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Uncover a world of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes 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 sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation 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 recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be