We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.

GROUP TRAVELTravel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe and Israel, including group connections between program segments when applicable. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

LISBON, PORTUGALExplore Lisbon with a panoramic city tour, a music boat tour, and a day at Sintra Natural Park. Visit Pena National Palace, Roca Cape, and Cascais. Celebrate Shabbat at Shaare Tikvah Synagogue and visit Belém Tower, Cristo Rei Statue, and the Monument of Discoveries.

SEVILLE, SPAINIn Seville, visit Plaza De Toros, Royal Alcázar, Giralda bell tower, Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and Seville Castle’s hedge maze.

MARBELLA & MÁLAGA, SPAINSwim and enjoy water sports in Marbella. Visit Atarazanas market and Torcal de Antequera in Málaga.

GRANADA, SPAINExplore Granada’s Cathedral and Capilla Real. Enjoy cultural immersion and relaxation at Traditional Hammam Baths in Córdoba.

CÓRDOBA, SPAINVisit Mezquita, Casa de Sefarad Museum, and Judería, Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter.

MADRID, SPAINCelebrate Shabbat with the local community. Visit Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Day trip to Toledo and enjoy a Spanish cooking class and a Flamenco show.

JERUSALEMHike the Jerusalem Hills, explore Mahane Yehuda, Haas Promenade, Old City, and reflect at the Kotel. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy Ben Yehuda Street.

NORTHERN ISRAELTour the City of David, walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, explore Caesarea, play at Aqua Kef, visit Sindyanna of Galilee and the Garmachin Center. Hike Mount Gilboa, swim in the Sachne, and meet Israeli teens. Volunteer for soldiers, visit Atlit Detention Camp, and surf in Haifa.

TEL AVIVTour Bahai Gardens, Ahmeddiya Mosque, and Hostages Family Square. Meet a Nova Festival survivor, visit Sderot and Kibbutz Magan, and see the Nova Memorial Site. Explore ANU Museum, Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin, Rainbow TLV Tour, and Florentin. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy a silent rave with Guru Zuzu.

CENTRAL ISRAELVisit Machon Ayalon, Be’er Sheva, and Ramon Crater. Relax at a desert kibbutz. Snorkel in the Red Sea, enjoy beach activities in Eilat, and float in the Dead Sea. Ride camels and enjoy a Bedouin dinner in Kfar Hanokdim.

MASADAHike Masada at sunrise, descend via the Snake Path, and cool off at Ein Gedi. Return to Jerusalem for a t-shirt design night and optional family visits.

JERUSALEM REVISITED
Participate in a Junior Knesset, shop at First Station, visit Feel Beit, play water tag, and watch a movie at Cinema City. Hear from Neil Lazarus, volunteer with Tachlit or Pantry Packers, and tour Yad Vashem. Visit Jaffa Seaport, Jaffa Flea Market, and end with a tree planting ceremony and closing dinner at Neot Kedumim Park.

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
The weather throughout Spain and Portugal is a typical Mediterranean climate—dry heat, cool evenings, and little to no rain. Temperatures will typically be in the 80s and 90s. Due to the dry nature of the heat in the Mediterranean, the sun is deceptively strong and you should plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for outdoor touring.

In Israel, the sun is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Ultimate Spain & Portugal Israel is comprised of 1–2 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs, or teens registered for one of the two connecting programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
You’ll try delicacies like paella, patatas bravas, and peixinhos da horta in Spain and Portugal. In Israel, expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

Will I need a visa for Europe?
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://etias.com/.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. Citizens of countries that have visa-free access to European Union countries will require an ETIAS. Dual citizens that hold passports to an EU and ETIAS-eligible country will not require an ETIAS if they enter and exit Europe using their EU passport.

The following data will be required for each ETIAS application: personal biometric data (e.g. name, gender, data of birth, etc), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

Fee: The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

Will I need a visa for Israel?
Starting from January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip connects our Spain & Portugal Discovery program with our Israel Journey program. Check out these other trips that connect Israel Journey:

• Ultimate Thailand Israel
• Ultimate Greece Israel
• Ultimate Central Europe Israel
• Ultimate Mediterranean Israel
• Ultimate Western Europe Israel

Learn more about our trip connections. BBYO will book connection travel for these programs and include it in the land cost of the program.

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.

GROUP TRAVELTravel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe and Israel, including group connections between program segments when applicable. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

LISBON, PORTUGALExplore Lisbon with a panoramic city tour, a music boat tour, and a day at Sintra Natural Park. Visit Pena National Palace, Roca Cape, and Cascais. Celebrate Shabbat at Shaare Tikvah Synagogue and visit Belém Tower, Cristo Rei Statue, and the Monument of Discoveries.

SEVILLE, SPAINIn Seville, visit Plaza De Toros, Royal Alcázar, Giralda bell tower, Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and Seville Castle’s hedge maze.

MARBELLA & MÁLAGA, SPAINSwim and enjoy water sports in Marbella. Visit Atarazanas market and Torcal de Antequera in Málaga.

GRANADA, SPAINExplore Granada’s Cathedral and Capilla Real. Enjoy cultural immersion and relaxation at Traditional Hammam Baths in Córdoba.

CÓRDOBA, SPAINVisit Mezquita, Casa de Sefarad Museum, and Judería, Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter.

MADRID, SPAINCelebrate Shabbat with the local community. Visit Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Day trip to Toledo and enjoy a Spanish cooking class and a Flamenco show.

JERUSALEMHike the Jerusalem Hills, explore Mahane Yehuda, Haas Promenade, Old City, and reflect at the Kotel. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy Ben Yehuda Street.

NORTHERN ISRAELTour the City of David, walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, explore Caesarea, play at Aqua Kef, visit Sindyanna of Galilee and the Garmachin Center. Hike Mount Gilboa, swim in the Sachne, and meet Israeli teens. Volunteer for soldiers, visit Atlit Detention Camp, and surf in Haifa.

TEL AVIVTour Bahai Gardens, Ahmeddiya Mosque, and Hostages Family Square. Meet a Nova Festival survivor, visit Sderot and Kibbutz Magan, and see the Nova Memorial Site. Explore ANU Museum, Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin, Rainbow TLV Tour, and Florentin. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy a silent rave with Guru Zuzu.

CENTRAL ISRAELVisit Machon Ayalon, Be’er Sheva, and Ramon Crater. Relax at a desert kibbutz. Snorkel in the Red Sea, enjoy beach activities in Eilat, and float in the Dead Sea. Ride camels and enjoy a Bedouin dinner in Kfar Hanokdim.

MASADAHike Masada at sunrise, descend via the Snake Path, and cool off at Ein Gedi. Return to Jerusalem for a t-shirt design night and optional family visits.

JERUSALEM REVISITED
Participate in a Junior Knesset, shop at First Station, visit Feel Beit, play water tag, and watch a movie at Cinema City. Hear from Neil Lazarus, volunteer with Tachlit or Pantry Packers, and tour Yad Vashem. Visit Jaffa Seaport, Jaffa Flea Market, and end with a tree planting ceremony and closing dinner at Neot Kedumim Park.

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
The weather throughout Spain and Portugal is a typical Mediterranean climate—dry heat, cool evenings, and little to no rain. Temperatures will typically be in the 80s and 90s. Due to the dry nature of the heat in the Mediterranean, the sun is deceptively strong and you should plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for outdoor touring.

In Israel, the sun is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Ultimate Spain & Portugal Israel is comprised of 1–2 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs, or teens registered for one of the two connecting programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
You’ll try delicacies like paella, patatas bravas, and peixinhos da horta in Spain and Portugal. In Israel, expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

Will I need a visa for Europe?
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://etias.com/.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. Citizens of countries that have visa-free access to European Union countries will require an ETIAS. Dual citizens that hold passports to an EU and ETIAS-eligible country will not require an ETIAS if they enter and exit Europe using their EU passport.

The following data will be required for each ETIAS application: personal biometric data (e.g. name, gender, data of birth, etc), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

Fee: The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

Will I need a visa for Israel?
Starting from January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip connects our Spain & Portugal Discovery program with our Israel Journey program. Check out these other trips that connect Israel Journey:

• Ultimate Thailand Israel
• Ultimate Greece Israel
• Ultimate Central Europe Israel
• Ultimate Mediterranean Israel
• Ultimate Western Europe Israel

Learn more about our trip connections. BBYO will book connection travel for these programs and include it in the land cost of the program.

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.

GROUP TRAVELTravel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe and Israel, including group connections between program segments when applicable. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

LISBON, PORTUGALExplore Lisbon with a panoramic city tour, a music boat tour, and a day at Sintra Natural Park. Visit Pena National Palace, Roca Cape, and Cascais. Celebrate Shabbat at Shaare Tikvah Synagogue and visit Belém Tower, Cristo Rei Statue, and the Monument of Discoveries.

SEVILLE, SPAINIn Seville, visit Plaza De Toros, Royal Alcázar, Giralda bell tower, Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and Seville Castle’s hedge maze.

MARBELLA & MÁLAGA, SPAINSwim and enjoy water sports in Marbella. Visit Atarazanas market and Torcal de Antequera in Málaga.

GRANADA, SPAINExplore Granada’s Cathedral and Capilla Real. Enjoy cultural immersion and relaxation at Traditional Hammam Baths in Córdoba.

CÓRDOBA, SPAINVisit Mezquita, Casa de Sefarad Museum, and Judería, Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter.

MADRID, SPAINCelebrate Shabbat with the local community. Visit Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Day trip to Toledo and enjoy a Spanish cooking class and a Flamenco show.

JERUSALEMHike the Jerusalem Hills, explore Mahane Yehuda, Haas Promenade, Old City, and reflect at the Kotel. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy Ben Yehuda Street.

NORTHERN ISRAELTour the City of David, walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, explore Caesarea, play at Aqua Kef, visit Sindyanna of Galilee and the Garmachin Center. Hike Mount Gilboa, swim in the Sachne, and meet Israeli teens. Volunteer for soldiers, visit Atlit Detention Camp, and surf in Haifa.

TEL AVIVTour Bahai Gardens, Ahmeddiya Mosque, and Hostages Family Square. Meet a Nova Festival survivor, visit Sderot and Kibbutz Magan, and see the Nova Memorial Site. Explore ANU Museum, Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin, Rainbow TLV Tour, and Florentin. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy a silent rave with Guru Zuzu.

CENTRAL ISRAELVisit Machon Ayalon, Be’er Sheva, and Ramon Crater. Relax at a desert kibbutz. Snorkel in the Red Sea, enjoy beach activities in Eilat, and float in the Dead Sea. Ride camels and enjoy a Bedouin dinner in Kfar Hanokdim.

MASADAHike Masada at sunrise, descend via the Snake Path, and cool off at Ein Gedi. Return to Jerusalem for a t-shirt design night and optional family visits.

JERUSALEM REVISITED
Participate in a Junior Knesset, shop at First Station, visit Feel Beit, play water tag, and watch a movie at Cinema City. Hear from Neil Lazarus, volunteer with Tachlit or Pantry Packers, and tour Yad Vashem. Visit Jaffa Seaport, Jaffa Flea Market, and end with a tree planting ceremony and closing dinner at Neot Kedumim Park.

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
The weather throughout Spain and Portugal is a typical Mediterranean climate—dry heat, cool evenings, and little to no rain. Temperatures will typically be in the 80s and 90s. Due to the dry nature of the heat in the Mediterranean, the sun is deceptively strong and you should plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for outdoor touring.

In Israel, the sun is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Ultimate Spain & Portugal Israel is comprised of 1–2 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs, or teens registered for one of the two connecting programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
You’ll try delicacies like paella, patatas bravas, and peixinhos da horta in Spain and Portugal. In Israel, expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

Will I need a visa for Europe?
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://etias.com/.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. Citizens of countries that have visa-free access to European Union countries will require an ETIAS. Dual citizens that hold passports to an EU and ETIAS-eligible country will not require an ETIAS if they enter and exit Europe using their EU passport.

The following data will be required for each ETIAS application: personal biometric data (e.g. name, gender, data of birth, etc), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

Fee: The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

Will I need a visa for Israel?
Starting from January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip connects our Spain & Portugal Discovery program with our Israel Journey program. Check out these other trips that connect Israel Journey:

• Ultimate Thailand Israel
• Ultimate Greece Israel
• Ultimate Central Europe Israel
• Ultimate Mediterranean Israel
• Ultimate Western Europe Israel

Learn more about our trip connections. BBYO will book connection travel for these programs and include it in the land cost of the program.

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.

GROUP TRAVELTravel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe and Israel, including group connections between program segments when applicable. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

LISBON, PORTUGALExplore Lisbon with a panoramic city tour, a music boat tour, and a day at Sintra Natural Park. Visit Pena National Palace, Roca Cape, and Cascais. Celebrate Shabbat at Shaare Tikvah Synagogue and visit Belém Tower, Cristo Rei Statue, and the Monument of Discoveries.

SEVILLE, SPAINIn Seville, visit Plaza De Toros, Royal Alcázar, Giralda bell tower, Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and Seville Castle’s hedge maze.

MARBELLA & MÁLAGA, SPAINSwim and enjoy water sports in Marbella. Visit Atarazanas market and Torcal de Antequera in Málaga.

GRANADA, SPAINExplore Granada’s Cathedral and Capilla Real. Enjoy cultural immersion and relaxation at Traditional Hammam Baths in Córdoba.

CÓRDOBA, SPAINVisit Mezquita, Casa de Sefarad Museum, and Judería, Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter.

MADRID, SPAINCelebrate Shabbat with the local community. Visit Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Day trip to Toledo and enjoy a Spanish cooking class and a Flamenco show.

JERUSALEMHike the Jerusalem Hills, explore Mahane Yehuda, Haas Promenade, Old City, and reflect at the Kotel. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy Ben Yehuda Street.

NORTHERN ISRAELTour the City of David, walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, explore Caesarea, play at Aqua Kef, visit Sindyanna of Galilee and the Garmachin Center. Hike Mount Gilboa, swim in the Sachne, and meet Israeli teens. Volunteer for soldiers, visit Atlit Detention Camp, and surf in Haifa.

TEL AVIVTour Bahai Gardens, Ahmeddiya Mosque, and Hostages Family Square. Meet a Nova Festival survivor, visit Sderot and Kibbutz Magan, and see the Nova Memorial Site. Explore ANU Museum, Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin, Rainbow TLV Tour, and Florentin. Celebrate Shabbat and enjoy a silent rave with Guru Zuzu.

CENTRAL ISRAELVisit Machon Ayalon, Be’er Sheva, and Ramon Crater. Relax at a desert kibbutz. Snorkel in the Red Sea, enjoy beach activities in Eilat, and float in the Dead Sea. Ride camels and enjoy a Bedouin dinner in Kfar Hanokdim.

MASADAHike Masada at sunrise, descend via the Snake Path, and cool off at Ein Gedi. Return to Jerusalem for a t-shirt design night and optional family visits.

JERUSALEM REVISITED
Participate in a Junior Knesset, shop at First Station, visit Feel Beit, play water tag, and watch a movie at Cinema City. Hear from Neil Lazarus, volunteer with Tachlit or Pantry Packers, and tour Yad Vashem. Visit Jaffa Seaport, Jaffa Flea Market, and end with a tree planting ceremony and closing dinner at Neot Kedumim Park.

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
The weather throughout Spain and Portugal is a typical Mediterranean climate—dry heat, cool evenings, and little to no rain. Temperatures will typically be in the 80s and 90s. Due to the dry nature of the heat in the Mediterranean, the sun is deceptively strong and you should plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for outdoor touring.

In Israel, the sun is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Ultimate Spain & Portugal Israel is comprised of 1–2 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs, or teens registered for one of the two connecting programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
You’ll try delicacies like paella, patatas bravas, and peixinhos da horta in Spain and Portugal. In Israel, expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

Will I need a visa for Europe?
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://etias.com/.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. Citizens of countries that have visa-free access to European Union countries will require an ETIAS. Dual citizens that hold passports to an EU and ETIAS-eligible country will not require an ETIAS if they enter and exit Europe using their EU passport.

The following data will be required for each ETIAS application: personal biometric data (e.g. name, gender, data of birth, etc), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

Fee: The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

Will I need a visa for Israel?
Starting from January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip connects our Spain & Portugal Discovery program with our Israel Journey program. Check out these other trips that connect Israel Journey:

• Ultimate Thailand Israel
• Ultimate Greece Israel
• Ultimate Central Europe Israel
• Ultimate Mediterranean Israel
• Ultimate Western Europe Israel

Learn more about our trip connections. BBYO will book connection travel for these programs and include it in the land cost of the program.