I love train trips. It is the best way to witness the culture and life of the people where you are travelling. It is not the destination, it is the pleasure of travel itself. (This what BMW tells us in TV commercials.)
I went to Istanbul by a train from Ankara. I boarded in the night, and I was in Istanbul, Haydarpasa Pier next morning. I took a single seat instead of private cabin. Because I don't like to isolate myself and go to sleep but I like to see the people while travelling.