Playing golf on the lower slopes of Europe’s most active volcano; looking for a lost ball amidst the black sand and rocks of hardened lava, and the sound of a helicopter ferrying tourists for overhead views of the highest crater.

TRAILFINDERS (01-6777888 / 021-4648800 / www.trailfinders.ie) has seven-night packages with a complimentary upgrade to full-board at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,499 per person.

Volcanic ash from Mount Etna fell on Catania today, forcing authorities to close the airport overnight, airport officials said.