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.

Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, next to the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and share borders with Greece, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Initially settled by Greek colonies, Albania became independent in 1912. As a developing country, it is an official candidate for European Union membership. My time here took me through Tirana, Shkodër, Theth, Berat, Vlorë, Borsh, and Gjirokaster.

Italy is located in Southern/Western Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and sharing borders with France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria. A country with such a rich history is surely to be at the top of most peoples' travel lists. This is a guide to my trips in Italy that have taken me to Venice, Rome, Florence, Trieste, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and even to Vatican City.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city, located near Naples in Italy, at the foot of volcano Mt. Vesuvius dating back to 8th century BC. It is most known for its demise by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was once a city of 11,000 before the eruption. Serious excavations of the city started in the 1920s and work is ongoing for preserving the site.

The island of Capri is located just off the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is a part of the Naples municipality and has been known to be a resort town since its founding. Popular spots include the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, the Belvedere of Tragara, and the Marina Piccola.

The island of Procida is located among the Phlegraean Island archipelago, off the coast of Naples, Italy, along with Ischia, Vivara, and Nisida. Created by the eruption of four volcanoes, it was visited by Greek settlers back in 8th century BC. Winner of the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, it is best known for its colorful building facade on the southeastern side of the island.

Borsh is a small seaside village on the West coast of Southern Albania. Known for its olive oil production, it has become more prominent for tourism due to its pristine beach, the largest in the Ionian sea. The town will only become more prominent as tourist-related businesses start to invest in local infrastructure. The Lab dialect of Albanian is typically spoken by locals in the area.

Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the South of Albania. It's name in Medieval Greek translates to 'Silver Castle'. The city's record dates it back to 1336, when it was part of the Byzantine Empire. It is the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader. Above the city sits Gjirokaster Fortress and its old town has been recognized for its intact Ottoman influences.

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the South of Albania. Due to its existence across many times and civilizations, the city comprises many unique styles of architecture and influences. Its origins date back to the 7th century BC. it is often called the 'Town of a Thousand Windows' with notable landmarks such as Berat Castle, Gorica Bridge, and St. Michael's Church.

Theth is a small village in Northern Albania, located two hours from the large city of Shkodër. Home to the Theth National Park, Theth itself is classified as a protected historical center. A few of the main attractions of Theth that can't be missed include the Blue Eye of Theth, the Grunas Waterfall, and the Catholic Church of Theth.

Shkodër, regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania, is the 5th largest city of the country. It was created as the Capital of the Illyrian kingdom under the name Skodra. The history of Shkodër is storied, with origins in the Bronze Age coupled with Roman, Serbian, and Ottoman influences. Notable sights to see include Rozafa/Shkodër Castle and the Ebu Bekër Mosque.

The Amalfi Coast is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its gorgeous vistas and natural landscapes. Some of the notable towns on the Amalfi coast include Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Atrani, Praiano, Furore, Capri, as well as the town of Amalfi itself.

The town of Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Archaeological evidence of the town dates back to the 1st Century BC. Known for its market port in the 15th to 17th centuries, it was a poor fishing village in the mid 1900s, then roared in popularity thereafter. Notable sites to see are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Marina Grande beach.

The beach of Fiordo di Furore is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. The village of Furore is located higher up on the cliffside, but the beach is the most notable attraction of the town. The beach is a ria, or coastal inlet, created by the Schiato torrent. It is a popular destination for swimmers with its aqua water and arched bridge facade.

The town of Atrani is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is the smallest municipality in Italy, located just East of Amalfi. It bears the designation of 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia', given to beautiful towns in Italy. Its traditional characteristics are well preserved and its most notable attraction is the Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalena.

The town of Amalfi is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. As a famous former trading post, it is known today for its Limoncello liquor and central location along the coastline, providing port access to other coastal towns. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi.

The town of Maiori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Founded by the Etruscans, it was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. It was originally called Rheginna Maior by the Romans in relation to the river that runs through the town. It is located close to the neighboring town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast.

The town of Minori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is known as the 'City of Taste' for its culinary tradition. Minori means 'small' in latin, referring to the La Rheginna river running through it. It is the oldest inhabited site on the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 1st century.

The town of Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It was founded in the 5th Century as a shelter against barbarian incursions at the end of the Roman Empire. The town is nestled in the Amalfi Coast cliffside and has been a popular destination for artists. Its most popular attraction is certainly the historic Villa Cimbroni.

Rome is the capital city of Italy whose history spans over 28 centuries. The historical center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its name comes from its founder, Romulus. Referred to as the 'City of Seven Hills', some notable attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Roman Forum.

The Åland Islands are an autonomous region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea. The capital city is Mariehamn and the official language is Swedish. The islands are perfect for hiking, sailing, and other outdoor activities and are easily reachable by ferry from Sweden. Notable places to visit include Kastelhomn Castle, Nåtö and Espholm Nature Reserves, and the city of Mariehamn.

Aarhus is the 2nd largest city in Denmark whose origins date back to the 8th century. This city is full of history, green spaces, cafes, museums, and all around good vibes. I visited here in May and saw such cool places like the Aarhus Art Museum (ARos), Aarhus Cathedral, Our Lady Church, Aarhus Customs House, Marselisborg Beach and Castle, The Infinite Bridge, Mejlborg, and Mølleparken.

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world comprising much of Northern Africa near the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best places to see it is in Morocco, specifically in the village of Merzouga. The village sits near the famous Erg Chebbi, a large area of sand dunes. Merzouga can be seen on a 2 day trip from either Fez or Marrakech.

Chefchaouen is located in the north of Morocco and is most known for its nearly entirely blue facade of its buildings. Initially founded as a military outpost, it is known as the 'Blue Pearl' of Morocco and its name roughly translates to 'look at the horns', referring to the two mountains on its perimeter. The highlight of the city is its medina, where the alleyways are too narrow for cars to pass.

Essaouira is a port city on the western coast of Morocco. Originally called 'Mogador' until the 1960s, it is characterized as a late 18th century fortified town and therefore listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city. The abundance of blue fishing boats makes it quite obvious that this industry dominates the city. The abundant winds the city receives is perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco, situated west of the Atlas Mountains. The city was founded in 1070 and is called the "Red City" due to the red sandstone material used in the construction of its early buildings. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site and has plenty of great sites to check out such as Jemaa Al-Fna, Koutoubia Mosque, Souk Semmarine, Bab Agnaou, and Bahia Palace.

Madeira is an autonomous zone owned by Portugal, situated off the coast of Morocco. Its population is nearly 250,000 with most situated in the city of Funchal. The entire zone is actually an archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. Great places to see include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro, Ponta do Sol, Achadas da Cruz, Ponte Moniz, and Seixal.

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous zone of Madeira, owned by Portugal. With a population just north of 100,000, it is the 6th largest city in all of Portugal. Some great places to check out include the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, Forte de São Tiago, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Jardim Quinta Magnólia, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Fuerte De Madeira.

The Azores islands consist of 9 islands and are owned by Portugal. The islands of the Azores are Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. Created by volcanic activity, they boast incredible geographical landscapes and biomes. Considered the "Hawaii of Europe", it is one of two autonomous zones of Portugal, the other being Madeira.