A Dozen Excellent Skill-Building Holidays in the Continent for the Coming Year

Discover a world of novel talents combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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