Ten Excellent Learning Holidays in the Continent for the Coming Year

Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students 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 first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp 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 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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