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.

Warsaw, Poland (2 Days)

Warsaw offers a powerful introduction to the history and traditions of Polish Jewry, where centuries of Jewish life have shaped the city's identity. Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews to learn about generations of Jewish culture, community, and resilience. Explore the historic Warsaw Ghetto sites and the Warsaw Ghetto Mound, reflecting on the experiences of Jewish residents during the Holocaust and the importance of preserving their stories.

Experience Jewish life in Warsaw today through visits to local organizations, including the Mi Polin Mezuzah Museum and the Jewish Community Center. Roll up your sleeves for a traditional pierogi-making class, learning about Polish culinary traditions while spending time together. Beyond these experiences, explore Warsaw's charming Old Town and enjoy an outdoor adventure kayaking along the Vistula River, taking in a different view of Poland's capital.

Kraków, Poland (3 Days)

Few places offer a connection to Poland's Jewish history quite like Kraków. Walk through Kazimierz, the city's historic Jewish Quarter, where centuries-old streets and landmarks offer a glimpse into the vibrant community that once flourished here. Learn about life during the Nazi occupation through visits to the former Kraków Ghetto and Schindler's Factory, gaining a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped this chapter of history.

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau offers an opportunity to confront the history of the Holocaust and honor the memory of those who were murdered there. Through guided learning and reflection at the Oświęcim Jewish Center, consider the lasting impact of the Holocaust on Jewish communities and the responsibility we share to carry these stories forward.

Jewish life and traditions are also an important part of the experience in Kraków today. Connect with the local Jewish community and share a meaningful Shabbat with your group, celebrating familiar traditions in a city with a remarkable Jewish past. The region offers opportunities to experience Poland's cultural and natural heritage as well, including visits to historic Jewish sites in Kielce, the scenic Kadzielnia Nature Reserve, and the fascinating underground salt mines near Kraków.

Zakopane, Poland (2 Days)

Trade the busy city streets for the beautiful mountain scenery of Zakopane, a picturesque town nestled near Poland's Tatra Mountains. Known for its Alpine-style architecture and outdoor activities, Zakopane offers an entirely different side of Central Europe, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh mountain air and incredible scenery.

Take in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks on a scenic gondola ride and explore the natural beauty of the Tatras on a group hike. For an extra dose of adventure, enjoy a rafting experience surrounded by the region's mountain landscapes. There's also time for some water-filled fun at the Bukovina water park, where you can relax, swim, and spend time with your group. Whether you're exploring the mountains or enjoying the area's outdoor attractions, Zakopane offers a chance to strengthen friendships through shared adventures.

Budapest, Hungary (1 Day)

Budapest brings another layer of Central European history and culture to the journey. Situated along the Danube River, Hungary's capital is known for its remarkable architecture, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful city views.

Explore the Buda side of the city with a visit to Buda Castle and the surrounding Castle Hill district, where historic streets and landmarks tell the story of Hungary's past. Take in the views of Budapest and experience the atmosphere of one of Central Europe's most recognizable capitals as you share the final experiences of your journey together.

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 Poland and Hungary is generally mild to warm, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from the 60s to the 80s. Warsaw, Kraków, and Budapest can experience warmer days, while the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane are typically cooler, especially at higher elevations.

Evenings may be chilly, and summer rain showers are possible throughout the region. We recommend bringing comfortable layers, a lightweight rain jacket, and sturdy walking shoes suitable for both city exploration and outdoor 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?
Central Europe has many delicious culinary traditions, and teens will have opportunities to try local favorites throughout Poland and Hungary. From traditional Polish pierogi to Hungarian specialties, meals offer another way to experience the culture 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.