10 Fantastic Educational Breaks in the Continent for the Coming Year

Discover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide a superb combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, 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 village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, 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. Available 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be