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Uncover a domain of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be