Days 1-3: London – Royalty, History, and Adventure 

On Tuesday, July 8, we’ll arrive in the vibrant city of London, where the group will gather for initial orientation and team-building activities, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead. After a restful evening, we’ll spend Wednesday, July 9, hiking the Goring Gap and Thames Path, followed by iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Later, we’ll cruise the Thames River to the eerie and fascinating London Bridge Experience. 

On Thursday, July 10, we dive into the world of royalty at Windsor Castle, exploring England’s fascinating royal history. The day ends with an enchanting visit to the Warner Brothers Studio for the Harry Potter Tour, a must for fans and adventurers alike. 

Days 4-5: Shabbat in London 

On Friday, July 11, we’ll start the day with the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace before diving into England’s Jewish history at the Jewish Museum of London and the historically Jewish East End. That evening, we’ll join Netzer Youth for a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat at the West Side Synagogue, the first Reform synagogue in the UK. 

Saturday, July 12 will be a relaxed Shabbat with a Liberal Jewish congregation, filled with meaningful group activities and opportunities for reflection. 

Days 6-9: France & Holland – Coastal Beauty and Amsterdam’s Charm 

On Sunday, July 13, we journey from London to Parc Opale, a scenic nature reserve in northern France, before heading to Zeeland Province in the Netherlands. The next day, Monday, July 14, we’ll explore Zeeland’s beaches, trails, and even an alpaca farm. 

On Tuesday, July 15, we travel to Amsterdam, where a boat tour through the canals introduces us to this historic city. We’ll meet local Jewish youth and visit the Portuguese Synagogue, once the largest in the world. 

Wednesday, July 16 takes us to the Dutch countryside for a biking tour, a visit to traditional windmills, and a hands-on cheesemaking workshop. 

Days 10-11: Brussels & Paris – History, Chocolate, and Shabbat 

On Thursday, July 17, we tour the poignant Anne Frank House in Amsterdam before traveling to Brussels. Here, we’ll marvel at the Grand Place, quirky Manneken Pis, and futuristic Atomium, concluding the day with a Belgian waffle tasting. 

On Friday, July 18, after volunteering at an assisted living facility for the local Jewish community, we take the train to Paris for a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat with the Jewish community of Paris. 

Days 12-14: Paris – Culture, Art, and Adventure 

Saturday, July 19 will be a relaxed Shabbat with group bonding activities. On Sunday, July 20, we’ll stroll down the Champs-Élysées, visit the Arc de Triomphe, and enjoy views from the Eiffel Tower, ending the day at the Notre Dame Cathedral with a movie screening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 

On Monday, July 21, we’ll hunt for treasures in the Louvre during an exciting scavenger hunt before spending the day at Parc Astérix, a thrilling amusement park. 

Days 15-19: Countryside Adventures & Italian Alps 

Tuesday, July 22 takes us to the French countryside, hiking through St. Gervais les Bains, followed by a ropes course in the French Alps on Wednesday, July 23. 

We’ll cross into Italy on Thursday, July 24, relaxing with water activities at Lake Garda. On Friday, July 25, we’ll take a cable car up the Dolomites for breathtaking hikes, followed by a serene Kabbalat Shabbat surrounded by majestic peaks. 

Saturday, July 26 will be a restful Shabbat with inspiring programming in the Dolomites. 

Days 20-23: Venice, Florence, and Tuscany 

On Sunday, July 27, we’ll experience the thrill of white-water rafting in the Dolomites before heading to Venice for an enchanting evening gondola ride. The next day, Monday, July 28, we’ll visit a Venetian glass-making factory and tour St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace before traveling to Florence. 

Tuesday, July 29 is all about the Renaissance, exploring the Duomo, Piazza San Lorenzo, and Ponte Vecchio, with a visit to either the Accademia or Uffizi Museum to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David. The day ends with a tour of the Grand Synagogue of Florence. 

On Wednesday, July 30, we’ll cycle the medieval walls of Lucca, visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and relax at Marina di Pisa’s beaches. 

Days 24-27: Rome – Ancient History and Modern Jewish Life 

Arriving in Rome on Thursday, July 31, we’ll explore Ancient Rome with a gladiator training session, visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and an indulgent gelato tasting. 

On Friday, August 1, we’ll learn to prepare classic Italian Jewish dishes like pasta and carciofi alla giudia during a cooking workshop. Saturday, August 2 will focus on touring the historic Jewish Ghetto of Rome, meeting local Jewish teens, and sharing meaningful moments. 

On Sunday, August 3, we’ll bid farewell to an extraordinary journey and fly home from Rome, carrying unforgettable memories with us. 

If you are part of a camp or congregational community, teens will be placed on a bus with other participants from their community. To ensure a meaningful and complete summer experience, communities may be combined with others based on registration numbers.

We encourage you to pick the program you are most interested in and register. You will have the flexibility to switch between programs until February 14, 2025.

This program aims to foster connections to Israel and Jewish peoplehood by bringing together teens from diverse Jewish backgrounds. Participants will share the journey with Israeli teens, building meaningful relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of Israeli culture and perspectives. Additionally, they will meet with local European Jewish youth communities, experiencing the vibrancy of modern Jewish life across Europe. Through these interactions, combined with immersive explorations of European Jewish history and culture, we will have the opportunity reflect on our personal Jewish identity and strengthen our connection to the global Jewish community.

We are in the process of becoming an approved program to receive a RootOne Voucher and more information will be available soon.

If your teen received a $250 b’nei mitzvah certificate, you can apply it towards this program. URJ Camps may also have scholarship available (Eisner Camp, for example).

We also recommend reaching out to your local federation or synagogue to inquire if they offer scholarships or financial assistance.

For more information about logistics—such as how travel arrangements are made, passport requirements, food and lodging accommodations—and health and safety concerns, including program safety, group supervision, and medical care provisions, please visit our main FAQ page. There, you’ll find answers to these and other important questions to help you prepare for your Europe experience.