As the home of the Scottish Enlightenment, Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful cities with a striking landscape that nicely counterpoints a history rich in gore and treachery that inspired Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In three days you can explore Edinburgh's history, from spooky tales of royal and religious intrigue and strife to underground (literally) adventures, all spiced up by Scotland's water of life and an endlessly evocative skyline.

The recent arrival of a pair of giant pandas should give a much-needed shot in the arm to the city's venerable zoo. Other child-focused attractions include the charming Camera Obscura, painless lessons in geology at Our Dynamic Earth and a crash course in the toys of the pre Xbox/Wii/Nintendo era at the Museum of Childhood. Best of all, however, are the terrific array of child-friendly, hands-on exhibits at the dazzling, revamped National Museum of Scotland.

World-class, state-of-the-art museum and gallery, an impressive urban park with spectacular views, humble stories of the city's common folk and fabulous botanic gardens await -- and you need never put your hand in your pocket.

Enjoy a taste of the offbeat, from the macabre artifacts of the surgeon's craft to Da Vinci Code enigmas, subterranean labyrinths, graceful galleries and an island of monastic majesty just a mile off Leith's bustling foreshore.

Head to Braveheart Country around Stirling for Scotland's premier castle experience, to Glasgow for shopping and the stunning architecture and design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Britain's most interesting Victorian city, to the Borders for fine medieval abbeys in the land of Sir Walter Scott, to the Highlands for glorious scenery in one of Europe's last great wildernesses, and to Pitlochry for spectacular scenery, adventure trips and all the woolens you could want less than two hours from the capital.