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.

Lisbon, Portugal (2 Days)

Lisbon's colorful neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and beautiful waterfront create an exciting setting to experience Portuguese culture. Wander through the city's charming streets, take in its distinctive architecture, and learn about Portugal's history as a center of maritime exploration. Discover the stories of the Jewish communities that once flourished here, including the lasting impact of the Portuguese Inquisition and the generations who worked to preserve their traditions and identity.

Just outside Lisbon, the picturesque town of Sintra offers a completely different atmosphere, with lush gardens, remarkable architecture, and beautiful countryside. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, an extraordinary estate known for its winding pathways, mysterious underground passages, and famous Initiation Well. With opportunities to explore the surrounding landscapes and historic sites, Sintra offers a memorable glimpse into Portugal's royal and cultural heritage.

Get a taste of local traditions through Lisbon's lively neighborhoods, shops, and culinary experiences. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Fado music, a distinctive Portuguese art form known for its expressive melodies and storytelling. Between the city's rich history, beautiful surroundings, and vibrant culture, Lisbon offers plenty of opportunities to discover what makes Portugal special.

Albufeira, Portugal (2 Days)

Portugal's Algarve region is known for its golden beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and beautiful turquoise waters. In the seaside town of Albufeira, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of southern Portugal while exploring the region's stunning coastline. Take on the excitement of coasteering, an outdoor adventure that combines exploring rocky coastal terrain with activities along the water.

One of the Algarve's most remarkable natural attractions is the famous Benagil Cave, where towering rock formations and sunlight streaming through an opening in the ceiling create an incredible coastal setting. Paddle along the coastline on a guided kayaking adventure, taking in the region's sea caves, cliffs, and beautiful natural scenery.

Celebrate Shabbat with your group along Portugal's southern coast, sharing familiar Jewish traditions in a peaceful seaside setting. With time to enjoy the beach, relax, and connect with fellow Jewish teens, the Algarve offers a wonderful balance of outdoor adventure and time together.

Córdoba, Spain (2 Days)

Córdoba offers a remarkable window into the history of Sephardic Jewry and the cultures that shaped medieval Spain. Once an important center of Jewish scholarship and intellectual life, the city is home to historic streets and landmarks that tell the story of a community whose influence continues to be felt around the world. Visit the ancient Córdoba Synagogue and learn about the Jewish thinkers, scholars, and traditions that flourished here during Spain's Golden Age.

The city's magnificent Mezquita-Catedral, originally built as a mosque and later converted into a cathedral, offers another glimpse into the complex history of Muslim and Christian rule in Spain. Wander through Córdoba's historic neighborhoods, admire its distinctive architecture, and learn about the different cultures that have shaped the city over centuries. Experience the region's traditions through a visit to a hammam, inspired by the historic bathhouses of Andalusia.

Beyond the city's cultural landmarks, enjoy opportunities for outdoor fun at a local water park. The surrounding region also offers a chance to experience the beauty and history of southern Spain, including a visit to Seville, where beautiful architecture and lively streets reflect the city's Andalusian heritage.

Granada, Spain (2 Days)

Few destinations capture the beauty of Andalusia quite like Granada, where magnificent palaces, winding streets, and dramatic mountain scenery come together. Visit the breathtaking Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex known for its intricate architecture, beautiful courtyards, and centuries of history. Explore the city's historic neighborhoods, including Sacromonte, where traditional cave dwellings and flamenco culture offer a glimpse into Granada's distinctive identity.

Experience the energy of Spanish culture through a live flamenco performance, where expressive music, dance, and storytelling bring generations of Andalusian tradition to life. Throughout the city, discover the connections between Jewish, Muslim, and Christian history and consider how their shared past helped shape Spain's cultural heritage.

There's plenty of adventure beyond Granada's historic streets. Take on the spectacular Caminito del Rey, a walkway suspended along dramatic canyon walls that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Learn about the region's wildlife through a visit to a wolf reserve, gaining a different perspective on the natural environment of southern Spain.

Madrid, Spain (4 Days)

Spain's capital is a lively mix of historic landmarks, world-class art, beautiful neighborhoods, and modern culture. Spend time exploring Madrid's famous streets and plazas, where grand architecture, local shops, and bustling public spaces offer a glimpse into everyday Spanish life. Experience the city's artistic heritage through a visit to an art museum, discovering works that reflect Spain's remarkable contributions to European art and culture.

Madrid also offers opportunities to experience another side of Spanish tradition, including a visit to a historic bullring to learn about the cultural history of bullfighting. Enjoy time at Madrid Xanadú, a popular shopping and entertainment destination, and take part in outdoor water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding.

The nearby city of Toledo holds a particularly important place in Sephardic Jewish history. Once home to thriving Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, Toledo offers a chance to walk through centuries of shared cultural heritage. Explore its historic Jewish Quarter, discover the stories of Jewish scholars and families who lived here, and learn about the traditions that shaped Jewish life in medieval Spain.

Celebrate Shabbat together in Madrid, with opportunities for group programming, reflection, and time to connect with your fellow travelers. Surrounded by the energy of Spain's capital, share familiar traditions and consider how the stories and experiences you've encountered throughout the journey connect to your own Jewish identity.

Barcelona, Spain (1 Day)

Barcelona brings a final taste of Spain's vibrant coastal culture, where beautiful architecture, lively streets, and the Mediterranean Sea create a distinctive atmosphere. Spend time along the famous Las Ramblas promenade, known for its shops, street life, and historic surroundings, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere of Barceloneta.

With opportunities to explore the city, browse local shops, and enjoy time together along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona offers a fitting setting to celebrate the experiences shared throughout Spain and Portugal. From Sephardic Jewish history and remarkable cultural landmarks to coastal adventures and new friendships, you'll have plenty of stories to bring home from your journey.

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 Spain and Portugal is generally warm to hot, with plenty of sunshine and relatively little rainfall. Daytime temperatures commonly reach the 80s and 90s, while inland cities such as Córdoba, Granada, and Madrid can experience temperatures above 100 during heat waves.

Coastal destinations such as Lisbon, the Algarve, and Barcelona often benefit from sea breezes, while evenings may be cooler in some areas.

We recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. A light jacket or sweatshirt may also be useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned accommodations.

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?
Spain and Portugal offer a variety of culinary traditions, and teens will have opportunities to sample local favorites throughout the program. From Spanish tapas and tortilla española to Portuguese pastries, regional cheeses, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, food is another way to experience the cultures of each destination.

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.