Group Travel

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

Alpine Adventure

Zürich, Switzerland

Switzerland's largest city combines historic neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront scenery, and centuries of cultural tradition. Wander through Zürich's picturesque Old Town, stroll along the Limmat River, and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding Lake Zürich. Explore the famous Bahnhofstrasse and discover the distinctive architecture and neighborhoods that make Zürich such an inviting destination.

Learn about Jewish life in Switzerland through visits to historic synagogues and conversations about the communities that have maintained their traditions across generations. Celebrate Shabbat alongside fellow Jewish teens, with opportunities to connect with local Jewish heritage and share familiar traditions in a beautiful new setting. Spend time along Lake Zürich, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and opportunities for BBYO programming and reflection.

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Feel the power of Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, as you take in the rushing water and dramatic surrounding scenery. Enjoy the views from nearby pathways, with the possibility of a boat excursion that brings you even closer to this remarkable natural wonder.

In St. Gallen, wander through a beautifully preserved Old Town known for its colorful buildings and historic architecture. Visit the UNESCO-listed Abbey District and its remarkable Abbey Library, where centuries-old manuscripts and magnificent Baroque interiors tell the story of the region's scholarly traditions. Learn about the history of Jewish life and commerce in eastern Switzerland while experiencing the charm of this historic city.

Innsbruck, Austria

Surrounded by the majestic Austrian Alps, Innsbruck offers an incredible combination of mountain adventure and historic European charm. Explore the city's medieval Old Town, admire the famous Golden Roof, and enjoy views of the Inn Valley and surrounding peaks. Learn about the history of Jewish communities in Austria's Tyrol region and their experiences across generations.

For a completely different perspective, ride the Nordkette Cable Car high above Innsbruck, where spectacular mountain scenery stretches in every direction. Feel the excitement of an alpine coaster as you race down a winding mountain track, enjoying one of the region's most memorable outdoor activities.

Dolomites, Italy

Towering limestone peaks, green mountain meadows, and charming Alpine villages make the Dolomites one of Italy's most beautiful regions. Explore picturesque mountain towns such as Ortisei, surrounded by traditional architecture, local artisan shops, and incredible natural scenery.

Take a cable car into the mountains for breathtaking views near Seceda, and enjoy opportunities to hike through the spectacular landscapes of Alpe di Siusi. Additional activities may include mountain scooters or adventure park experiences, giving you different ways to enjoy the region's natural beauty. Along the way, learn about the history of the Alpine region, including stories of refugees who crossed mountain passes while seeking safety during World War II.

Lake Como, Italy

Sparkling blue water, colorful lakeside villages, and dramatic mountain landscapes make Lake Como one of Italy's most picturesque destinations. Experience the lake from the water during a scenic boat cruise, passing beautiful villas and charming towns along the shoreline.

Spend time in Bellagio, known for its beautiful waterfront and narrow streets, and explore the colorful village of Varenna. Enjoy opportunities to relax by the lake, take in the surrounding scenery, and experience the slower pace of northern Italian life.

Celebrate Shabbat with your group in this beautiful setting, sharing meaningful traditions, BBYO programming, and time together surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Como.

Milan, Italy

Milan brings a different energy to the journey, with its remarkable architecture, fashionable neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene. Stand before the magnificent Duomo di Milano and experience its impressive rooftop terraces, offering sweeping views across the city. Browse the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and explore the lively Navigli District, known for its canals, shops, and waterfront atmosphere.

At the Memoriale della Shoah, also known as Platform 21, learn about the deportation of Italian Jews during the Holocaust and honor the memory of those who were persecuted and murdered. Through this important visit, gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history in Italy and the responsibility of preserving these stories.

Gather for a special experience with members of Milan's Jewish community, celebrating the connections that bring Jewish people together across the world. Reflect on the Alpine landscapes, historic cities, and Jewish heritage you've encountered before continuing your extended summer experience in Israel.

Israel Journey

Northern Israel

Northern Israel brings together breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, and communities whose traditions reflect the country's remarkable diversity. Explore Tzfat, a historic center of Jewish mysticism, where narrow stone streets and beautiful synagogues tell the story of generations of Jewish scholars and spiritual leaders. Wander through the city's artists' colony and discover the connections between Jewish traditions, creativity, and life in Israel today.

The Galilee and Golan Heights offer incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike Mount Arbel for sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee, enjoy opportunities for water activities, and venture through the beautiful landscapes of the north. Take in the region's natural beauty while learning about the history and communities that have shaped this part of Israel.

Discover another side of Israeli society through encounters with local communities. Experience Druze culture through conversations and traditional hospitality, explore Haifa's diverse neighborhoods and beautiful Bahá'í Gardens, and learn about the traditions of people from different backgrounds. Participate in meaningful service opportunities and cultural experiences that offer a deeper understanding of everyday life in northern Israel.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in the Galilee, sharing familiar traditions while experiencing Jewish life in one of Israel's most beautiful regions. Whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or connecting with local communities, northern Israel offers opportunities to discover the country's many stories and perspectives.

Central Israel

Jerusalem is at the heart of Jewish history, offering an extraordinary opportunity to connect with places and traditions that have shaped Jewish life for thousands of years. Walk through the ancient streets of the Old City, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, and visit the Kotel (Western Wall). Discover the stories of Jerusalem through meaningful experiences at sites such as the City of David and its underground tunnels.

Learn about Israel's history and society through visits to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, and Mount Herzl, where the country's national memorials offer opportunities for reflection. Explore Mahane Yehuda Market, known for its lively stalls and colorful atmosphere, and discover how ancient traditions and modern life come together in Jerusalem.

Along the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv offers a completely different perspective on Israel. Experience the city's famous beaches, lively markets, and creative neighborhoods. Walk through the colorful streets of Florentin, browse Carmel Market and the Nahalat Binyamin arts fair, and explore historic Jaffa, where centuries of history meet modern coastal culture.

At ANU—Museum of the Jewish People, explore the remarkable diversity of Jewish communities and the experiences that connect Jews around the world. Through cultural encounters, conversations with Israelis, and opportunities to experience different communities, gain new perspectives on Jewish identity and everyday life in Israel.

Along the way, celebrate Shabbat, enjoy meaningful BBYO programming, and share experiences with fellow Jewish teens that deepen your connection to Israel and the global Jewish community.

Southern Israel

The Negev Desert offers some of Israel's most spectacular scenery and exciting outdoor adventures. Hike to the top of Masada for an unforgettable sunrise over the desert, explore the natural beauty of Ein Gedi, and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Learn about the history and geography of the region while surrounded by remarkable desert landscapes.

Take in the dramatic views of the Ramon Crater, where towering cliffs and colorful rock formations reveal millions of years of geological history. Experience the traditions and atmosphere of desert hospitality through cultural programming, and enjoy time beneath the stars surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Negev.

Farther south, Eilat offers an incredible contrast between the surrounding desert mountains and the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. Snorkel among colorful marine life, enjoy beach activities, and experience the excitement of Israel's southern coastline. Explore the Arava Valley and discover how local communities use innovative agricultural practices to thrive in the desert environment.

The journey also offers opportunities to learn about communities in the Western Negev, including those affected by the events of October 7, 2023. Through carefully planned educational encounters and conversations with local residents, gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, resilience, and challenges of communities in southern Israel.

From ancient history and desert adventures to meaningful cultural encounters, southern Israel offers a powerful opportunity to connect the experiences of your journey with the people, places, and stories that shape Israel today.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

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.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking 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. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

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 weather across Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Israel can vary significantly depending on the destination. In the Swiss and Austrian Alps, daytime temperatures are generally mild to warm, although conditions can be much cooler at higher elevations. Mountain destinations such as Innsbruck and the Dolomites may experience changing weather, including rain showers, cooler evenings, and occasional thunderstorms.

Along Lake Como and in Milan, summer is typically warm, with temperatures often reaching the 80s and occasionally higher. Israel is generally hotter during the summer, particularly in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Negev Desert, and Eilat, where daytime temperatures can reach the 90s or exceed 100 in desert regions. Northern Israel may be somewhat cooler in the mountains, although warm weather is common throughout the country.

We recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sturdy shoes for hiking, sun protection, swimwear, and a refillable water bottle. A waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, and comfortable layers are especially helpful for cooler Alpine excursions. Participants should be prepared for both mountain conditions in Europe and hot summer weather in Israel.

How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.

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.

Our average group size for Israel programs ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.

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?
Ultimate Alpine Israel offers opportunities to experience a wide variety of culinary traditions across Europe and Israel. In Switzerland and Austria, teens may sample regional favorites such as traditional pastries, Swiss cheeses, Alpine dishes, and other local specialties. In northern Italy, they'll have opportunities to enjoy authentic pasta, pizza, gelato, and the distinctive food traditions of the Dolomites, Lake Como, and Milan.

In Israel, food offers another way to experience the country's diverse communities and cultures. Teens may enjoy favorites such as falafel, shawarma, hummus, fresh pita, and Israeli salads, along with dishes influenced by Jewish communities from around the world. Visits to local markets and cultural food experiences provide opportunities to discover the traditions behind these flavors.

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. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. 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 to enter Europe?
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 Austria, Italy, or Switzerland, 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.

Will I need a visa to enter Israel?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

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.