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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes 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 levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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