Elegant Eastern European Top Solo Travel Deals. Get a top solo travel deal at the Toplice Luxury Spa, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World!

Elegant Eastern European Top Solo Travel Deals: Bled’s History:

• The history of Bled is typical of the feudal systems in place in Europe until the modern age. Local families held power with the region’s being their own personal fiefdom.
• With the later dominance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, some stability resulted.
• However, by the 20th century and two world wars, modern day, Bled is once again a delightful top solo travel destination.
• Bled does have an ancient history dating back to at least the Stone Age.
• Although settlers were known to have been there then, the first archaeological artifacts are from the Iron Age.
• Slavic settlers arrived subsequently. Some of those items from the 7th to 9th centuries are displayed at Bled Castle Museum today.
• After Charlemagne came to power, the Franks were the dominant rulers throughout the late 8th century.
• With the defeat of the Franks, the local feudal system was under the rule of the powerful Bishops of Brixen. In the early 11th century, the lands between the two local rivers were divided.
• A 16th century peasant revolt throughout Slovenian also erupted in Bled. Nonetheless, some stability occurred in the 1558. This occurred with the rise to power by the Protestant protector, Herbert VII of Auersperg.
• Bled came under Hapsburg rule in the early 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was based in Vienna and one of the most powerful European forces at that time.
  (Napoleon did conquer the region for a brief four year period.)
• In 1918 after the end of World Wr I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire came to an end.
• Bled for the first time fell into Slovene hands, As part of the Yugoslav monarchy’s domain, the lake, castle and surrounding area were purchased as a hotel resort.
• It became a beacon for celebrity summer vacationers, including the ruling family.
• Most famous among the non-royals was Josip Broz Tito. After he came to power in 1947, he had an elegant residence built in Bled. His summer residence has become the still elegant Villa Bled now open to guests.
• Although World War II had found German soldiers housed in Bled, it has returned to its former quiet elegance.
• With the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, the former Warsaw Pact countries quickly began to go their own way. Yugoslavia became independent. Slovenia later became a separate nation.
• Currently, Slovenia, and of course Bled remain great values for solo travelers. They combine value with style whether for an active hiking vacation, a relaxing spa visit or a cultural tour of local history.
• For more information from the Bled tourist office, please follow this link.

Elegant Eastern European Top Solo Travel Deals:Why vacation in Bled, Slovenia?

• I admit to having a decades’ long fascination with Bled.
• It has been a fabled leisure destination since the late 19th-century.
• Bled is located in Slovenia, once Yugoslavia.
• Italy and Austria border on the north.
• Fans of Downton Abbey will regale in this chic Old World spot.
• This quaint town has much of Switzerland’s charm but at a lower price.
• The town is centered on Lake Bled. The best known local sight is an oft-photographed small church on an island. It is only accessible by boat when the ice melts since there is no pedestrian bridge.
• Add to the mix, a majestic castle high overhead on a cliff and the surrounding Julian Alps.

Elegant Eastern European Top Solo Travel Deals: Where to Stay:

The 5-Star Grand Hotel Toplice Luxury Spa: 

• The hotel is located on the water’s edge of Lake Bled.
• The Grand Hotel Toplice is being renovated to retain Old European charm with modern requirements such as existing free Wi-Fi.
• Added luxury is an expansive indoor pool for swimming laps or just a leisurely dip.
• The spa offers saunas and treatments for relaxation and wellness. Do book ahead for best scheduling.
• Ask for a room with a lake view.
• You can sample Slovenia’s local wines and have a choice of two onsite restaurants.  One verified reviewer highly recommended having a glass of champagne while watching the sun set on the lake.
• Everything is walking distance. Do watch out for the ice if you visit in the winter and trek to the castle as I  did. I found myself struggling to get up the steep cliffside. (Alternatively, look for the gentler winding drive at the main entrance!)
• Bled is a perfect peaceful year round vacation on a standalone basis. Alternatively, visit Bled en route to ski in the Julian Alps. Another option? Combine it with a few days exploring Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.

For Old World charm, book a stay at this 5-Star Grand Hotel Toplice luxury spa!

For other options from economical home stays to 5-star luxury, go to our booking engine on the home page. Bargains include specials with up to 42% off. Be sure to check out the verified solo travel reviews for the inside scoop!