10 Excellent Educational Holidays in the Continent for the Coming Year

Explore a world of novel talents alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day session. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer 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 bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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