Russian' city of Turkey, known for its unique grid layout and basalt architecture.
Kars Goose Dinner
Savor the local specialty—roasted goose with bulgur—at a high-end traditional restaurant like Kazevi.
Fireside Relaxation
Warm up by the fireplace in a boutique stone hotel, reflecting on the 1,300km rail journey.
Day 8: Kars, Turkey - The Ruins of Ani
Ani Archaeological Site
Take a private 4x4 to the 'City of 1001 Churches' on the Armenian border, hauntingly beautiful under a blanket of winter snow.
Lake Çıldır Sleigh Ride
Experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the frozen Lake Çıldır and watch fishermen catch carp through holes in the ice.
Cheese Tasting Session
Sample the famous Kars Gravyer (gruyere) cheese at a local artisanal producer.
Farewell Turkey Dinner
A final gourmet meal in Kars featuring Caucasian-influenced Anatolian cuisine.
Day 9: Kars to Amman, Jordan - Crossing the Levant
Flight to Amman (via Istanbul)
Depart Kars for a smooth connection through Istanbul, landing in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by late afternoon.
VIP Arrival in Amman
Enjoy expedited customs and a private transfer to the diplomatic district of Amman.
Modern Jordanian Dining
Experience a sophisticated dinner at Fakhreldin, an upscale Lebanese-Jordanian institution in a former prime minister's residence.
Rooftop Views
Cocktails at a high-end rooftop bar overlooking the hilly cityscape of Amman.
Day 10: Amman, Jordan - The White City
Amman Citadel & Roman Theatre
Explore the historic heart of the city with a private guide, viewing the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.
Cooking Class at Beit Sitti
Learn to make traditional Jordanian dishes in a beautiful family home in the historic Jabal al-Lweibdeh neighborhood.
Royal Automobile Museum
A private tour of the late King Hussein’s incredible collection of classic cars and motorcycles.
Jabal Amman Evening Walk
Stroll through Rainbow Street, visiting boutique galleries and craft shops like Wild Jordan Center.
Day 11: The Dead Sea, Jordan - Lowest Point Luxury
Transfer to the Dead Sea
A private 1-hour descent to 430 meters below sea level to your luxury resort beach.
Floating & Mud Treatment
Experience the unique buoyancy of the mineral-rich waters followed by a signature Dead Sea mud wrap at a world-class spa.
Sunset Over Judean Hills
Relax on your private terrace as the sun dips below the hills of the West Bank across the water.
Al Fresco Spa Dinner
Enjoy a wellness-focused gourmet dinner at the resort, accompanied by the sounds of the gentle saline waves.
Day 12: Mount Nebo & Madaba - Biblical Trails
Mount Nebo Visit
Stand where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, enjoying views that stretch to Jerusalem on clear January days.
Madaba Mosaic Map
Visit St. George’s Church to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Scenic King’s Highway Drive
Travel south via the ancient King’s Highway, stopping for lunch with a view of the Wadi Mujib canyon.
Arrival at Little Petra
Check into a luxury camp near Petra, offering a preview of the Nabataean sandstone architecture.
Day 13: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
Early Entry Siq Walk
Avoid the crowds with an early private entrance through the Siq, emerging at the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
Royal Tombs & High Place of Sacrifice
A guided hike to the lesser-visited viewpoints, offering stunning vistas of the entire archaeological park.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Refuel at the only restaurant inside the park before the climb to the Monastery.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Ascend the 800 steps to the massive Monastery, which glows spectacularly in the late afternoon winter sun.
Day 14: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Transfer to Wadi Rum
A 2-hour drive south into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage desert.
Luxury Martian Dome Check-in
Settle into your futuristic glass-walled dome, offering 360-degree views of the red sand dunes and black mountains.
Private 4x4 Desert Safari
Explore the locations where 'The Martian' and 'Lawrence of Arabia' were filmed, visiting ancient petroglyphs and natural arches.
Zarb Bedouin Feast
Experience a traditional 'Zarb' dinner, where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground pit.
Day 15: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Heritage Rails & Stars
Hejaz Railway Experience
Visit the historic Hejaz Railway station in the desert, seeing the restored Ottoman-era steam locomotives that once linked Damascus and Medina.
Camel Trek at Sunset
Embrace the slow pace of the desert with a private camel trek as the dunes turn deep crimson.
Desert Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a luxury tea setup in a secluded canyon, prepared by your private camp staff.
Stargazing Session
Use high-powered telescopes with a resident astronomer to view the crystal-clear winter night sky of the desert.
Day 16: Amman, Jordan - Final Farewell
Sunrise Breakfast in the Dunes
Enjoy a final luxury breakfast in Wadi Rum before your private transfer back to the north.
Stop at Shobak Castle
Visit this remote Crusader fortress for a quick exploration of its tunnels and towers on your way back to Amman.
Final Souvenir Shopping
A quick stop at Amman's Gold Souq for high-quality jewelry or traditional Jordanian embroidery (Abayas).
Departure from Queen Alia International
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home, ending your 16-day luxury epic journey.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
January is an exceptional time for this specific route. In Turkey, the interior and the East are transformed into a winter wonderland, making the Eastern Express rail journey truly magical with snow-covered mountains. Meanwhile, Jordan enjoys mild, pleasant temperatures during the day, ideal for hiking Petra and exploring Wadi Rum without the blistering heat of summer. While it is 'Low Season' for crowds, it is 'Peak Season' for the unique experiences provided by the winter climate.
Visas & Border Crossings
Turkey offers an easy-to-obtain e-Visa for most nationalities, which should be applied for online at least 48 hours before travel. Jordan offers the 'Jordan Pass,' which waives visa fees if you stay for at least three nights and includes entry to Petra and Wadi Rum. Since there are no direct passenger trains between Turkey and Jordan, the transition is best handled via a premium flight through Istanbul (IST), which serves as the region's primary luxury hub.
Getting Around Middle East
This itinerary leverages the best of modern and heritage transport. In Turkey, the YHT High-Speed Rail provides European-style efficiency, while the Touristic Eastern Express offers a slow-travel luxury sleeper experience. In Jordan, private chauffeur-driven SUVs are the standard for luxury travel, ensuring seamless transfers between the capital, the Dead Sea, and the desert. International flights between the two countries are frequent, with Turkish Airlines providing the most reliable premium service.
