Back to School special: 5 thrilling learning holidays

Across the country, children are facing the horror of going back to school. The summer is over (did it really ever begin?), and days of playing with friends are gone, to be replaced with hours of dreary lessons and, even worse, homework.

It’s fair to say that the words ‘back to school’ hardly brought joy to our hearts when we were young, but as we get older our attitude to learning, and the opportunities we have to do it change significantly.

Learning holidays

As a specialist in fun, invigorating learning holidays, we know how excited people are to learn a new skill or recapture an old one, and we understand that the chance to do so in locations that spark the imagination make for an unforgettable experience.

Learning holidays are not just about the lessons – be it in a professional kitchen in Bangkok or a Tango school in Buenos Aires – they also allow people to meet like-minded people, visit wonderful corners of the earth and enjoy a relaxing break with a difference.

We provide hundreds of different learning holidays available to cater for all types of interests, so there’s bound to be something for you, but to help you put a positive spin on ‘back to school’ here are five thrilling suggestions

French Cookery Holiday – Gramont, France

France is probably one of the food capitals of the world, with an incredibly strong food history and culture that stretches back hundreds of years. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie or simply want to learn how to master classic dishes, this holiday is perfect. Based in a picturesque village in Gascony, and under the guidance of Chefs David and Bernard, you’ll get to grips with the essence of French food and wine. Away from the classroom, you’ll be shown around the area, which is famous for its gastronomy.

Spanish and digital photography course – Puntarenas, Costa Rica

As if learning two skills for the price of one wasn’t enough, this gem of a course – which lasts two weeks – takes you to gorgeous, tropical Costa Rica, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The course incorporates the country’s natural wonder by mixing Spanish instruction with digital photography lessons as well as surfing, yoga and nature tours.

Roman gladiator lessons – Rome, Italy

Based just outside Rome, the gladiator course is designed to give you an immersive insight into one of the great icons of ancient history. You will have the opportunity to dress like a gladiator as well as learn to fight like one. The veritable highlight of this learning adventure is the final tournament, which sees all the participants battle it out for the winning title. What you learn on this holiday will echo through eternity.

Gourmet Thai cookery course – Phuket, Thailand

If you’re after a truly memorable experience, the gourmet Thai cookery course is most definitely one to consider. Thai food is the perfect harmony of sweetness, sourness and saltiness that can take a lifetime to master. This course sees you mix lessons with visits to Thai markets to select the best ingredients, and offers the chance to cook and eat in 5 star surroundings.  Those looking for a luxury cooking experience in some of the most beautiful surroundings anywhere will be in heaven.

Mosaic making holiday – Murcia, Spain

The art of mosaic making is thousands of years old, but is hard to take up because of the reliance on materials. Set in the wonderfully tranquil retreat in Murcia, this course offers you the chance to do something you couldn’t do at home – get expert instruction in this relaxing, creative pursuit. The environs are a perfect escape, with wonderful grounds a short distance from the beach.