Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe. 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.

Central Europe Discovery

Warsaw, Poland (2 Days)

Warsaw offers an opportunity to experience the history and traditions of Polish Jewry, where generations of Jewish families helped shape the city's culture and identity. Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews to learn about centuries of Jewish life, and explore important historic sites connected to the Warsaw Ghetto. Through visits to places such as the Warsaw Ghetto Mound, reflect on the experiences of Jewish residents during the Holocaust and the importance of preserving their stories.

Jewish life in Warsaw is also part of the city's present. Connect with local organizations, including the Jewish Community Center and Mi Polin Mezuzah Museum, to learn how Jewish culture and community continue to thrive in Poland today. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pierogi-making class, discovering a beloved Polish tradition while spending time with your group.

Beyond its Jewish heritage, Warsaw is filled with opportunities to experience Polish culture. Wander through its charming Old Town, admire the colorful architecture, and enjoy an outdoor adventure kayaking along the Vistula River. From meaningful historical encounters to lively neighborhoods and time on the water, Warsaw offers a memorable introduction to the region.

Kraków, Poland (3 Days)

Kraków holds an important place in the history of Jewish life in Europe. Walk through Kazimierz, the city's historic Jewish Quarter, where centuries-old streets and landmarks tell the story of a community that once flourished here. Explore sites connected to the former Kraków Ghetto and visit Schindler's Factory to learn about life under Nazi occupation and the experiences of Jewish residents during World War II.

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau offers an opportunity for meaningful Holocaust education and remembrance. Through guided learning and reflection, honor the memory of those who were murdered and consider the lasting impact of the Holocaust on Jewish communities around the world. At the Oświęcim Jewish Center, learn about the Jewish community that existed in the town before the war and the importance of preserving its history.

Kraków also offers opportunities to experience Jewish traditions and contemporary community life. Connect with local Jewish organizations and celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens, sharing familiar traditions in a city with a remarkable Jewish past. The surrounding region provides additional cultural experiences, including historic Jewish sites in Kielce, the beautiful Kadzielnia Nature Reserve, and the fascinating underground salt mines near Kraków.

Zakopane, Poland (2 Days)

High in southern Poland, the Tatra Mountains offer a beautiful change of scenery from the country's historic cities. In Zakopane, traditional wooden architecture, mountain villages, and remarkable natural landscapes create a wonderful setting for outdoor exploration. Take in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks on a scenic gondola ride and enjoy opportunities to hike through the region's stunning mountain scenery.

For a different kind of adventure, take to the water on a rafting experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tatras. Spend time enjoying the Bukovina water park, where swimming and water attractions offer a chance to relax and have fun with your group.

Between the fresh mountain air, incredible views, and outdoor activities, Zakopane offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Poland's natural beauty and share new experiences together.

Budapest, Hungary (1 Day)

Hungary's capital brings another layer of Central European history and culture to the journey. Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is known for its beautiful architecture, historic neighborhoods, and impressive landmarks overlooking the water.

Explore the Buda side of the city with a visit to Buda Castle and the surrounding Castle Hill district. Wander through historic streets, admire the city's distinctive architecture, and enjoy sweeping views of the Danube and surrounding neighborhoods. Budapest offers a memorable introduction to Hungary's history and cultural traditions.

Eastern Europe Discovery

Budapest, Hungary (4 Days)

Budapest offers a deeper look into Hungary's Jewish heritage, outdoor attractions, and vibrant city life. Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, home to the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue and beautifully restored Rumbach Street Synagogue. Learn about generations of Hungarian Jews who contributed to the country's cultural life while visiting important sites of remembrance, including the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial and Liberty Square.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens, with opportunities to experience the traditions of Jewish life at the Frankel Leó Street Synagogue. Through historical encounters, reflection, and time together, discover the stories of Budapest's Jewish community and its connections to Jewish life around the world.

Budapest also offers some of the journey's most distinctive activities. Venture beneath the city on an underground caving adventure, exploring remarkable natural formations hidden below the streets. Experience the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, known for their warm mineral waters and beautiful architecture, and enjoy a scenic Danube River cruise for a different perspective on the Hungarian capital. Spend time browsing the colorful stalls of the Great Market Hall and experiencing the city's lively atmosphere.

Outside Budapest, Lake Balaton provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Challenge yourself on a ropes course, enjoy an inflatable water park, and spend time relaxing along the lakeshore. Between the city's historic landmarks and exciting activities, Budapest offers plenty of opportunities for cultural discovery and fun.

Vienna, Austria (2 Days)

Elegant architecture, magnificent palaces, and centuries of artistic tradition make Vienna one of Europe's most recognizable cultural capitals. Experience the city's historic streets and landmarks while learning about the Jewish communities that have contributed to Austrian society across generations. Visit Judenplatz, once an important center of Jewish life and now home to a memorial honoring Austrian Jews murdered during the Holocaust.

Discover another side of Vienna through its famous culinary and artistic traditions. Take part in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, learning about confectionery techniques while creating your own sweet treats. At Schönbrunn Palace, explore the magnificent grounds of the former imperial residence and challenge your group to navigate its famous hedge maze.

Beyond the city, the Wachau Valley offers a picturesque landscape of vineyards, historic villages, and beautiful scenery along the Danube River. Take in the region's natural beauty while discovering another part of Austria's cultural heritage.

Prague, Czechia (3 Days)

Prague's Gothic towers, colorful buildings, and winding cobblestone streets create an incredible setting for exploring Czech culture and history. Walk through Old Town, admire the city's historic architecture, and visit the magnificent Prague Castle complex overlooking the Vltava River. Discover the remarkable Klementinum, known for its beautiful Baroque interiors and centuries of scholarly tradition.

Prague is also home to one of Europe's most significant historic Jewish communities. Explore Josefov, the city's Jewish Quarter, where generations of Jewish scholars, merchants, and families shaped the city's religious and cultural life. Learn about this remarkable heritage through visits to historic Jewish sites and experience a special musical performance at the beautiful Spanish Synagogue.

There's also plenty of excitement beyond Prague's historic landmarks. Take to the Vltava River on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure, enjoying the city's scenery from the water. Test your teamwork and creativity through interactive activities such as archery-style games and human foosball, and discover a distinctive Czech artistic tradition at a black light theater performance.

Enjoy more water-filled fun at Aqualand Moravia, where attractions and pools offer another opportunity to relax and have fun with your group.

Munich, Germany (4 Days)

Bavaria combines beautiful Alpine scenery, charming historic cities, and some of Germany's most recognizable landmarks. In Munich, wander through the city's lively streets, admire its grand architecture, and spend time in the beautiful English Garden. Learn about the region's culture and history while experiencing the atmosphere of one of Germany's most famous cities.

Outside Munich, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, whose dramatic towers and mountain setting have made it one of Europe's most recognizable castles. Enjoy opportunities to hike through the spectacular Bavarian Alps, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. At BMW Welt, discover the world of automotive innovation and design through exhibits showcasing one of Germany's best-known brands.

The nearby Austrian city of Salzburg offers another perspective on the region's culture and history. Wander through its beautiful historic streets and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. The proposed itinerary also includes a visit to the Eagle's Nest near Berchtesgaden, a site associated with the Nazi regime, offering an opportunity to learn about the region's difficult past and the importance of understanding history.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in Munich, sharing familiar traditions and meaningful conversations. With its combination of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and Jewish connection, Bavaria offers a rich variety of experiences to enjoy together.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends 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. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. 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 .

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels. When booking our 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.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. 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?
Summer in Central Europe is generally mild to warm, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from the 70s to the 80s. Cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Warsaw can experience warmer days, while Prague, Kraków, and Munich may have cooler mornings and evenings.

Mountain destinations such as Zakopane and the Bavarian Alps are generally cooler, particularly at higher elevations. Summer rain showers and thunderstorms are also possible throughout the region.

We recommend packing lightweight clothing, comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes suitable for both city exploration and outdoor activities. A refillable water bottle and sun protection are especially important during warmer days.

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 and security.

What's the typical group size?
Group sizes vary by departure and program enrollment. Our Europe programs typically include approximately 34–42 teens per bus, with participants joining from communities across North America.

Some teens may also be participating in connecting programs that combine two separate BBYO Passport experiences. For more information about group assignments and friend requests, please visit our General Travel FAQs.

What's the food like?
Central & Eastern Europe Adventure offers opportunities to experience a variety of culinary traditions across five countries. From traditional Polish pierogi and Hungarian goulash to Austrian schnitzel, Czech dumplings, German pretzels, and regional pastries, meals provide another way to connect with the cultures of each destination.

The proposed itineraries also include hands-on pierogi making in Warsaw and a chocolate-making workshop in Vienna.

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. 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?
Visa and travel authorization requirements depend on a participant's nationality and passport. U.S. citizens generally do not require a visa for short tourist visits to Switzerland, Austria, or Italy, but additional entry requirements may apply.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) may also be required for eligible travelers once implemented. Families should review the latest requirements on the official European Union ETIAS website and confirm that their teen's passport meets all applicable entry requirements before departure.

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