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.

Oslo, Norway (3 Days)

Norway's vibrant capital offers an exciting combination of beautiful waterfront scenery, Viking history, and fascinating cultural traditions. Explore Oslo's historic streets and famous landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Norwegian Parliament, and striking Oslo Opera House. Discover the city's maritime heritage near Akershus Fortress, then visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, where more than 200 remarkable sculptures create one of Norway's most distinctive outdoor art experiences.

Norway is famous for its winter sports, and there's no better place to discover that tradition than Holmenkollen. Visit the legendary ski jump tower and Ski Museum, where exhibits introduce you to centuries of skiing history and the athletes who have shaped the sport. For an extra dose of excitement, experience a thrilling zipline ride down the hillside, enjoying incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Oslo also offers meaningful opportunities to discover Jewish history. Visit the Memorial to the Deported Jews of Norway along the city's waterfront, honoring the Jewish families who were persecuted and deported during the Holocaust. Learn about the experiences of Norway's Jewish community and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Beyond the city center, the Oslofjord offers a beautiful setting for outdoor adventure. Explore its picturesque islands on a guided island-hopping excursion, walking through peaceful coastal forests, charming villages, and scenic pathways overlooking the water. Then experience the fjord from an entirely different perspective aboard a high-speed RIB boat, cruising past rocky coastlines and beautiful islands while taking in spectacular views of Oslo.

Step into the world of the Vikings at The Viking Planet, an immersive museum that brings Norway's Viking heritage to life through virtual reality, holograms, and interactive exhibits. Experience stories of Viking exploration, discover the traditions of this fascinating era, and learn about the people who helped shape Northern European history.

The adventure continues aboard an overnight ferry to Copenhagen, offering another opportunity to experience Nordic travel while crossing the beautiful waters between Norway and Denmark.

Copenhagen, Denmark (4 Days)

Colorful waterfront buildings, magnificent royal palaces, and lively historic streets make Copenhagen one of Northern Europe's most inviting capitals. Wander along Nyhavn, the city's famous harbor lined with brightly painted townhouses, and admire landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. Explore the lively pedestrian streets of Strøget and discover the beautiful architecture and cultural traditions that make Denmark's capital so distinctive.

Copenhagen also holds an important place in Jewish history. Visit the historic Great Synagogue, subject to local arrangements, and discover the stories of Denmark's Jewish community through a guided heritage experience in the city center. At the Danish Jewish Museum, learn about centuries of Jewish life in Denmark, including the remarkable rescue of Danish Jews during World War II. Through these meaningful encounters, discover how the community has preserved its traditions and contributed to Danish culture across generations.

There's plenty of excitement at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest operating amusement parks. Experience thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and classic attractions in a setting that has entertained visitors for generations. From roller coasters to colorful entertainment, Tivoli offers a memorable opportunity for fun with your group.

Viking history comes to life through a proposed hands-on cultural experience near Copenhagen. Discover the skills, traditions, and everyday life of Viking society through interactive activities inspired by this fascinating period of Northern European history. Learn about the customs and challenges of the Viking Age while experiencing Denmark's cultural heritage in a fun and engaging way.

Just across the Øresund Bridge, the Swedish city of Malmö offers an opportunity to discover another Jewish community in Northern Europe. Take a day trip from Copenhagen to explore Malmö's Jewish heritage, learning about the families who established the community and the Jewish refugees who found safety in Sweden during World War II. Visit the historic Malmö Synagogue, built in 1903, and discover how Jewish traditions and community life continue in Sweden today.

Put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test during an interactive mystery hunt in Kongens Have, also known as the King's Garden. Follow clues, crack codes, and work together to solve a series of challenges while exploring one of Copenhagen's most beautiful historic parks.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in the Danish capital, sharing familiar traditions, meaningful conversations, and BBYO programming while experiencing Jewish life in another part of the world. With its combination of beautiful landmarks, interactive adventures, and meaningful Jewish heritage, Copenhagen offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the history and culture of Northern 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.

The program also includes an overnight ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen, with cabin arrangements to be confirmed as part of the final travel accommodations.

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 Scandinavia brings long daylight hours, generally mild temperatures, and beautiful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In Oslo and Copenhagen, daytime temperatures typically range from the 60s to 70s, although warmer days are possible.

Rain showers and cooler evenings are possible throughout the journey, especially during outdoor activities and boat excursions along the Oslofjord. Weather conditions can change quickly near the water, so participants should be prepared for a combination of sunshine, clouds, wind, and occasional rain.

We recommend packing comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and clothing suitable for both city exploration and outdoor adventures. A sweatshirt or fleece is especially helpful for cooler evenings and time on the water, while sun protection and a refillable water bottle are important for daytime activities.

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?
Scandinavia offers a wonderful variety of culinary traditions influenced by its coastal communities, history, and local ingredients. In Norway, teens may have opportunities to sample traditional breads, pastries, cheeses, seafood, and other regional favorites. Denmark is particularly known for its baked goods, open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød, and distinctive Nordic food traditions.

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 Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, 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.

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