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.

Milan, Italy (1 Day)

Italy's fashion and cultural capital offers an exciting introduction to Europe, where beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and lively streets come together. Spend time exploring Milan's elegant city center, including the magnificent Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping galleries. Admire the city's impressive architecture and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Italy's most recognizable destinations.

Milan also holds an important place in Jewish history. At the Memoriale della Shoah, also known as Platform 21, learn about the deportation of Italian Jews during the Holocaust and the experiences of those who were persecuted under Nazi rule. Through this meaningful visit, reflect on the stories preserved at the memorial and the importance of remembering the Jewish communities affected by this chapter of history.

Geneva, Switzerland (2 Days)

Set along the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, this international city brings together historic neighborhoods, modern institutions, and stunning views of the surrounding region. Walk through Geneva's charming Old Town, admire the famous Jet d'Eau fountain, and learn about the city's role as a center for international cooperation. See landmarks associated with the United Nations and International Red Cross while exploring the history and culture of one of Switzerland's most influential cities.

Geneva also offers opportunities to discover the Jewish communities that have contributed to the city's history and identity. Take part in a guided Jewish heritage walk, learning about local traditions and the experiences of Jewish families across generations. Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens, sharing familiar traditions while enjoying the beautiful lakeside setting and time together as a group.

Science and innovation are also part of Geneva's story. At CERN Science Gateway, discover the fascinating world of particle physics through interactive exhibits and experiences that introduce visitors to the scientific research taking place at one of the world's leading research institutions.

Lausanne, Switzerland (2 Days)

Along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a city known for its beautiful waterfront, historic streets, and connection to international sports. Visit the Olympic Museum, where interactive exhibits and collections tell the story of the Olympic Games, legendary athletes, and the traditions that bring people together through sports. Enjoy the city's scenic atmosphere and take in views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Nearby Montreux brings another side of Swiss culture to life. Perched along the water, the magnificent Château de Chillon offers a journey through centuries of history, with medieval halls, towers, and beautiful views across Lake Geneva. Explore the castle's remarkable architecture while learning about the people and events that helped shape the region.

Montreux is also known for its connection to music and entertainment. Visit the famous Freddie Mercury statue, honoring the legendary Queen frontman who spent time living and recording in the area. At Chaplin's World, discover the life and creative legacy of Charlie Chaplin, including an opportunity to experience the art of silent filmmaking through a hands-on workshop.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland (2 Days)

Surrounded by towering peaks and magnificent glaciers, Saas-Fee offers a chance to experience the Swiss Alps up close. Wander through this charming mountain village, known for its traditional Alpine houses, beautiful scenery, and views of the surrounding mountains. With glaciers rising above the valley and fresh mountain air all around, this region showcases some of Switzerland's most impressive natural landscapes.

Ride a cable car toward Spielboden for sweeping views of the mountains and an opportunity to observe Alpine marmots in their natural environment. These curious mountain animals are a familiar sight in the region, offering a fun way to learn about the wildlife that calls the Swiss Alps home.

The views become even more spectacular high above the Saas Valley. Take a cable car toward Hohsaas, where you'll see glaciers and towering mountain peaks stretching across the horizon. Surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery, enjoy the opportunity to appreciate Switzerland's incredible natural beauty from thousands of feet above the valley.

Lucerne, Switzerland (1 Day)

Lucerne looks like something out of a postcard, with its beautiful lake, historic bridges, and mountain scenery creating one of Switzerland's most recognizable settings. Walk through the city's charming Old Town, admire the famous Chapel Bridge, and visit the Lion Monument, a moving tribute to Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Along the waterfront, enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps.

Put your creativity to work during an Alpine painting workshop inspired by the region's landscapes and artistic traditions. With mountains, lakes, and historic architecture all around, Lucerne offers plenty of inspiration for creating something of your own.

For an even more impressive perspective, ride a cable car toward Mount Pilatus, one of the region's most famous mountain destinations. Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and lakes while experiencing the natural beauty that has made central Switzerland a favorite destination for travelers.

Zürich, Switzerland (2 Days)

Switzerland's largest city brings together historic neighborhoods, beautiful waterways, and a lively cultural scene. Wander through Zürich's picturesque Old Town, admire landmarks such as the Grossmünster, and stroll along the Limmat River. Enjoy time near Lake Zürich, where waterfront promenades and views of the surrounding landscape offer a different side of Swiss city life.

Sports fans will have plenty to enjoy at the FIFA Museum, where exhibits and memorabilia celebrate the history of international soccer and its impact around the world. Discover memorable moments from the sport's biggest competitions while learning about the players, teams, and traditions that have made soccer a global phenomenon.

And what would a trip to Switzerland be without chocolate? At the Lindt Home of Chocolate, learn about the country's famous chocolate-making traditions and take part in a hands-on workshop to create your own chocolate masterpiece. It's a delicious opportunity to experience one of Switzerland's best-known specialties.

Share Shabbat with your group in Zürich, with opportunities for BBYO programming, reflection, and time along the beautiful lakefront. Whether you're connecting with your Jewish identity or enjoying the city's relaxed atmosphere, Zürich offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate your surroundings and the people you're traveling with.

St. Gallen, Switzerland (1 Day)

St. Gallen offers a glimpse into a different chapter of Swiss history, where beautiful architecture, historic streets, and centuries of scholarship shape the city's character. Walk through the Old Town, admire its distinctive buildings, and spend time exploring local squares and green spaces.

One of the city's most remarkable landmarks is the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an extraordinary collection of historic manuscripts. Step inside its beautifully decorated Baroque interior to discover a place where generations of scholars preserved knowledge, literature, and cultural traditions.

With its welcoming atmosphere and remarkable history, St. Gallen offers a chance to experience another side of Switzerland beyond its mountain landscapes and famous lakes.

Basel, Switzerland (2 Days)

Few places hold such a meaningful connection to modern Jewish history as Basel. In 1897, Theodor Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress here, bringing together Jewish leaders and delegates to discuss the future of the Jewish people and the vision of a Jewish homeland. Visit historic sites associated with this gathering and learn about Basel's important role in the development of modern Zionism.

At the Jewish Museum of Switzerland, discover the history, traditions, and cultural contributions of Jewish communities throughout the country. Through artifacts, exhibits, and personal stories, explore how Swiss Jewish life has developed across generations and the connections between Jewish communities in Switzerland and around the world.

The nearby city of Bern offers another opportunity to experience Switzerland's historic architecture and cultural traditions. Walk through its UNESCO-listed Old Town, famous for its medieval streets, beautiful fountains, and distinctive covered arcades. See the iconic Zytglogge Clock Tower and enjoy the atmosphere of Switzerland's capital city.

Between the history preserved in Basel and the beautiful streets of Bern, this region offers meaningful opportunities to reflect on the Jewish heritage, cultures, and experiences you've encountered throughout Switzerland.

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 Switzerland is generally mild to warm, but conditions can vary significantly depending on the destination and elevation. Cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Zürich, and Basel often experience daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, with occasional hotter days.

Mountain destinations such as Saas-Fee and Mount Pilatus can be much cooler, especially at higher elevations. Temperatures near glaciers may feel cold even during summer, and changing weather conditions can bring rain, wind, or low clouds.

We recommend packing comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and clothing suitable for both city exploration and mountain excursions. A warm sweatshirt or fleece is particularly helpful for cable car rides and high-altitude 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?
Switzerland offers a variety of culinary traditions, influenced by its German, French, and Italian-speaking regions. Teens may have opportunities to sample local specialties such as Swiss cheeses, rösti, traditional pastries, and the country's famous chocolate. The program also includes a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, offering another way to experience Swiss culture.

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.