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Uncover a world of novel talents combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: From 900 euros for five days. Available from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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