16-Day Western Middle East Rail & Desert Journey: Turkey & Jordan in October
Embark on an epic 16-day journey through the heart of the Western Middle East, where the high-speed rail lines of Turkey meet the timeless desert landscapes of Jordan. This itinerary is designed for families seeking a balance of educational history, comfortable transit, and the breathtaking colors of autumn.
Traveling in October offers the perfect 'shoulder season' climate: mild temperatures in Istanbul and the crisp, clear air of the Jordanian desert, making it the ideal time for children to explore without the intense summer heat.
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Old City Sunset
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Touch down at Istanbul's world-class airport and take a private transfer to your family-friendly hotel in Sultanahmet.
Lunch at a Kebab House
Enjoy a gentle introduction to Turkish cuisine with mild kebabs and freshly baked pide bread near the Blue Mosque.
Sultanahmet Square Stroll
Let the kids run around the ancient Hippodrome while you admire the Egyptian obelisks and the Serpent Column.
Dinner with a View
Relax at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated Hagia Sophia as the call to prayer echoes across the city.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Byzantine & Ottoman Wonders
Hagia Sophia Exploration
Marvel at the massive dome and golden mosaics of this architectural masterpiece. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Basilica Cistern
Head underground to see the 'Sunken Palace' and find the famous Medusa heads in the eerie, atmospheric lighting.
Topkapi Palace Gardens
Explore the sprawling palace grounds and the Harem, offering plenty of space for families to walk and enjoy the views.
Gülhane Park Autumn Walk
Enjoy the changing leaves in this historic park, once the outer garden of the palace.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus & Connectivity
Bosphorus Public Ferry Ride
Take a scenic ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy, crossing between Europe and Asia on the water.
Ortaköy Kumpir Lunch
Try the famous loaded baked potatoes (kumpir) by the waterfront, a hit with kids of all ages.
Galata Tower View
Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of Istanbul's skyline during the golden hour.
Istiklal Street Dinner
Explore the pedestrian-friendly Istiklal Avenue and catch the historic red tram.
Day 4: Istanbul to Eskişehir, Turkey - High-Speed Rail Journey
YHT High-Speed Train Departure
Board the sleek YHT train at Söğütlüçeşme station for a modern, comfortable ride into the Anatolian heartland.
Arrival in Eskişehir
Check into a boutique hotel in the colorful, historic Odunpazarı district.
Porsuk River Gondola Ride
Experience 'the Venice of Turkey' with a family gondola ride through the city's modern parks.
Sazova Park Fairytale Castle
Visit Turkey's most family-friendly park, featuring a giant fairytale castle and a pirate ship.
Day 5: Eskişehir, Turkey - Museums & Local Crafts
Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM)
Discover contemporary art in an incredible wooden structure that kids will find fascinating.
Çibörek Lunch
Taste the local specialty, Çibörek (fried dough with meat), at a traditional family-run eatery.
Glass Arts Workshop
Watch local artisans blow glass in the historic workshops of Odunpazarı.
Atlıhan Handicraft Market
Shop for meerschaum pipes and local jewelry in this traditional caravanserai.
Day 6: Eskişehir to Ankara, Turkey - Into the Capital
Morning High-Speed Train
A short 1.5-hour rail journey takes you from Eskişehir to the nation's capital, Ankara.
Anıtkabir Visit
Visit the monumental mausoleum of Atatürk. The changing of the guard ceremony is a highlight for children.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Housed in a restored bazaar, this museum tells the story of the region from the Stone Age to the present.
Ankara Castle Sunset
Walk through the old narrow streets to the castle walls for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 7: Ankara to Konya, Turkey - The Whirling Dervish Path
Scenic Train to Konya
Relax on the comfortable high-speed rail as you cross the vast Anatolian plains.
Mevlana Museum
Visit the turquoise-domed tomb of Rumi, the world-famous Sufi poet and mystic.
Tropical Butterfly Garden
A great family stop featuring thousands of butterflies in one of Europe's largest flight areas.
Sema Ceremony
Witness the mesmerizing spiritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes at the cultural center.
Day 8: Konya to Cappadocia, Turkey - Landscape Transformation
Sultanhani Caravanserai
Travel by private shuttle or bus towards Cappadocia, stopping at this massive 13th-century roadside inn.
Arrival in Göreme
Check into your unique cave hotel, a highlight of any family trip to Turkey.
Göremi Open Air Museum
Explore ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sunset Point Hike
Take a gentle hike to the Red Valley viewpoint for the region's famous pink and orange sunset.
Day 9: Cappadocia, Turkey - Skies & Fairies
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Ascend at dawn to see hundreds of balloons floating over the 'fairy chimneys'.
Late Breakfast
Enjoy a traditional Turkish 'Serpme' breakfast with local honey and cheeses.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Let the kids find rock formations that look like camels, dolphins, and seals.
Pottery Workshop in Avanos
Try your hand at the potter's wheel in this town famous for its red river clay.
Day 10: Cappadocia, Turkey - Underground Cities
Kaymakli Underground City
Descend into the multi-level tunnels used by early Christians to hide from invaders.
Ihlara Valley Picnic
A gentle riverside walk through a deep canyon, perfect for burning off energy.
Selime Monastery
Visit the largest rock-cut monastery in the region, which feels like a giant playground.
Turkish Night Performance
Enjoy dinner with traditional music and dance in a cave restaurant.
Day 11: Cappadocia to Amman (Turkey/Jordan) - Cross-Border Transition
Flight to Amman
Fly from Kayseri (ASR) to Amman (AMM) via Istanbul, transitioning to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Arrival in Amman
Transfer to your hotel in the Shmeisani or Rainbow Street district.
Amman Citadel
Visit the Temple of Hercules and enjoy the best view of the rolling hills of the city.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Dine like a local at this legendary spot for falafel and hummus in downtown Amman.
Day 12: Amman, Jordan - Roman Heritage
Roman Theatre Visit
Climb the steps of the incredibly well-preserved 6,000-seat theatre in the heart of the city.
Jordan Museum
See the Dead Sea Scrolls and learn about the history of the Nabataeans.
Rainbow Street Walk
Explore the boutique shops and cafes in Amman's most colorful and walkable neighborhood.
Kunafa Tasting
Join the queue at Habibah Sweets for the best warm cheese pastry in the Middle East.
Day 13: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The King's Highway
Southbound Journey
Take a modern coach or private car south towards the 'Rose Red City'.
Mount Nebo Stop
View the promised land from the mountain where Moses is said to have stood.
Madaba Mosaic Map
Visit St. George’s Church to see the oldest map of the Holy Land made of millions of mosaic tiles.
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Check into your hotel right at the gates of Petra.
Day 14: Petra, Jordan - The Treasury & Beyond
Entering the Siq
Walk through the narrow, 1.2km long canyon that leads to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
Royal Tombs Exploration
Explore the massive facades carved into the mountain walls with plenty of space for kids to roam.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Refuel inside the archaeological park before the optional climb to the Monastery.
Petra by Night
See the Treasury illuminated by thousands of candles (available Mon/Wed/Thu).
Day 15: Wadi Rum, Jordan - The Martian Desert
Drive to Wadi Rum
Head deeper south into the desert landscape made famous by Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
4x4 Jeep Tour
Go on a family-friendly jeep safari across the red sand dunes and ancient rock bridges.
Camel Trek at Sunset
Experience the traditional way of desert travel as the shadows lengthen over the sand.
Zarb Dinner under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal cooked in an underground oven at your luxury camp.
Day 16: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Morning in the Desert
Enjoy a final breakfast in the silence of Wadi Rum before the 4-hour drive back to Amman.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Stop at a local cooperative to buy Dead Sea salts and olive oil soaps.
Dead Sea Dip (Quick Stop)
Float in the salt-rich waters of the Dead Sea on your way to the airport—a fun finale for the family.
Airport Transfer
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport for your evening departure.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
October is arguably the best month to visit the Western Middle East. In Turkey, the summer heat has dissipated, replaced by crisp mornings and pleasant daytime highs of 15°C to 22°C, perfect for city walking. In Jordan, October marks the end of the dry summer, with temperatures dropping to a comfortable 25°C, making desert activities like hiking in Petra and camping in Wadi Rum highly enjoyable for families. It is also the start of the olive harvest season, providing a unique cultural experience.
Visas & Border Crossings
For most Western travelers, Turkey offers an easy e-Visa system that must be applied for online before arrival. Jordan offers the 'Jordan Pass,' which is a highly recommended purchase for families. It includes the cost of the tourist visa (if you stay at least 3 nights) and provides entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra. When flying between Turkey and Jordan, ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity. Border crossings are generally efficient at airports, but always allow extra time for security when traveling with children.
Getting Around Middle East
Transportation on this route is a highlight itself. Turkey’s TCDD High-Speed Rail (YHT) connects Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Konya with speeds up to 250 km/h, offering a clean, safe, and exciting experience for kids. For the cross-country jump to Jordan, budget-friendly flights are available via Turkish Airlines or Pegasus. Within Jordan, while rail is not an option for passengers, the JETT bus system and private car hires are the most reliable ways to navigate between Amman, Petra, and the desert safely managed desert camps of Wadi Rum.
