Why Tbilisi Makes an Easy Short Break from the UAE
Georgia packs a great deal into a small country: a capital with a long, layered history, churches rooted in its early Christian history and the peaks of the Greater Caucasus within a day’s drive. Flights from Sharjah take about three and a half hours, and Georgia shares the UAE’s time zone, so a Georgia holiday package from the UAE suits a short break with no jet lag to recover from.
Tbilisi: an old city above the river
Tbilisi spreads along both banks of the Mtkvari River, also known as the Kura. High above the old town stand the walls of Narikala Fortress, which already existed in the 4th century. Below it lies Abanotubani, the sulphur bath district, and the narrow lanes of Old Tbilisi, where churches and a mosque sit within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main boulevard, shows its grander, more formal side.
Mtskheta and the road to Kazbegi
Around 20 km from Tbilisi, Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kartli and the place where Christianity was proclaimed Georgia’s official religion in 337. Its Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remain at the heart of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
North of the capital, the Georgian Military Road climbs into the Greater Caucasus, reaching 2,379 metres at the Jvari Pass. Along the way are the 17th-century churches of Ananuri on the Aragvi River and, above the town of Stepantsminda, the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, set at around 2,170 metres on the slopes of Mount Kazbek. Temperatures in the mountains are lower than in the city, so pack warm layers.
Is this Georgia tour package right for you?
This Tbilisi holiday package suits couples, friends and families who want history, mountain scenery and city time in one short trip, with a guide to handle the logistics. Timed around the UAE National Day break, it returns before the holiday itself, leaving the celebrations free to enjoy at home. Entry rules for Georgia depend on your passport and UAE residency, so check the Visa Info section before you book.
Take a look at the full itinerary and inclusions on this page, then send us an enquiry to check availability on this departure.