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Uncover a world of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 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 authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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