A MAGICAL city full of historical charm, fantastic shopping and strong culture, a trip to Edinburgh can be just what you need to get 2011 off to a flying start.

With Edinburgh just a short 80-minute flight away from Cardiff airport, you can be sipping whiskey and tucking into shortbread while enjoying the sights of this winter wonderland in no time.

Within moments of arriving your attention will be grabbed by Edinburgh Castle overlooking Scotland's capital city and dominating the skyline.

Perched on an extinct volcano, the castle is the perfect place to start your visit as the high vantage point gives spectacular views over the city.

The castle is also a real opportunity to soak up local history and for those not familiar with Scottish history the castle offers abundant visitor displays and free guided tours.

The castle is home to the oldest building in Edinburgh, the 12th-century St Margaret's Chapel and in 1566 Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI - who later became also James I of England - in the royal palace within the castle.

Trailing down from Castle Hill runs the city's famous Royal Mile where the sound of bagpipes is never far away.

Here you will find the Scotch Whiskey Experience, an eclectic mix of tourist shops and eateries as well as pubs and cultural attractions.

Leaving the old town behind and taking to Princes Street, savvy shoppers will find a well-stocked high street filled with well-known names and exclusive local boutiques.

For those not so keen on shopping, sightseers will find for a capital city, Edinburgh is a surprisingly green place and, even in the heart, you are never far from wide open spaces where you can enjoy the great outdoors on crisp winter days.

After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, the perfect way to relax is at the Caledonian Hilton Hotel with a traditional afternoon tea.

The hotel was built in 1903 in the era of great railway hotels and the building was part of the original Caledonian Railway Station.

The origins of the hotel have not been forgotten with architectural features of the station still visible around the building.

Served in the stylish Pompadour Restaurant, afternoon tea consists of a mouth-watering spread of savouries and cakes including traditional shortbread, mini chocolate eclairs and cucumber sandwiches served with a wide selection of teas.

Looking around the friendly staff will be keen to point out the Pompadour Restaurant was created within the former entrance arches of the original Princes Street Train Station. The restaurant was named after King Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and reflects the glories of a 18th century royal court.

Today the restaurant offers the best table in the city, with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street.

FACT FILE

  • Flight time from Cardiff Airport: 80 minutes
  • Train journey time from Newport: six hours
  • For more information visit the Edinburgh tourism board's website at www.edinburgh.org
  • To book your stay at the Caledonian Hilton or make reservations at the Pompadour Restaurant call or 0131 222 8888 or visit hilton.co.uk/caledonian