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.

Athens, Greece (4 Days)

Few places bring ancient history to life quite like Athens, where thousands of years of Greek civilization meet the energy of a modern Mediterranean city. Stand before the magnificent Parthenon at the Acropolis, one of the world's most recognizable archaeological landmarks, and wander through the charming streets of Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood. With its lively squares, traditional shops, and historic architecture, the city offers a fascinating look at the culture and traditions that have shaped Greece.

Athens also holds a rich Jewish history dating back more than 2,000 years. Learn about the generations of Jewish families who have called Greece home through visits to sites such as the Jewish Museum and Holocaust Memorial, and discover how Jewish traditions continue today. Share a meaningful Shabbat experience with your group, with opportunities to connect with the local Jewish community and experience familiar traditions in a different part of the world.

Along the Athens Riviera, enjoy a different side of Greece through its beautiful beaches and coastal neighborhoods. Spend time in Glyfada, known for its lively shopping streets and seaside atmosphere, and relax along the sandy shores of Lagonissi Beach. Whether you're taking in the historic sites of Athens or enjoying the warm Mediterranean sunshine, there's plenty of time to experience the city's culture and coastal charm.

Santorini, Greece (4 Days)

Whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, volcanic cliffs, and sparkling water make Santorini one of Greece's most recognizable islands. Explore the winding streets of Fira, perched high above the island's volcanic caldera, and ride a cable car down toward the Old Port for an incredible perspective of the coastline. Spend time in the picturesque village of Oia, where narrow pathways, local boutiques, and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea create a setting unlike anywhere else in Greece.

There's plenty of adventure waiting along Santorini's beautiful beaches. Relax on the island's distinctive volcanic sands at Kamari Beach, or enjoy water activities at Perissa Beach, with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach games. With time to enjoy the coastline and explore the island's villages, you'll get a taste of the laid-back atmosphere that makes the Greek islands so special.

One of Santorini's most memorable experiences takes place on the water. Sail around the island's volcanic caldera, passing dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the famous Red and White Beaches. Enjoy opportunities to swim in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, take in views of the volcanic coastline, and share an incredible day on the water with your group.

Mykonos, Greece (3 Days)

With its iconic windmills, whitewashed buildings, colorful balconies, and winding streets, Mykonos captures the charm of the Greek islands. Wander through the narrow pathways of Mykonos Town, browse local shops, and enjoy the lively waterfront overlooking the Aegean Sea. Between its beautiful beaches and traditional island architecture, Mykonos offers plenty of opportunities to experience Greek island culture.

Just off the coast lies Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in ancient Greece and home to an extraordinary piece of Jewish history. Travel by boat to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll learn about the ancient civilizations that once flourished here. Visit the remains of one of the world's oldest known synagogues and discover the role Jewish merchants and communities played in the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago. It's a unique opportunity to connect with Jewish history in a place many travelers may never realize holds such a rich heritage.

Celebrate Shabbat on Mykonos with fellow Jewish teens, with opportunities to share traditions and connect with Jewish life on the island. Enjoy time relaxing along the coast, swimming, and spending time together as you experience a different side of the Greek islands.

Nafplio, Greece (2 Days)

Along the Peloponnese Peninsula, Nafplio offers a charming mix of Greek history, coastal beauty, and local traditions. Once the first capital of modern Greece, the town is known for its colorful buildings, Venetian architecture, picturesque squares, and beautiful waterfront. Stroll through its narrow streets, browse local shops, and take in the relaxed atmosphere of this historic seaside destination.

Get a taste of Greek culture through experiences that introduce you to the region's culinary traditions. Visit a traditional olive farm to learn how one of Greece's most important ingredients is produced, complete with an olive oil tasting. Sample local specialties on a guided food tour of Nafplio, discovering the flavors and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The nearby Corinth Canal offers another unforgettable experience. Marvel at this remarkable feat of engineering from above, then take to the water for a scenic cruise between its towering limestone walls. With additional opportunities to enjoy the nearby beaches and spend time exploring the region, Nafplio brings together history, culture, and coastal adventure.

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 Greece is typically hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s. Athens can experience particularly high temperatures, while coastal destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Nafplio often benefit from refreshing sea breezes.

Rainfall is generally limited during the summer months, but the Mediterranean sun can be strong, especially during outdoor sightseeing and beach activities. We recommend packing lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. A refillable water bottle is also essential for staying hydrated throughout the program.

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?
Greece is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and teens will have opportunities to try local favorites such as tzatziki, olives, fresh pita, baklava, stuffed grape leaves, and traditional Greek specialties. The itinerary also includes cultural food experiences, such as an olive oil tasting and a guided food tour in Nafplio.

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.