Three hours from Dubai to a completely different world—14th-century churches at 2,170 meters, 8,000-year-old winemaking traditions, and cities carved into rock before the pyramids were built

Looking for a quick escape from the Gulf heat? Georgia offers something completely different from your typical Dubai break. In just four days, you’ll climb to a 14th-century church at 2,170 meters, taste 8,000-year-old winemaking traditions, and explore a city carved entirely into rock 3,000 years ago.

This isn’t a beach resort package. It’s mountain air, ancient monasteries, and wine straight from clay vessels buried underground. If you have a long Eid weekend or a few vacation days, this tour covers Eastern Georgia’s highlights without the rushed feeling of trying to see everything.

FlyDubai and Wizz Air connect Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Three hours in the air, and you’re in a completely different world. No long-haul fatigue, no jet lag to manage. UAE, Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Qatari passport holders get visa-free entry for up to one year—just arrive and go.

This tour suits: Gulf travelers seeking a quick escape from summer heat, families looking for a different kind of holiday, history enthusiasts fascinated by ancient civilizations, wine culture explorers (even non-drinkers—the traditions and food are equally compelling), and anyone with a long weekend who wants maximum impact from minimal time.

This tour doesn’t suit: Those seeking beach resorts or luxury shopping (Georgia offers different experiences), travelers who can’t handle mountain roads with hairpin turns, visitors expecting everything to be like Dubai (Georgia is authentically different), or people uncomfortable with walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites.

Tour highlights

  • Tbilisi’s Old and New Sides: Medieval fortress views from Narikala, sulfur bath neighborhoods where the city was founded, and modern architecture built after independence—all walkable in one day
  • Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mtskheta’s churches represent Georgia’s conversion to Christianity in 337 AD; Uplistsikhe shows pre-Christian cave city life dating back 3,000 years
  • High Caucasus Mountain Scenery: The Kazbegi region reaches over 2,300 meters elevation with views of Mount Kazbek (5,047m), Georgia’s third-highest peak, and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170m
  • Kakheti Wine Country: Georgia invented wine—clay vessels called qvevri have been found dating back 8,000 years. Taste wines made the traditional way, buried underground for fermentation
  • Gulf-Friendly Logistics: Halal food widely available, prayer facilities in Tbilisi, visa-free entry, direct 3-hour flights from Dubai/Sharjah/Abu Dhabi, comfortable temperatures even in summer
  • Private Experience: Your own vehicle and English-speaking guide throughout—no mixing with other groups, flexible pacing for families

4 days • 3 nights • 2 UNESCO sites • Kazbegi mountains • Wine tasting • Visa-free • Halal options

Why UAE Travelers Choose Georgia

Direct Flights Make It Easy

FlyDubai and Wizz Air connect Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Three hours in the air—shorter than flying to most European destinations. No long-haul fatigue, no jet lag to manage. Most Dubai flights land in the morning, giving you a full first day.

Georgia Welcomes Gulf Visitors

UAE, Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Qatari passport holders get visa-free entry for up to one year. Just arrive and go. The immigration process at Tbilisi airport typically takes 15-20 minutes. No advance paperwork, no embassy visits, no visa fees.

Halal Food Is Widely Available

Georgia’s proximity to Muslim-majority regions means most restaurants serve halal meat. Tbilisi has dedicated halal restaurants, and we work with kitchens that understand dietary requirements. Our wine tastings include fresh breads, cheeses, and Georgian dishes that are naturally vegetarian. Many Georgian specialties—khachapuri (cheese bread), lobio (bean stew), badrijani (eggplant rolls)—contain no meat at all.

You’ll Find Prayer Facilities

Tbilisi has several mosques, including the central Jumah Mosque in Old Town. We can arrange prayer time stops during the tour. Georgia has a long history of religious coexistence—mosques and churches have stood side by side for centuries.

The Weather Works for Gulf Schedules

April through November offers comfortable temperatures (15-28°C). Even summer months stay cooler than Dubai, especially in the mountains where Day 3 takes you above 2,000 meters. For Gulf residents escaping 45°C heat, Georgia’s 25°C feels like paradise.

What This Tour Actually Covers

This is an Eastern Georgia tour focusing on history, mountains, and wine regions. You won’t see the Black Sea coast or western Georgia (those need separate trips). In four days, you experience Georgia’s core identity: Tbilisi’s layered history, UNESCO World Heritage churches, high Caucasus mountain scenery, and the wine traditions that predate recorded history.

Tour Itinerary

Day One: Tbilisi Discovery (Arrival Day)

Arrival: Tbilisi International Airport | Duration: Half day (flexible based on flight time)

We pick you up at Tbilisi airport regardless of your arrival time. Most Dubai flights land in the morning, giving you a full first day.

After Check-in: Old Town Walking Tour

After hotel check-in, we start with Tbilisi’s Old Town on foot. The narrow streets between 18th and 19th-century houses haven’t changed much in 200 years. The sulfur bath district (Abanotubani) sits where Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century, built around natural hot springs.

Narikala Fortress

The cable car takes you up to Narikala Fortress for the best city overview. This 4th-century fortress watched Tbilisi get conquered by Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Turks over 1,500 years. The view shows how the city spreads through the valley between two mountain ridges.

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue represents modern Georgia. Parliament, Opera House, and museums line the main boulevard. The architecture mixes 19th-century Russian Imperial style with Soviet buildings and new glass constructions from the last 20 years.

Evening: Free Time

Tbilisi’s restaurant scene serves everything from traditional Georgian cuisine to international options. We’ll give you neighborhood recommendations based on what you want—quieter areas, restaurant streets, or halal-specific options.

Overnight: Tbilisi

Day Two: Ancient Capital & Cave City (Mtskheta & Uplistsikhe)

Route: Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Uplistsikhe → Winery → Tbilisi | Duration: Full day

Morning: Mtskheta — Georgia’s Ancient Capital

Mtskheta served as Georgia’s capital for 1,000 years until the 6th century. Two churches here hold special importance:

Jvari Monastery (6th century) sits on the mountain overlooking where two rivers meet. The cross that gives it its name (“jvari” means cross) was erected in the 4th century when Georgia converted to Christianity. The church you see today was built 200 years later.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) is where Georgian kings were crowned and buried for centuries. Religious Georgians consider it the most sacred site in the country. The robe of Christ is believed to be buried under the cathedral’s central pillar.

The Mtskheta market sells churchkhela (a Georgian snack that looks like colorful candles but is actually nuts dipped in grape juice), spices, and handmade items.

Midday: Uplistsikhe Cave City

Uplistsikhe is Georgia’s most impressive archaeological site. Starting in the 1st millennium BC, people carved an entire city into soft volcanic rock. At its peak, 20,000 people lived in these caves. You’ll walk through rock-cut streets, see a pagan temple that became a Christian church, and understand how defensible this position was. The site predates Christianity, Islam, and most major world religions.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting with Lunch

Lunch with wine tasting happens at a traditional Georgian winery or family cellar. Georgian wine ferments in clay vessels called qvevri, buried up to their necks in the ground. This technique—UNESCO-recognized as intangible cultural heritage—creates wines that taste different from anything made with modern methods.

You’ll try 4-5 wines with Georgian appetizers (cheeses, pickles, fresh vegetables) and a hot meal. Non-drinkers can enjoy the food and learn about the 8,000-year-old traditions without tasting wine.

Return to Tbilisi in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Tbilisi (lunch included)

Day Three: Kazbegi Mountains & Gergeti Trinity Church (Jeep Adventure)

Route: Tbilisi → Ananuri → Gudauri → Jvari Pass → Stepantsminda → Gergeti Trinity Church → Tbilisi | Duration: Full day (longest driving day)

This is the longest driving day, but the mountain scenery justifies it. The Georgian Military Highway north from Tbilisi follows an ancient route through the Caucasus, used by traders and armies for 2,000 years.

Morning: Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri Fortress (16th-17th century) guards the Aragvi River valley. The fortress overlooks Jinvali Reservoir, a massive artificial lake created in 1985. The contrast between medieval stone towers and Soviet-era dam engineering shows Georgia’s layered history.

Climbing to Jvari Pass

Gudauri is Georgia’s main ski resort. In summer and fall, the ski slopes turn into green mountain meadows. The road climbs through hairpin turns with increasingly dramatic views.

Jvari Pass at 2,395 meters marks the highest point on the road. On clear days, you see mountain ranges stretching in every direction. The monument here commemorates Georgian-Russian friendship (built in Soviet times).

Stepantsminda and the Jeep Adventure

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is the main town in this mountain region. We switch to 4×4 jeeps here for the climb to Gergeti Trinity Church. The road is rough, gaining 400 meters elevation in 20 minutes of bouncing over rocks and mud.

Gergeti Trinity Church stands alone at 2,170 meters with Mount Kazbek rising behind it. Built in the 14th century, this church served as a refuge during invasions—enemies couldn’t reach it. The views from here are what bring people to Georgia. On a clear day, you see the glacier on Kazbek’s peak (5,047m).

The jeep ride down is equally bumpy but thrilling for children and adults alike. We stop in Stepantsminda for lunch before driving back to Tbilisi. The return trip is faster, arriving in early evening.

Overnight: Tbilisi

Day Four: Kakheti Wine Region & Departure

Route: Tbilisi → Sighnaghi → Kakheti wineries → Tbilisi → Airport | Duration: Half day + departure

Morning: Sighnaghi — The City of Love

Kakheti is Georgia’s main wine-producing region. The Alazani Valley between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountains creates perfect grape-growing conditions. Over 500 varieties of grapes grow in Georgia, most found nowhere else on earth.

Sighnaghi (also spelled Signagi) is a small hilltop town with Italian-looking architecture and 4 kilometers of defensive walls built in the 18th century. The town overlooks the Alazani Valley with views stretching to the snow-capped Caucasus mountains. Walk the cobblestone streets, see the traditional architecture, and understand why this region produces Georgia’s finest wines.

Optional: Wine Tasting with Lunch

Wine tasting with lunch (optional but recommended) lets you compare Kakheti wines to what you tried on Day 2. Saperavi (red) and Rkatsiteli (white) are the main varieties from this region. Georgian food pairs naturally with wine—the cuisine developed alongside winemaking over millennia.

Non-drinkers can enjoy grape juice made using the same traditional qvevri methods, plus the exceptional food.

Afternoon: Return and Departure

Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon. Depending on your flight time, we either take you directly to the airport or give you a few more hours in the city for last-minute shopping or exploration.

End of tour: Tbilisi Airport

Price details

PAX

2

4

6

8

10

Price USD

690$

580$

540$

510$

490$

What’s Included

Included

  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 3 nights accommodation in Tbilisi (your choice of hotel category)
  • Private transportation for all tour days
  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout
  • 4×4 jeep transfer to Gergeti Trinity Church
  • Entrance fees: Narikala cable car, Uplistsikhe archaeological site
  • Wine tasting with lunch on Day 2 at traditional winery
  • All fuel, parking, and road tolls

Not Included

  • Flights to/from Tbilisi (book separately)
  • Meals (except Day 2 lunch with wine tasting)
  • Day 4 wine tasting and lunch (optional, ~$25-30/person)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional)

Why we don’t include all meals: UAE travelers often have specific dietary requirements. Some want halal meat options, others prefer vegetarian meals, and some want to explore Tbilisi’s restaurants independently. This flexibility works better than forcing everyone to eat at the same places. We’ll give you restaurant recommendations for each area, including halal-specific options.

Hotel options: You choose your hotel category when booking. Budget tier (clean 3-star hotels), mid-range (4-star with better amenities), or premium (5-star and boutique properties). All hotels are centrally located within walking distance of restaurants and attractions.

Tour map

Tbilisi Airport
Tbilisi (Nights 1-3)
Narikala Fortress
Jvari Monastery
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Uplistsikhe Cave City
Ananuri Fortress
Gudauri Ski Resort
Jvari Pass (2,395m)
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170m)
Sighnaghi
Kakheti Wineries

Tour gallery

Practical Information for UAE Travelers

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Start/End: Tbilisi International Airport
Group Size: Private tour (your own vehicle and guide)
Difficulty: Moderate—involves walking on uneven terrain, high altitude (up to 2,400m)
Best Season: April to November
Language: English guide (Arabic possible on request)

What to Pack

Layers: Tbilisi and Kakheti get warm (25-30°C in summer), but Kazbegi stays cooler (15-20°C). Bring a light jacket for mountain areas.

Walking shoes: Comfortable shoes with good grip for Uplistsikhe caves and mountain walks.

Modest clothing: Covered shoulders for church visits (headscarves not required for tourists but available at entrances).

Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses—especially important at mountain altitude.

Currency and Payment

Georgian Lari (GEL) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi, but bring cash for small towns, markets, and wine cellars. ATMs at the airport and throughout Tbilisi. Exchange rates are better at local exchange offices than at the airport.

Mobile Connectivity

Georgian SIM cards with data are cheap (10-15 GEL for tourist packages). Available at the airport and phone shops. Your UAE number works on roaming but costs more.

Best Time to Visit

April-May ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Spring flowers, comfortable temperatures (15-22°C), green landscapes. Occasional rain possible.

June-August ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Warmest weather (22-30°C in Tbilisi, 15-20°C in mountains). Best for escaping Gulf heat. Peak tourist season.

September-October ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Harvest season in wine regions, autumn colors in mountains, comfortable temperatures (18-25°C). Excellent photography conditions.

November ⭐⭐⭐: Cooler temperatures (8-15°C), possibility of early snow on mountain roads. Fewer tourists.

December-March ⭐⭐: Winter conditions can close the Kazbegi road. Not recommended for this specific itinerary (but great for skiing in Gudauri).

Tour FAQ

No. UAE passport holders get visa-free entry to Georgia for up to one year. Just show your passport at Tbilisi airport. The immigration process typically takes 15-20 minutes. Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Qatari passport holders also enjoy visa-free entry.

No. You book flights separately. We provide airport transfers once you arrive in Georgia. FlyDubai and Wizz Air offer direct flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Flight time is approximately 3 hours. Most Dubai travelers fly out Friday or Saturday morning and return Monday or Tuesday afternoon, making this perfect for long weekends.

Private. This is your own vehicle and guide. We don’t mix different families or groups unless you specifically request to join a shared tour for better pricing. Private touring means flexible pacing—if your children need more time at a site or you want to skip something, we adjust accordingly.

Yes, halal food is widely available throughout Georgia. We work with restaurants that serve halal meat. Many Georgian dishes are naturally vegetarian, including khachapuri (cheese bread), lobio (bean stew), and badrijani (eggplant rolls). We’ll point out halal restaurants in areas where you have free time.

Yes. Wine tastings include alcoholic wine made from local grape varieties. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, tastings can focus on the winemaking process, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Many cellars produce excellent grape juices using the same traditional qvevri methods. The cultural experience of visiting wineries remains valuable even without tasting wine.

Tbilisi has several mosques, including the central Jumah Mosque in Old Town. During tour days outside Tbilisi, we can arrange prayer time stops. Let us know your requirements when booking and we’ll plan accordingly. Georgia has a long history of religious tolerance—mosques and churches have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

Moderate level. Uplistsikhe cave city involves climbing through uneven rock-cut paths. Gergeti Trinity Church requires a short walk from where the jeep drops you (5-10 minutes uphill). Old Town Tbilisi has hills and cobblestones. No serious hiking required, but comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Yes. The tour works well for families with children. The 4×4 jeep ride to Gergeti excites kids, and the cave city is fascinating for all ages. Let us know children’s ages when booking so we can adjust the pacing and choose appropriate restaurants. We can also add family-friendly activities if desired.

Georgia’s weather is changeable, especially in the mountains. Light rain doesn’t stop the tour. Heavy snow can close the Kazbegi road in winter months (rare but possible in early spring or late fall). If this happens, we substitute alternative mountain destinations at no extra cost. Tours operate year-round, though December-March requires flexibility.

Yes. Many travelers extend with western Georgia (Batumi beach region), more time in Tbilisi for shopping and dining, or additional wine country exploration. Contact us about extensions and we can customize the itinerary to fit your schedule and interests.

Why This Tour Works for Gulf Travelers

This tour works because it focuses on one region properly rather than rushing through everything. Four days lets you experience Georgia’s core identity: mountains, ancient history, and wine culture—without the exhaustion of trying to see the entire country.

We’ve designed this for UAE travelers specifically. We understand the flight schedules from Dubai, the dietary requirements, and what surprises Gulf visitors about Georgia (how green everything is, how different the architecture looks, how seriously Georgians take hospitality). We know which restaurants serve halal meat, where to find prayer facilities, and how to pace a tour for families traveling with children.

Georgia isn’t trying to compete with Dubai’s luxury. It offers something completely different: old mountain villages, monasteries that predate Islam, and wine traditions older than written history. The 14th-century church at 2,170 meters. The cave city carved 3,000 years ago. The wine made in clay vessels buried underground for 8,000 years. These experiences don’t exist anywhere else.

The logistics are simple. Three-hour direct flights. Visa-free entry. No jet lag. Comfortable temperatures even when Dubai hits 45°C. For a long Eid weekend or a few vacation days, this tour shows you why Georgia has become the Gulf’s favorite nearby escape.

Direct flights from Dubai depart daily. From Sharjah, several times weekly. Most UAE travelers fly out Friday or Saturday morning and return Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Questions about the tour? Ask us about group discounts, family-friendly adjustments, or combining this with our other Georgia packages for longer trips.

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