The Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkans, are a geographic area in Southern Europe, composed of countries with geographical and historical ties. The countries that make up the Balkans are generally noted to be Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia.

Sofia in Bulgaria possesses a treasure trove of churches, cultural monuments, and even ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdica. Take a weekend break to check out places like Vitosha Blvd, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi, The Largo, Sofia History Museum, and St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church (among other places).

Estonia's capital of Tallinn is a vastly underrated city not only in the Baltics, but in all of Europe. As technologically advanced as the city is, it boasts a wonderful Old Town. Other attractions include Kadriorg Palace, the artsy district of Noblessner, Victory Square and Column Monument, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and great bars like Fersen and cafes like Røst.