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.

Budapest, Hungary (4 Days)

Budapest is a city of grand architecture, beautiful riverfront views, and a rich Jewish history that continues to shape its identity today. Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, home to the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue and beautifully restored Rumbach Street Synagogue, and learn about the generations of Jewish families who have contributed to Hungarian culture. Visit Liberty Square and the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, honoring Jews murdered along the river during the Holocaust. Celebrate Shabbat with your group, with opportunities to experience Jewish traditions at the Frankel Leó Street Synagogue and reflect on the stories and history preserved throughout the city.

There's plenty of excitement beyond Budapest's historic landmarks. Take on an underground caving adventure, exploring the fascinating natural formations beneath the city. Experience the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, where warm mineral waters and beautiful architecture create one of Hungary's most recognizable attractions. Browse the colorful stalls of the Great Market Hall, take part in creative group experiences, and enjoy beautiful views of Budapest from the water during a Danube River cruise.

The nearby Lake Balaton region offers another side of Hungary, with opportunities for outdoor fun and time along the water. Test your skills on a challenging ropes course, enjoy an inflatable water park, and spend time relaxing at the beach. Between the city's Jewish heritage, underground adventures, and lakeside activities, Budapest offers a wonderful combination of culture, history, and fun.

Vienna, Austria (2 Days)

Vienna's elegant streets, historic palaces, and rich artistic traditions reflect centuries of European history. Spend time discovering the city's Jewish heritage through important sites such as Judenplatz, a historic center of Jewish life and home to a memorial honoring Austrian Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Learn about the history and experiences of Vienna's Jewish community while exploring the architecture and neighborhoods that make Austria's capital so distinctive.

Vienna also offers opportunities to experience the city's sweeter side through a hands-on chocolate making workshop, where you'll learn about traditional confectionery techniques and create your own treats. At the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, experience the grandeur of Austria's imperial past while navigating the famous hedge maze in its beautiful gardens.

Outside the city, the picturesque Wachau Valley stretches along the Danube River, surrounded by vineyards, charming villages, and historic landmarks. Take in the beautiful scenery and discover another side of Austrian culture through time spent exploring the region. From its royal heritage to local traditions, Vienna brings a different perspective to the journey through Europe.

Prague, Czechia (3 Days)

Few European cities capture the imagination quite like Prague, with its Gothic towers, colorful buildings, and winding cobblestone streets. Explore the magnificent Prague Castle complex, overlooking the city and the Vltava River, and experience the lively atmosphere of Old Town. Discover historic landmarks, admire Prague's remarkable architecture, and visit the Klementinum, known for its beautiful Baroque interiors and centuries of scholarly history.

Prague is also home to one of Europe's most significant historic Jewish neighborhoods. Walk through Josefov, the city's Jewish Quarter, and learn about the generations of Jewish families, scholars, and community leaders who shaped Jewish life here. Visit historic Jewish sites and experience the beautiful Spanish Synagogue, where a special musical performance offers another way to appreciate this remarkable setting and its cultural heritage.

For a different view of the city, take to the Vltava River on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure, surrounded by Prague's bridges and waterfront scenery. Enjoy a series of active group challenges, including archery-style games and human foosball, and experience the creativity of Czech theater through a black light performance. There's also an opportunity for water-filled fun at Aqualand Moravia, making Prague's portion of the journey a lively mix of culture, adventure, and unforgettable experiences with your group.

Munich, Germany (4 Days)

Bavaria brings together beautiful Alpine scenery, historic cities, and some of Germany's most recognizable landmarks. In Munich, explore the city's charming streets, grand architecture, and popular gathering places, including the beautiful English Garden. Spend time discovering the region's history and culture while enjoying opportunities to experience the energy of one of Germany's most famous cities. Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens, sharing traditions and time together in a place with an important Jewish past and a continuing Jewish community.

Outside Munich, Bavaria's remarkable landscapes create opportunities for adventure and exploration. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, whose fairytale appearance has inspired visitors for generations, and enjoy a scenic hike surrounded by the beauty of the Bavarian Alps. Discover another side of German culture at BMW Welt, where innovative automotive design and technology take center stage.

The nearby Austrian city of Salzburg offers beautiful historic streets, impressive mountain scenery, and centuries of cultural tradition. Experience the region's history through an excursion that includes the Eagle's Nest, a mountain-top site associated with the Nazi regime, while taking in the surrounding Alpine landscape. These experiences offer opportunities to learn about the region's complex past and reflect on the importance of understanding history.

With a combination of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and time to enjoy Bavaria's distinctive atmosphere, Munich offers plenty of opportunities to connect with your group and appreciate the remarkable places you've explored throughout Europe.

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 Hungary, Austria, Czechia, and Germany is generally mild to warm, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from the 70s to the 80s. Cities such as Budapest and Vienna can experience hotter days, while Prague and Munich often have cooler mornings and evenings.

Temperatures in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps can be significantly cooler, particularly at higher elevations. Summer rain showers and thunderstorms are also possible throughout the region.

We recommend packing comfortable layers, lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes suitable for city exploration and outdoor adventures. A refillable water bottle and sun protection are also important for 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?
Eastern Europe offers plenty of delicious culinary traditions, and teens will have opportunities to sample local favorites throughout the journey. From Hungarian goulash and Czech dumplings to Austrian schnitzel, German pretzels, and traditional pastries, meals provide another opportunity to experience the cultures of each destination.

The proposed itinerary also includes a chocolate-making workshop in Vienna and opportunities to experience local markets and restaurants.

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.