Edinburgh

Even the weariest of world-weary travellers couldn't suppress a jolt of excitement as Edinburgh Castle first comes into view. Ancient and hulking on a rocky eruption high above the city, the castle is the city's most enduring landmark - and for visitors on short breaks to Edinburgh, probably the most pressing stop on their itineraries.

The Scottish capital, set among long-exhausted volcanoes on the southern brink of the Firth of Forth, is today not only a magnificent historical city, but a vibrantly modern one too. One of the reasons city breaks to Edinburgh are so enthralling is that they offer 21st-century pursuits against the breathtaking backdrop of a passionate past.

The main thoroughfare of the picturesque New Town is Princes St, lined on one side with shops, and on the other with a sweeping view of the Old Town above. Walking from the former to the latter requires sensible shoes and a healthy pair of lungs, but the rewards are great - besides, short breaks to Edinburgh have never been for the fainthearted.

The medieval Royal Mile - parallel to Princes St but far loftier at its castle apex - descends all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, past fine buildings, ancient pubs and countless offshoots deeper into the Old Town.

If the idea of active short breaks to Edinburgh catches on, further hiking options are an ascent of Calton Hill, to the east of New Town, or Arthur's Seat for magnificent views of the city.

On the other hand, city breaks to Edinburgh are also an opportunity to live it up. The Scots have been used to relaxed drinking laws for decades - while their English cousins have only just caught on - and it shows in Edinburgh's boisterous bars and clubs.

Remember, too, that come August this already sizzling city erupts - when the Edinburgh Festival comes to town.