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.

Greece Discovery

Athens, Greece

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. Between historic landmarks and the warm Mediterranean sunshine, Athens offers plenty of opportunities to experience Greek culture and coastal life.

Santorini, Greece

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 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.

The island's beautiful beaches offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Relax on the distinctive volcanic sands of Kamari Beach, or enjoy water activities at Perissa Beach, with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach games. There's also time to experience the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery that make Santorini such a special destination.

One of the island's most memorable experiences takes place on the water. Sail around Santorini'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 and take in the remarkable scenery while sharing an exciting day on the water with your group.

Mykonos, Greece

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.

Celebrate Shabbat on Mykonos with fellow Jewish teens, with opportunities to share familiar traditions and connect with Jewish life on the island. Enjoy time relaxing along the coast, swimming, and spending time together while taking in the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Nafplio, Greece

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 experience 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 passed down through generations.

The nearby Corinth Canal offers another memorable 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 explore the region, Nafplio brings together history, culture, and coastal adventure.

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 Sderot and other communities near the Gaza border. 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 in Greece and Israel is generally hot and sunny, although temperatures vary depending on the destination. In Greece, Athens often experiences daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s, with hotter conditions possible during summer heat waves. The islands of Santorini and Mykonos typically enjoy warm Mediterranean weather, with coastal breezes that can provide some relief from the heat. Nafplio and the Peloponnese can also experience hot, sunny conditions throughout the summer.

Israel is generally hot and sunny during the summer. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv often experience temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while the Negev Desert, Dead Sea region, and Eilat can exceed 100. Northern Israel may be somewhat cooler in mountainous areas, although warm weather is common throughout the country.

We recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures, swimwear, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. A light sweatshirt or jacket may be useful for cooler evenings, boat excursions, or air-conditioned accommodations. Participants should be prepared for extensive walking, outdoor activities, and hot summer conditions throughout much of the journey.

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.

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 Greece Israel offers opportunities to experience two wonderful Mediterranean culinary traditions. In Greece, teens may sample traditional favorites such as tzatziki, fresh pita, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salads, baklava, and other regional specialties. The proposed itinerary also includes an olive oil tasting and a guided food tour in Nafplio, offering opportunities to learn about local ingredients and culinary traditions.

In Israel, food reflects 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 Greece, 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.