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Uncover a realm of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total novices will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this short session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed 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 Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be