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.

Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and is the capital city of Greece. As a historical center for the arts, learning, and philosophy and current economic center in the Aegean, it is considered a Beta-status Global city. It is also known for its natural treasures and artefacts from the Classical Era. These includes the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Hephaistos.