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.

Naples, Italy (1 Day)

There's no better way to get a taste of Naples than through its food! Known as the birthplace of pizza, this lively southern Italian city is filled with bustling piazzas, colorful streets, and culinary traditions passed down for generations. Get to know the city during a guided street food experience, sampling authentic Neapolitan pizza, traditional pastries, and other local favorites while learning about the culture behind these beloved dishes.

Just outside Naples, the ancient ruins of Pompeii offer a fascinating look into life during the Roman Empire. Buried beneath volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the city has been remarkably preserved for nearly 2,000 years. Walk through its ancient streets, homes, temples, and public spaces to see how people lived, worked, and gathered in one of history's most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Rome, Italy (4 Days)

More than 2,000 years of history come to life in Rome, where some of the world's most recognizable landmarks stand alongside lively neighborhoods and centuries-old traditions. Step inside the legendary Colosseum, walk among the ruins of the Roman Forum, and visit the Arch of Titus, where carvings depicting treasures taken from Jerusalem's Second Temple reveal an important connection between Roman and Jewish history. For a hands-on taste of ancient Rome, train like a gladiator through an interactive workshop featuring replica equipment, friendly competitions, and plenty of opportunities for teamwork.

Rome is also home to one of the world's oldest continuous Jewish communities, with a history spanning more than two millennia. Learn about this remarkable heritage while visiting the Great Synagogue of Rome, the Jewish Museum, and the streets of the historic Jewish Ghetto. See how Roman Jews have preserved their unique traditions through centuries of change, and step into the kitchen for a Jewish-Roman cooking workshop where food and history come together. Celebrate Shabbat alongside your group, with opportunities to attend local synagogue services and experience Jewish life in the Eternal City.

Among Rome's other treasures, Vatican City offers a glimpse into the art, architecture, and traditions of the Catholic Church. Take in the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square while discovering another important part of the city's cultural history. Between its ancient landmarks, Jewish heritage, and vibrant streets, Rome offers something new around nearly every corner.

Florence, Italy (3 Days)

Art isn't just something to admire in Florence—it's part of the city's identity. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to extraordinary architecture, masterpieces, and centuries of artistic tradition. Wander through its historic streets to see the magnificent Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. At the Accademia Gallery, stand before Michelangelo's David, one of the world's most celebrated sculptures.

Put your own creativity to work during a Florentine artisan workshop inspired by the city's rich artistic heritage. You may have the opportunity to try traditional leatherworking, papermaking, or fresco painting while learning about techniques passed down through generations. Florence's Jewish history is equally fascinating, with a visit to the Great Synagogue offering a chance to learn about the community's contributions to the city's culture and traditions.

Beyond Florence's galleries and historic landmarks, Tuscany offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. See the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli before enjoying an exhilarating rafting experience on the Serchio River. Surrounded by the scenery of the Tuscan countryside, it's a chance to enjoy the outdoors and share some laughs with your group.

Gabicce Mare, Italy (2 Days)

A beautiful stretch of Italy's Adriatic Coast provides the setting for time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Gabicce Mare. Known for its beaches and coastal scenery, this charming destination offers a different side of Italian life away from the country's busy historic cities.

Here, Shabbat becomes an opportunity to share familiar traditions in a new setting. Gather with fellow Jewish teens for meaningful conversations and time to strengthen the connections you've made throughout the trip. With the Adriatic Sea as your backdrop, enjoy a peaceful weekend centered on community, friendship, and Jewish life.

Venice, Italy (3 Days)

Picture a city where canals replace roads, bridges connect historic neighborhoods, and every turn reveals another beautiful view. That's Venice! See the iconic St. Mark's Square, admire landmarks like the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, and experience the city from the water on a traditional gondola ride. Between its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and hidden squares, Venice offers endless opportunities to experience its unique atmosphere.

The city's Jewish heritage is just as compelling as its famous waterways. Visit the historic Jewish Ghetto, established in 1516, and learn about the Jewish community that helped shape Venice's history through scholarship, trade, and cultural exchange. Explore historic synagogues and discover how generations of Venetian Jews preserved their traditions and built a thriving community despite centuries of restrictions and challenges.

For a different perspective, paddle through the Venetian Lagoon on a guided kayaking adventure, traveling along quieter waterways while learning about the city's environment and maritime history. The fun continues with a visit to Gardaland, one of Italy's most popular amusement parks, where roller coasters, water rides, and exciting attractions offer a chance to enjoy some thrills with your friends.

Milan, Italy (1 Day)

Italy Discovery also includes a stop in Milan, one of the country's most cosmopolitan cities. Known for its fashion, architecture, and contemporary culture, Milan provides a fitting setting to reflect on the many sides of Italy you've experienced throughout your travels.

Share a special farewell gathering with members of the local Chabad community, celebrating Jewish hospitality and the connections built during your time abroad. From ancient Roman history and Renaissance art to Italian cuisine, outdoor adventures, and Jewish traditions, you'll return home with stories to tell and friendships that reach far beyond this summer.

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 Italy is generally warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s, particularly in cities such as Rome, Florence, and Naples. Coastal destinations like Gabicce Mare and Venice may offer breezes, but conditions can still be hot and humid.

Evenings are typically more comfortable, although temperatures can remain warm during the height of summer. We recommend packing lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Occasional summer rain showers are also possible.

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?
Italy is known for its incredible food, and teens will have opportunities to sample local specialties throughout the program. From authentic Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta to traditional pastries and regional dishes, meals offer another chance to discover Italian 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.