Save on Top Solo Travel Deal Luxury in Eastern Europe.

• You will find all the charm of Old Europe.
• There is plenty of outdoor activity.
• Alternatively, you can just relax in the spa.
• History buffs will be intrigued by Bled. It is located in Slovenia,  the northernmost part of the former Yugoslavia.

Save on Top Solo Travel Deal Luxury in Eastern Europe: Intro to Slovenia:

• Bled is in the northern part of Slovenia. It is nestled in the Julian Alps near the Austrian border. Not surprisingly, its modern history was intertwined with that of Austria’s. In addition, it has much of the charm of a tranquil village in Austria.
• Bled was occupied as early as the Stone Age.
• However, its first archaeological artifacts date to the later Iron Age from the ninth to the seventh century BC. At that time both Romans and Celtic peoples were settled around Bled.
  Slavic settlements followed. This primarily occurred from the 7th to the 10th centuries AD. (When you visit Bled today, you can still see some of these artifacts in the Castle museum.)
• The Slavs were not to reign without interruption. Under the powerful leadership of Charlemagne, the Franks dominated in the late eighth century.
• Real change came later in the early 11th century. In 1011, the lands were divided.
• The primary local power was held by the Bishops of Brixen. Otherwise peaceful Bled was caught up in 1515 in a greater Slovene revolt.
• In the year 1558, Herbert VII of Auersperg took power. He was known as the “Protestant protector”.
• By the early nineteenth century, Bled became part of the state ruled by the Austro-Hungarian or Hapsburg Empire based in Vienna, Austria. That ended eight centuries of the Brixen’s power. After a four-year hiatus when Bled was claimed by Napoleon, the Hapsburgs prevailed.
• By the 20th century, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had fallen.
• Bled became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
• Shortly thereafter in 1919, its first Slovenian ownership followed. It was not as a political entity but a resort purchased by a hotelier, Ivan Kenda. This area included both the hilltop castle and fabled lake with its island church.
• It became a chic summer resort. Celebrity part-year residents included the rulers of Yugoslavia.
• When Josip Broz Tito came to power in 1947, he built a fashionable residence. It is today the 4-star Vila Bled!
• After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Yugoslavia and the other Warsaw Pact countries gained independence. With that came over time, the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
• Slovenia now is a separate nation.
• Bled remains a top spa and summer vacation destination.

For more information on Bled, follow this link.

Save on Top Solo Travel Deal Luxury in Eastern Europe: Things to See and Do:

As a long-time fan of Old European style, I traveled solo to the town of Bled, nestled in the (Julian) Alpine country of Slovenia, formerly Yugoslavia.

• It was easy to get there. Arriving less elegantly by public bus from the national capital, Ljubljana, I was pleased to find everything was walking distance.
• The 4-star Vila Bled set on Lake Bled with its quaint island church has a lovely park on its opposite border.
• Looking for a more active summer vacation? Rent a bike, play tennis or swim laps at Vila Bled’s private facility and boathouse on Lake Bled.
• Another top sight was the castle and museum on the hilltop.
• I combined my winter visit to Bled with both a stay in the capital and skiing in the Julian Alps. Although still a great trip, the island church was closed since ice made it impossible to get there. In addition, my “hike” up the steep hill to the castle was more like ice skating.  In any case, I highly recommend a Slovenian vacation!

Save on Top Solo Travel Deal Luxury in Eastern Europe: Where to Stay:4-Star Vila Bled Spa Former Tito Residence:

• As noted above, the Vila Bled was once the official summer residence for then-Yugoslav leader Tito.
• Large rooms offer free Wi-Fi, cable TV and a large bathroom with hairdryer and robe.
• The on-site Cafe Belvedere has tasty pastries while you enjoy the view of Lake Bled. Fine dining and more substantial international and local dishes are also available. (Check ahead to see if reservations are needed.) Vila Bled’s restaurant serves Slovenian and international gourmet cuisine.
• For a relaxing stay, you can stop in at the spa. You can also regale in the jacuzzi or Turkish/Finnish saunas. Top off the day with a massage! Additional spa  services are also available on site.
• Driving? If so, you can take advantage of Vila Bled’s free parking.

4-Star Vila Bled Spa Former Tito Residence: Not quite a palace but a great home away from home on vacation!

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