A World of Adventure at Your Doorstep!

What were your 2010 New Year resolutions?  Did you vow to … lose weight … exercise more … improve relationships … eat healthier … return to school?  How many of these resolutions have you actually begun?  How many have you started and already “fallen off the wagon” so to speak?  We begin a new year with great intentions, but like almost everyone, we soon lose interest and zeal for those changes that require more of us than we are really willing to give.  BUT …

AAA Transportation has a New Year’s resolution that EVERYONE can keep and enjoy!  We call it “A World of Adventure at Your Doorstep”. Why not resolve to learn more about California and the Tri-Valley, Bay Areas?  Whether this is your home or a vacation area you plan to visit, we can insure you will learn about new and exciting places and events, visit those special “hidden treasures” known mostly to locals, enjoy the best concerts and shows California has to offer, and take supreme pleasure in those memorable events like weddings, proms, graduations, business meetings, etc.

We also provide the most luxurious, enjoyable transportation for every location and event … and we supply specials and discounts throughout the year! Let’s look at some of the premier tours and events you won’t want to miss in 2010:

Wine Tour Special – Did you know the lush green hills of California’s wine country contain 400 wineries?  Each new year heralds winery tours with exciting tasting rooms and wine/food pairings.  AAA Transportation knows every gentle curve in the many roads that will have your group engulfed in this “fairy land” for six hours for only $299 (plus gratuity).

Concerts and Theatre – Have you ever experienced a concert at the lush Wente Vineyards?  Eight people can experience the excitement for only $260 (plus gratuity).  Our other low rates will whisk you to any of the historic theatres in the area – The Curran, The Osage, The Orpheum, The Paramount, and The Bankhead.  Sense the music and beauty of Broadway productions, operas, staged plays, and more!

Fine Dining and Live Entertainment – Have you ever tasted the ultimate prime rib at Tommy T’s and then laughed until “your sides split”?  What about “Hot Sizzling Thursday Nights” at the Pleasanton Hilton?  Then there’s Pleasanton’s Main Street Brewery, the annual Harvest Wine Celebration, … and any place your heart desires!

Fun for the Whole Family – Spend quality time together at the Renaissance Faire dressed in your favorite costume, enjoy the little known sport of bocce at Campo di Bocci, experience the annual Dry Bean Festival, the Labor Day Harvest Wine Celebration, and other family fun spots.

Business and Leisure – Who wouldn’t enjoy a day of golf and relaxing spa treatments at The Purple Orchid Inn, The Claremont Club and Spa, or the sublime and refreshing Vintage Estates? Treat your clients and employees to the elegant Palm Event Center, and thrill to world-class golf at Crow Canyon Country Club.  Your clients will thank you!

Once-in-a-Lifetime Events – Why not let professionals handle the intricate details (and associated stress) of your wedding, graduation, prom, special Birthday gala, promotion celebration, family reunion, and that long-awaited cruise to … ?  We know the most rewarding places anywhere around, plus luxuriously carry you there with specials and discounts galore!

Any place you desire to go … AAA Transportation takes you there in style and comfort.  Take advantage of our “Go Green” hybrid sedans and SAVE!  Our fleet of sleek, late-model vehicles economically provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

Hybrid Prius Sedans – Elegant and “GREEN”

AAA Transportation is proud of our efforts to keep Mother Earth “GREEN” and beautiful.  For several years we have included the classy Toyota Prius hybrid (gas-electric) sedan in our fleet of modern, sleek vehicles.  We would like to help you become more familiar with one of the main operating components of the Prius – the battery – to better understand how our hybrids give you the BEST is luxury transportation while also helping the environment.

For many decades, vehicle batteries have contained lead and hydrochloric acid – both of which are highly poisonous substances.  When these batteries reach the end of their usefulness, their disposal becomes the “tricky task” of keeping these caustic materials from leaching into our drinking water, food chain, and surrounding environment.  However, new technology in vehicle batteries is producing new horizons.

The emerging hybrid-electric vehicle market is producing promising results with the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery.  The advantages of this type of battery are:

• Excellent performance
• Long life
• Reliability
• High energy
• Low cost of ownership

How are NiMH batteries made?

Like former batteries, NiMH batteries consist of two electrodes – one positive and one negative.  The positive electrode uses nickel-hydroxide for the cathode, while the negative electrode uses metal hydride for the anode.  A polymer separates the electrodes to prevent shorting.  A potassium hydroxide mixture with a small amount of water forms the electrolyte within the battery cell.  The cell is then sealed and electrically charged to form a 1.2v electrochemical couple.  Individual cells can then be joined in series to produce batteries in various voltage ranges, with 12 volts being the typical arrangement.

What is the Life Span of these “greener” batteries?

Battery life spans are evaluated in terms of complete discharge cycles.  For example, a standard all electric-vehicle battery can be charged and discharged 1,000 times.  This is equivalent to more than 100,000 miles.  However, in hybrid gas-electric vehicles, the battery is never fully charged or discharged.  Instead, these batteries are cycled in shallow discharges hundreds of thousands of times.  This partial charge/discharge operation enables the NiMH battery to last more than 200,000 miles.

What happens when the NiMH batteries eventually lose usefulness?

These environmental friendly batteries are 100-percent recyclable.  AND … because they contain no toxic materials, they are the only rechargeable battery that can be legally disposed of in a landfill.  However, we understand that simply dumping them into a landfill doesn’t make either economically or environmentally sound sense.  The obvious solution is recycling, which most hybrid vehicle manufacturers make available.

AAA Transportation is serious about keeping our planet “GREEN”.  Our eco-friendly hybrid sedans provide businesses and individuals alike with luxurious transportation while reducing our carbon footprint.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

“Green” Limousine Service – AAA Transportation

What is your favorite color?  Red … blue … yellow … orange?  AAA Transportation’s favorite color is “GREEN”.  Why?  We care about keeping our beautiful earth GREEN and life-giving!  We also care about helping you see more “GREEN” with our specials and packages on limousine services, airport pickups, pleasure excursions, business trips, and even keeping your non-emergency medical appointments.

Every time you decide to travel in a group instead of individually, the “GREEN” benefits add up:

1. Transportation expenses greatly decrease per person.  The direct costs for gas, oil, and vehicle operation become shared.
   • Remember the sudden surge in gas prices during 2008?  Even though 2009 gave us a little relief as prices lowered slightly, it seems climbing gas prices is here to stay.  Sharing this cost of transportation with a group helps keep Mother Earth “GREENER” while keeping more “GREEN” in your pocket.
   • Oil is a commodity that “drives” our lives in more ways than transportation … gas, energy, industry, beauty and household products … to name a few.  We must preserve this precious commodity.  A trip to your favorite spot uses the same number of roundtrip miles, gallons of gas, and pints of oil whether you travel alone or with friends.  Going in a group, however, not only splits the automotive costs; it multiplies the benefits gained from the same quantity of products.  The commodities that formerly benefited only one person now profit a group at no extra expense.
   • Other direct expenses of operating a vehicle are also lessened proportionately.  Costs such as batteries, brakes, various fluids, tires, etc., are reduced per person plus produce multiplied benefits as well.
2. Group transportation has another “GREEN” benefit that is normally not considered.  Hidden vehicular costs such as normal wear and tear, maintenance, repairs, parking fees, tags, licenses, and insurance practically disappear for you because these expenses are shared by all of our customers.
3. AAA Transportation keeps our fleet in tip-top condition, thus keeping our prices low:
   • Proper tire inflation consumes less gas and oil, provides the best mileage possible, reduces tire replacements, and eliminates repeated tire repairs.
   • Air filters are routinely changed to enhance vehicle performance and preserve precious energy.
   • Regular oil changes and tune-ups keep our fleet at its best while reducing carbon emissions.  We spend a little “green” in this area to save YOU big “GREEN”:

A.  Getting ultimate mileage from the resources used.

B.  Reduced repair expenses that help us keep prices low for you.

C.  Lower carbon emissions that help your earth.

Whether serving you for business or pleasure, AAA Transportation is on the leading-edge of taking responsibility for our planet and providing “GREEN” for you.  Our fleet of sleek hybrid vehicles, limousines, sedans, and vans provides eco-friendly transportation for ALL of your needs.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

Saving the Earth with “Green” Transportation

While there has been much debate about the reality of global warming, everyone agrees that we need to “take care” of this planet on which we live so that it will continue to be a clean, safe, healthy place in which to raise our families.

“Global warming” refers to the increased average temperature of the air and oceans near earth’s surface that could have future dangerous results.  Our “carbon footprint” refers to the level of greenhouse gases emitted from various human activities that raise or lower our near-surface temperatures.  While many greenhouse gases are being studied, carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles using petroleum-based fuels has been named as a major cause of unsafe global warming.

The solution seems obvious – manufacture efficient, cost-effective vehicles with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.   A two-fold approach holds promise for some encouraging results.

1. Biofuels recently appeared on the market promising not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to reduce our dependence on oil.  Biofuels are derived from the sugar fermentation of plant materials such as wheat, corn, beets, sugar cane, and molasses.  Ethanol is now the most common biofuel worldwide.  Biodiesel fuel is ethanol’s “sister” so to speak, being used as an additive to diesel fuel.
2. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) are one of the other options manufacturers are taking to reduce harmful emissions.  These vehicles make a gradual transition to less harmful vehicles possible.

Simply put, a hybrid electric vehicle combines the conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system (power train).  Several types of HEV’s exist and provide these advantages:

• Some HEV’s use their internal combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator.  The generator then can either recharge the vehicle’s various batteries or directly power the electric drive motors.
• Other HEV’s reduce idle emissions by shutting down the internal combustion engine while the vehicle is idling, then restarting it when needed.
• Modern HEV’s often use smaller internal combustion engines, thereby automatically reducing carbon emissions.  The electric power train is then used to supply the additional needed power boost.
• Technologies such as “regenerative braking” slow the vehicle by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy (extra energy present due to the vehicle’s forward motion alone) into electric energy that replenishes batteries instead of being wasted as heat energy.
• HEV’s provide the opportunity for software to be introduced that adjusts the balance between greater fuel efficiency and added power.  In the future, HEV owners may be able to partially control this balance as they wish.

AAA Transportation is on the leading-edge of taking responsibility for our planet.  We have been using hybrid vehicles to successfully serve both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

The Vintage Estates – Sublime and Refreshing Elegance

Romantic … Like a French Chateau … Luxuriously Relaxing …Indescribably Wonderful … Breathtakingly Beautiful …A Place with Everything

These are some of the ways people describe their visit to the Vintage Estates in the town of Yountville in Napa Valley.  Spreading over 23 acres, the Vintage Estates is almost a township of its very own.  You’ll find these delightful experiences throughout its stunningly beautiful grounds:

• The Villagio Inn – 112 guestrooms with Italian architecture and influence insure luxury takes on new meaning here.  Private patios, balconies, spacious rooms, fireplaces, down comforters, oversized sunken bathtubs, and luxurious robes await you.  Embrace a sparkling swimming pool and jacuzzi, a welcome bottle of wine, daily champagne breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, coffee and cookies, concierge and room service to round out your ultimate enjoyment and refreshment.
• The Vintage Inn – Featuring 80 elegant guestrooms infused with a French flair, this Inn welcomes you with vaulted beamed ceilings, rich French fabrics, a down comforter, a private balcony, a sunken whirlpool bathtub, and a fireplace.
• Spa Villagio – Indulgence awaits you here with Mediterranean-style.  Every care is lifted away with waterfalls, reflecting pools, and bubbling fountains.  Sixteen state-of-the-art treatment rooms and five private spa suites provide an exceptional array of soothing treatments, saunas, hydrotherapy soaking baths, and romantic seclusion.
• Business Complex – Conference service managers and modern technology insure every detail of your event is seamless.

1. Seven varied executive conference rooms inspire creativity with natural light and beautiful scenery.
2. The Historic Barrel Room is a 2,700 square foot space suitable for business meetings, conferences, and retreats.  Having once been a wine maturation cellar in the 1870’s, it is truly “Napa Valley’s Most Unique Event Space”.

• The Pavilion – This 16,000 square foot area of Vintage Estates offers unique outdoor venues for “one-of-a-kind” corporate and social events, and weddings.  In traditional California wine country garden ambience, a flowing watercourse and fountains bring charm and elegance.  Evergreen elms and flowering magnolia trees fill the air with beauty and fragrance.  Wedding receptions of up to 1,000 guests are easily accommodated as well as dining for up to 600 guests.
• The “Vintage 1870,” V Marketplace – Housed within and around the 139 year-old Groezinger Winery complex in Vintage Estates, you can enjoy the many high-end shops, galleries, restaurants, and a wine tasting cellar.  Winding cobblestone walkways and cozy picnic gardens await along with special events and entertainment year-round.

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa – Your Urban Paradise

Claremont Resort

Nestled in Berkeley Hills, but still convenient to the San Francisco business district and the Bay Area lies a “dream come true”.  Whether your needs are personal or for business, you will find superior elegance, sophistication, breathtaking views, deep relaxation, and world-class cuisine.  This “dream come true” is The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa – the ultimate urban paradise.

“Paradise” should have everything you could ask for – wouldn’t you agree?  The Claremont truly fits this definition.  Situated on 22 beautifully landscaped acres, this AAA Four Diamond property offers amenities sure to please everyone, including children.

Luxurious, Comfortable Guestrooms – At The Claremont, your room is truly unique.  None of their 279 guestrooms are exactly alike but each one offers “a touch of old world charm and casual California elegance”.  Choose between six styles – Classic, Memorable, Distinctive, Spa Elite, Studio Suite, or Petite Queen.

On-Site Quality Dining –

• The spacious Meritage dining room presents ever-changing menus created by Executive Chef Josh Thomsen.  Indulge your senses in dishes that are pairings of fine wines with local, fresh cuisine while gazing at panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.
• The Paragon Bar and Café offers a more casual, but lively, dining pleasure.  Featuring American Comfort Food by Chef de Cuisine Charles Crossley, the Paragon lets you relax with outdoor deck seating and live jazz three nights a week.

Spa Claremont- You’ll find it hard to choose between the treatments Spa Claremont offers – nine types of facials, five “Journeys” engulfing your body in a series of aromatic therapies, fourteen massages that include couples and pre-natal massages, detoxifying water therapies, body wraps, polishes & scrubs, acupuncture, Pilates, and yoga.  Pre-spa options like a steam room, Jacuzzi, and lounge insure your complete relaxation from head to toe.

The Club- Recreational amenities easily combine quality family time with any busy schedule.  Spend time with your family in the newly-renovated fitness complex, three pools, ten tennis courts, hiking trails, golf, concerts, art festivals, and yoga.  The Kids’ Club and a day camp insure even the youngest ones’ satisfaction.  The Bayview Café offers salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and other snack favorites poolside for your ultimate convenience.

Business Events – With professional conference managers and 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, your every business need is creatively assured.  Whether you desire an indoor or outdoor venue, The Claremont provides custom menus, fitness breaks, structured activities, and six customizable boardroom settings.  Wireless and hard-wired technology plus an in-house IT Department insure seamless presentations and events.

AAA Transportation will superbly complete your experiences at The Claremont.  Offering unsurpassed transportation planning and solutions, our stellar fleet and professional chauffeurs leave you relaxed and carefree from the beginning to the end of your special event.  You may make your reservations either online or by calling one of our friendly operators at 866-558-0222.

Relax – Enjoy – Indulge:  AAA Transportation is at the wheel!

A Little “Heaven On Earth”

Would you love to find some “heaven on earth”; a place where you discover peace, contentment, rest, and enjoyment?  Nestled in the rolling hills of the Tri-Valley and Livermore Wine country is the perfect place for complete restoration of mind, body, and spirit.

The Purple Orchid Inn and Resort is a 21-acre private estate dedicated to your complete health and inner wellness.  AAA Transportation insures your “heaven on earth” experience begins even before arriving at the Inn and continues until brought to your place of departure.

Upon your arrival at The Purple Orchid, you are treated as royalty with a lavish Wine and Cheese Reception.  Your royal visit continues when you step into their guest rooms where you will delight in 100% Egyptian linens, down pillows, and real feather beds!  Exquisite furnishings, kimono robes, and spa slippers also wait to caress you from head to toe.

Start each day of your visit with a fully-cooked breakfast, then choose your favorite activities from:

• An exhilarating golf outing from several nearby world-class golf courses.
• A delightful tour through your choice of quaint wineries.
• A superb day in the spa, pampered with the richest products by Germaine De Capuccini from Spain.  Choose from several packages designed for Moms and Daughters, Couples Romance, or unique individual delights.

The Purple Orchid Inn is also ideal for the ultimate wedding.  Every detail is carefully planned beginning with complete wedding decorations, indoor or outdoor guest seating for your memorable “walk down the aisle”,cocktail hour, after-wedding sumptuous dinner, and professional musicians.  Newly weds and honeymooners can later indulge in the ultimate spa experience – The Pearls and Petals Journey.

If you need space for a one-of-a-kind business meeting or other special event, The Purple Orchid’s full-service conference room and on-site event manager guarantees success.

AAA Transportation is standing ready to begin your inner restoration experience.  Whether you are destined for your wedding, a relaxing visit, a unique business meeting, or other special event, AAA Transportation’s luxury limousines, taxis, and vans escort you and up to 19 others smoothly and effortlessly to the Inn.  While your group enjoys complimentary beverages and sodas, AAA Transportation’s professional drivers are caring for your every need.  Make your reservation NOW by calling 866-558-0222, or go online at www.aaa-trans.com.

California Wine Country – A Dream Come True

Radiant COLORS … arousing AROMAS… tingling TASTES… this is California wine country! Found in the Northern region of California, the gently rolling hills of wine country contain 400 wineries located just north of San Francisco. Wine-making and viticulture (the scientific study and production of grapes) began in California’s lush valleys in the mid-19th century. Currently, 90% of all America’s wine is now produced from the wineries snuggled within the nine valleys making up California’s wine country.

AAA Transportation serves two valleys – Livermore and Napa. Our tours through the winding lush fields of tender grapes dripping from the vines are relaxing, enchanted visits to numerous tasting rooms and wine/food pairings. Whether you are a new wine lover or a connoisseur, you will delight in every quaint winery visited, each with a personality unique to itself. Share the excitement with others as you talk the “special language” of wine lovers – swirl, sip, sensual, texture-driven, or flavor-driven. Experience a delectable selection of wines from several of the 40+ wineries in Livermore Valley, or pick from the hundreds nestled in Napa Valley. Either way, AAA Transportation promises an experience that seems to step right from the pages of a fairy tale.

Several events can be enjoyed throughout the year in either Livermore or Napa Valley.  For instance, Livermore has an exciting wine tasting & food event coming up on Thursday, July 23, 2009, from 6PM-9 PM.  Named “The Taste of Terroir”, you can indulge in 16 pairings of various wines and foods as AAA Transportation guides you effortlessly from one delight to another.

If wine tasting isn’t something that interests you, Livermore and Napa Valleys offer outstanding recreational activities through the year such as golf, shopping, antiques, artisan crafts, and fine dining to name a few.

Whatever your desires, AAA Transportation knows every acre and exquisite place to visit in wine country. Our 8-passenger luxury limousines with complimentary sodas and water promise 6-8 hours of pure pleasure.

Click here for our limo wine country tour packages. If you’re planning a wedding, we also smoothly arrange transportation to your favorite “I Do” spot in wine country. Click here for our wedding specials.

Arrive for your wedding like a cinderella

Wedding Limo

We want you to know that AAA Transportation has you as our FIRST thought!

Imagine appearing for your wedding refreshed and care-free.  Our 8-passenger luxury limousines, complimentary champagne and other beverages, and our GUARANTEED on-time arrival will have you feeling like a celebrity.  Our professional drivers will then actually “roll out the red carpet” as you take your first steps into your “dream come true” event.  Beautiful wedding memories in pictures will begin when our limousines decorated with flowers and ribbons arrive at your first stop.

We have three (3) packages available that will not only ease your mind; they will ease your budget as well. Here is the link.   Be sure to ask for our early booking specials. Remember, one quick reservation will “transport” you into the luxurious life of being treated like ROYALTY.