Where there’s smoke . . .
Headwater’s new volcano hike explores the Aeolian islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and Stromboli, which erupts every 15 minutes, spewing streams of glowing lava. At night the mountain becomes an inferno of sparks, smoke and occasional rumblings. Led by a local guide, Headwater’s group will climb the steep slopes of the Sciara del Fuoco, “the fiery trail”.
The tour concludes with a five-night stay in the medieval village of Montalbano Elicona on Sicily. From here you can walk through the lava fields of smouldering Etna to the 3,270m (10,725ft) summit for views over the Aeolian islands. The 11-day tours cost from £1,269 for flights, half board and guiding. Details: Headwater (0870 0662650, www.headwater.com).
Herd mentality
St-Rémy, one of the most charming and unspoilt French Provençal towns, bursts into life at the end of May with its own wildlife spectacular — the Festival of Transhumance, when up to 4,000 sheep, goats and donkeys are herded around town before heading off for summer pastures in the Alps.
Overlooking the action, the hotel Les Ateliers de l’Image is a tourist attraction in its own right. Converted from a cinema and photographic studio, it also acts as an art gallery, screens films every night in the bar studio, and has a Japanese restaurant. One of its luxury suites sports a treehouse with views over the garden and herb-strewn Alpilles hills. A week in the treehouse suite during the festival with Eurotunnel crossings costs £956pp. Details: Voyages Ilena (020-7924 4440, www.voyagesilena.co.uk).
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Glin and tonic
Gardens are something of a cottage industry at Glin Castle in Limerick, home of the 29th Knight of Glin. His wife, Madam FitzGerald, writes about the gardens of Ireland, and their daughter Catherine designs them. The FitzGeralds will host botanists on an Irish tour that includes visits to public and private gardens. There will also be excursions to a Burren smokery and a perfumery. Tour dates are June 6-10. The cost is £1,235 for flights, most meals, entrance fees, guiding, three nights at Gregans Castle in the Burren and a night at Glin Castle. Details: Boxwood Tours (01341 241717, www.boxwoodtours.co.uk).
On the waterfront
Dahab is the most relaxed of Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, a favourite with backpackers attracted by its ramshackle waterfront and bazaar. The resort also has diving and other watersports. Neilson has launched a year-round active centre there with dinghy sailing, kitesurfing, mountain biking and tennis as well as scuba diving. Children’s clubs cater for 2 to 12-year-olds. Seven nights start at £535 for adults, £428 for children, based on half board with flights and transfers. Details: Neilson Active Holidays (0870 9099099, www.neilson.co.uk/dahab).
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Park and ride
Magic of the Orient will pioneer African-style safaris in three of Sri Lanka’s national parks. Camps have tents with hot showers and queen-sized beds. Naturalists will take game drives in the parks. The 12-day holidays cost from £2,127 for flights, private transfers, six nights’ full board on safari and five nights’ B&B at the Lighthouse Hotel and Spa on the beach near Galle. Details: Magic of the Orient (0117-311 6050, www.magicoftheorient.com).
Paradise found
Don’t try to book the Paradise VIP suite at the Crithoni’s Paradise Hotel on the island of Leros during July and August — that’s when it is reserved for the great and good of Athens. Outside these months, when the island is much nicer and less crowded, the suite is reserved for clients of the tour operator Laskarina. Attractions include a terrace with a marble table, and sofas big enough to get lost in. The VIP apartment sleeps four and costs £430-£530pp per week, with flights and transfers via Kos and Kalymnos.
Even if you choose a simpler base, Leros is well worth a visit. The Dodecanese island is less dependent on tourism than most, and remains traditionally Greek. A week in a converted windmill above the fishing harbour of Pandeli costs £500-£550pp, based on two sharing. Details: Laskarina Holidays (01444 880380, www.laskarina.co.uk).