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Explore a world of novel talents alongside stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be