Take the Dubai–Tbilisi flight at 1:20 PM, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours before departure for airport access, check-in, security and immigration. Including the flight, baggage collection, Georgian entry formalities and the drive into town, this is realistically a 7–8-hour door-to-door transfer. Prebook a licensed taxi for the ride from Tbilisi International Airport to Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in Vera; the journey usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. A hotel-arranged car is easiest, while airport taxis and ride-hailing may be cheaper but less seamless with luggage.
After checking in at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, take about an hour to shower and reset. Then walk towards Rustaveli Avenue, roughly 15–20 minutes from the hotel, passing Vera’s leafy streets and old balconies before reaching the grand theatres, museums and illuminated façades of the avenue. The walk is especially pleasant after dark, though December evenings are cold, so bring a warm layer and comfortable shoes. For dinner, settle at Pasanauri on Rustaveli for khinkali, khachapuri and other Georgian classics; allow 1½ hours and expect around GEL 35–60 per person, depending on drinks and additional dishes.
Finish at Orbeliani Bazaar, in the Dry Bridge area, where the food hall and surrounding streets offer an easy first taste of Tbilisi without committing to a late night. From Pasanauri, a taxi is simplest and generally takes about 10–15 minutes; walking is possible but less appealing in the winter cold. Check the bazaar’s current evening hours before setting out, as individual vendors may close earlier than the hall. After an international travel day, keep this to a relaxed hour, then return to Rooms Hotel Tbilisi by taxi or on foot if you still have energy.
Start around 9:30 AM in Rike Park, taking the short cable-car ride up to Narikala Fortress. Allow about an hour for the ramparts and wide views across the Mtkvari River, Old Tbilisi, and the hills beyond; in late November, go earlier rather than later for the clearest light and bring shoes with decent grip, as the stone can be slippery. The cable car is usually inexpensive—roughly GEL 2–5 depending on the payment system—and you can generally use a transport card or contactless payment, but keep a little cash as backup.
From the fortress, walk along the ridge toward Mother of Georgia, also known as Kartlis Deda. The path is short but uneven, taking around 20–30 minutes with stops at the viewpoints. This is one of the best places to pause without rushing: the statue, wooded slope, and views over the rooftops give you a sense of how tightly Tbilisi is folded into its valleys. Check the cable-car operating status locally before setting out, since weather or maintenance can occasionally affect service; if it is closed, a taxi to the upper approach is the practical alternative.
Walk downhill into Abanotubani, the historic sulfur-bath district, in roughly 15–20 minutes. Spend about 45 minutes admiring the brick domes and tiled façades around the bathhouses, but treat the baths themselves as a separate booking: private rooms at places such as Chreli-Abano or Gulo’s Thermal Spa should be reserved in advance, especially on a Friday. A private room commonly costs around GEL 100–250 or more depending on size and duration; public bathing, where available, is cheaper. From the domed district, continue into the narrow Leghvtakhevi Waterfall gorge for an easy, atmospheric walk beneath the old town. The trail takes about 45 minutes at an unhurried pace, though wet paving and steps make sturdy footwear worthwhile.
Walk back through the old lanes to Sakhli #11 for dinner, allowing around 10–15 minutes from the waterfall entrance. This is a good night for polished Georgian cooking rather than a rushed khinkali stop: expect dishes such as seasonal vegetables, slow-cooked meats, and regional cheeses, with approximately GEL 50–90 per person before drinks. Reserve ahead if possible—Friday evenings fill quickly—and aim for a 7:00–7:30 PM table so you can linger over the meal. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of central Old Tbilisi; for the return, a Bolt ride is usually the simplest option, while walking back through the illuminated lanes is pleasant if the weather is dry.
Start around 9:30 AM with a taxi to the Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography, above Turtle Lake in the Vake hills. From central Tbilisi, allow roughly 25–40 minutes by car depending on Saturday traffic; Bolt is the simplest option, as public transport is less direct. The open-air museum spreads across wooded slopes, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm layer—late November can feel noticeably colder up here. Allow about two hours to explore the traditional houses, farm buildings and regional displays. Check the seasonal opening hours before setting out, and carry cash as smaller museum facilities may not always accept cards; budget approximately GEL 10–20 for entry.
Afterwards, walk down to Turtle Lake for an easy hour beside the water. The full loop is longer than you need today, so simply follow the accessible lakeside path, stop for the views and take a warm drink if a kiosk is open. Then continue downhill through Vake Park, a pleasant, leafy route of around 30–45 minutes rather than taking another taxi immediately. The park is a favorite weekend meeting place for locals, though some paths can be uneven or damp in autumn; if the descent feels too steep, use Bolt for the short transfer instead.
From Vake Park, take a taxi to Lolita in Vera, allowing 15–25 minutes in Saturday traffic. Settle in for a relaxed late lunch or early dinner rather than rushing: the courtyard and lively dining room suit a long meal, with Georgian-inspired dishes, salads and drinks costing roughly GEL 45–80 per person depending on what you order. Afterward, continue by taxi to Fabrika Tbilisi in Chugureti, usually another 10–20 minutes. Spend the evening browsing the courtyard, small studios and design shops, then stay for the sociable atmosphere and bars; it is particularly good on Saturday night. Returning to central Tbilisi by Bolt is straightforward, while the nearest metro access is Marjanishvili, about a 10-minute walk away.
Begin around 10:00 AM at the Tbilisi History Museum on Sioni Street, a manageable Sunday start in the Old Town. Set aside about 1½ hours for its collection, which gives useful context on Tbilisi’s trade, crafts, daily life and changing neighborhoods before you continue on foot. Check the museum’s Sunday opening hours shortly before visiting, as schedules can change seasonally; admission is usually inexpensive, often around GEL 5–10. From central accommodation, a Bolt to Sioni Street is generally the easiest arrival, while the surrounding lanes are best explored on foot.
Walk west through the old lanes to Anchiskhati Basilica, allowing about 10–15 minutes for the stroll and 30 minutes inside. It is a quiet, atmospheric stop rather than a grand blockbuster sight, with a much more intimate feel than Tbilisi’s larger monuments. Dress modestly and keep your voice low during services; Sunday may bring worshippers, and access to the interior can be restricted during prayers. You can pause for coffee nearby around Erekle II Street, but keep the break brief so the afternoon flows comfortably.
Take a Bolt across the river to Metekhi Church, usually 10–15 minutes from the Old Town depending on traffic, or walk for roughly 20 minutes via the bridge if you want more riverside views. Allow 45 minutes for the church and its terrace above the Mtkvari River; the overlook is especially good in the softer afternoon light. Continue down toward Rike Park, where an unhurried hour works well for a riverside stroll and a look at the park’s distinctive contemporary architecture. This is also an easy place to stop for a warm drink in late November, when it gets dark and chilly relatively early.
For dinner, head to Keto and Kote in Avlabari, ideally with a reservation because Sunday evenings can be busy. Allow about 1½ hours for a relaxed Georgian meal with city views; budget roughly GEL 50–90 per person before drinks. Order a few dishes to share—regional specialties, khachapuri and seasonal vegetables are a better approach than one large main each. From Rike Park, the restaurant is a short Bolt ride uphill; confirm the exact entrance and table location when booking, as the approach through Avlabari can be confusing after dark.
Start around 10:00 AM on Rustaveli Avenue at the Georgian National Museum, allowing roughly two hours for the archaeology, Georgian goldwork and historical collections. This is one of the best places to make sense of the country before your final days: look especially for the prehistoric finds and finely worked metal objects. Check the museum’s current Monday schedule before setting out, as opening days and exhibitions can change; admission is usually modest, around GEL 15–25. From central Tbilisi, walk or use a short Bolt ride, but allow extra time if you are staying across the river.
Continue along Rustaveli Avenue to the National Gallery of Georgia, about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Its more compact, focused collection makes a good contrast, with Georgian painting and modern art that can be seen comfortably in about 1½ hours. Verify Monday opening hours and temporary-exhibition access in advance; typical entry is around GEL 10–20. For lunch, keep it convenient on Rustaveli rather than detouring—Pasanauri is a reliable nearby choice for khinkali and khachapuri, though service can be leisurely, so allow at least an hour.
After lunch, take a Bolt to the lower station of the Tbilisi Funicular, then ride up to Mtatsminda Park; the journey from Rustaveli is usually 10–20 minutes by car, with some waiting at busy times. Spend about two hours walking the hilltop paths and viewpoints rather than trying to use every amusement, as late-November weather can be cold and the park is quieter outside peak season. Have dinner at Funicular Restaurant, ideally reserving ahead and requesting a window or terrace table; budget approximately GEL 60–100 per person, and allow 1½ hours. Return by funicular or Bolt, then finish at Rose Revolution Square for a 45-minute stroll along the illuminated central boulevard. Bring a warm layer—the exposed mountaintop is noticeably colder—and confirm the funicular’s evening operating time before going up.
Start around 10:00 at Dry Bridge Market in Chugureti, when the outdoor stalls are properly active but before the afternoon light fades. Give yourself about 1½ hours to browse paintings, handmade objects, old cameras, Soviet-era household pieces and antiques. It is a short Bolt ride from central Tbilisi—usually 5–15 minutes depending on traffic—or walk across the river if you are staying nearby. Bring small Georgian-lari notes and inspect anything advertised as antique carefully; prices are often negotiable, especially for multiple small purchases. The market is weather-dependent and is liveliest in daylight, so a cold or wet Tuesday may mean fewer sellers.
Walk roughly 10 minutes toward Dedaena Park, a good place to slow the pace beside the Mtkvari River. Spend about an hour on the riverside paths and around the open lawns; in early December it can feel wintry, so this works best as a brief stroll rather than a long picnic stop. Continue on foot or take a very short taxi ride to Ninia’s Garden for lunch, allowing 1½ hours. Its contemporary Georgian cooking is a pleasant change from a formal sightseeing stop—budget approximately GEL 40–75 per person, depending on wine and shared dishes. Reservations are sensible if you want a relaxed table, as opening hours and Tuesday service can change seasonally.
After lunch, take a Bolt to the Tbilisi Wine Museum in Old Tbilisi, normally around 10–20 minutes from Chugureti in daytime traffic. Allow about 1½ hours for the underground collection and tasting-focused exhibits, which explain Georgia’s qvevri tradition and the country’s unusually deep relationship with wine. Check the museum’s same-day hours before setting out, and ask whether the guided tasting is running; entry and tasting arrangements can vary. Keep the afternoon unhurried—the Old Town lanes around the museum are worth exploring briefly, but you have one more wine stop ahead.
Finish at 8000 Vintages in Vera, reached by taxi in roughly 10–20 minutes from the museum. Plan another 1½ hours for a guided tasting, with knowledgeable staff helping you compare amber, red and traditional qvevri wines rather than simply choosing by grape name. Expect approximately GEL 40–80 per person, depending on the tasting selection. Vera is easy to leave by Bolt afterward, and this is a good night to eat lightly or return to your accommodation rather than add another major restaurant booking. Drink water between tastings, and confirm the final serving time before travelling across town.
Make this your final full sightseeing day, starting around 9:30 AM with a Bolt to Chronicle of Georgia in Temqa. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes each way from central Tbilisi, depending on traffic; there is usually space to stop nearby, but the hilltop approach is uneven and exposed, so wear warm shoes and bring a coat. Spend about 1½ hours among the enormous stone reliefs, which depict Georgian history and Orthodox imagery, with broad views towards the Tbilisi Sea. There is no conventional museum-style ticketing to rely on, but check local access conditions before setting out, as the site can be quiet and partly exposed to weather.
Continue by taxi for around 10–15 minutes to the Tbilisi Sea district and take a relaxed hour by the waterfront. This is more about open space and a change of pace than polished resort facilities; in early December, keep expectations modest and use the pause for photographs and fresh air rather than planning a swim. Return towards the centre by Bolt, allowing 25–40 minutes, then spend roughly 1½ hours at Dezerter Bazaar beside Station Square. Go during daylight, when the produce, churchkhela, pickles and spice stalls are most active; selection varies, and the market can be crowded, so keep phones and wallets secure. A simple late lunch here—bread, fruit, or a small khachapuri from a nearby bakery—works better than a formal meal.
Reserve an early dinner at Barbarestan in Chugureti, allowing about two hours and budgeting approximately GEL 70–120 per person before drinks. Its Georgian dishes draw on historical recipes, making it a fitting final special meal; book ahead, especially for a Wednesday evening, and tell the restaurant about any dietary requirements. From there, take a short Bolt or walk towards Tbilisi Concert Hall in Vera—roughly 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic—and attend a performance only if the official December programme suits your date. Check the schedule and purchase tickets in advance rather than assuming a same-day seat; arrive 20–30 minutes early for cloakroom and entry, and keep a little flexibility because Georgian concert start times and traffic can be less predictable than the printed schedule.
Keep the morning easy and stay close to your accommodation. Have breakfast nearby, finish packing, and allow time to check out; most hotels can hold your luggage if you want a final coffee or short walk. Before leaving, withdraw or spend any remaining Georgian lari, check that passports and travel documents are accessible, and confirm your airline’s check-in and baggage rules. The airport is outside the centre, and traffic on the road from Tbilisi can become unpredictable, so do not plan a distant sightseeing stop.
Leave central Tbilisi around 12:00–12:30 PM for Tbilisi International Airport, using a pre-booked taxi or Bolt. The drive is commonly about 25–40 minutes, but allow closer to an hour if traffic is heavy; a private transfer is more dependable if you have checked luggage. For the 4:05 PM flight to Dubai, budget at least two hours at the airport for check-in, baggage drop, security and Georgian exit formalities, and confirm the airline’s required reporting time before departure. The airport is compact, but queues can still build around afternoon departures.
After border control, the terminal has cafés and a modest selection of shops, so arriving early is preferable to cutting the timing close. Take the 4:05 PM flight from Tbilisi to Dubai and keep your passport, boarding pass and any onward transport details handy during the journey. On arrival in Dubai, allow additional time for immigration, baggage collection and the transfer onward from the airport; a taxi is usually the simplest option, while the Metro is useful only if your accommodation is near a station and you are travelling light.
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