Dreaming of a quick getaway over the upcoming Eid break? There are a few destinations nearby, only a few hours away from the UAE, which offer everything from grand bazaars to sulfur baths to mountain hikes.
Here’s a shortlist of easy jaunts from the UAE to satisfy your wanderlust and make most of your 3 days off.
Georgia: Tbilisi and Kazbegi
Flight time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes.
Weather in May: High 24°C / Low 13°C.
Where to stay: Rooms Hotel in both cities.
Things to see and do in Tbilisi: a walking tour of the city with Tbilisi Hack (IG details here) which covers significant ground including the markets which sell the delicious churchkhela candle-shaped candies, soak yourself in a Sulphur bath.
Things to see and do in Kazbegi: the incredibly scenic drive and tour between Tbilisi and Kazbegi, stop by the colorful Russia-Georgia friendship monument, hike or drive up Mount Kazbek to visit the Gergeti Trinity Church, enjoy the spectacular views and chillax vibe of the Rooms hotel.
What and where to eat: khinkalis and khacapuris.
More: For more info on my visit to Georgia and contact info of the driver and guide, click here for my ‘Once Upon a Time in Georgia’ blog post.
Armenia: Yerevan and day trips
Flight time: 3 hours 10 min.
Weather in May: High 25°C / Low 12°C.
Where to stay: Republica Hotel Yerevan (complimentary chauffeur service from the airport on arrival to the hotel).
Things to see and do: walk in the Republic Square, visit the National Museum and see the world’s oldest shoe, walk up the Yerevan Cascade for incredible views of Mount Arafat, visit the Cafesjian Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden, visit the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, explore the Gum Market and see the huge sheets of lavash bread being prepared, see the Blue Mosque, take day trips with Hyur Service to visit Khor Virap, Noravank, ancient Bird Cave, Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, Dilijan and much more.
What and where to eat: lavash bread, all day every day. Try ponchik donuts at Grand Candy or wherever. Dine at Tavern Yerevan.
Turkey: Istanbul
Flight time: 4 hours 35 minutes.
Weather in May: High 22°C / Low 13°C.
Where to stay: Hotel DeCamondo.
Things to see and do: visit the Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye mosques, wander in the Topkapi Palace, go underground at the Theodosius Cistern, shop at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, take a ferry to the Asian side of the city and walk around Kadikoy, Moda, Baghdad Streets, take a food tour with Istanbul on Food with Aysha (a must), spot the fishermen by the Galata Bridge.
What and where to eat: simit every chance you get, midye dolma (stuffed mussels), wetburger at Kızılkayalar Hamburger, kumpir baked potatoes, and baklava.
More: For more info, click here for my Travel Guide to Istanbul and click here for my guide to The Most Beautiful Religious Monuments in Istanbul.
