Shannon Rudowski

Grass Valley, CA

Napa Valley Travel Agent Specialist

As the sun began to cast its golden glow over the rolling hills of Napa Valley, I embarked on a journey that promised to be a symphony of flavors and a feast for the senses. This trip to Napa Valley, a wine lover's paradise, unfolded as a celebration of nature's beauty and the artistry of wine making.My adventure kicked off with a scenic drive through the iconic Silverado Trail, flanked by lush vineyards and framed by the majestic backdrop of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. The air was crisp, carrying the sweet fragrance of ripening grapes, setting the tone for the vinous escapade that awaited.The first stop on my itinerary was a renowned winery, where I indulged in a guided tour through the vineyard. The knowledgeable guide led us through the meticulous process of grape cultivation, from bud break to harvest, explaining the unique terroir that contributes to the distinctive flavors of Napa Valley wines. Strolling through the neatly aligned vines, I felt a profound connection with the land and the centuries-old tradition of wine making.After the insightful tour, it was time to savor the fruits of the vine. The winery's tasting room offered a selection of their finest wines, each sip unveiling layers of complexity and craftsmanship. The rich Cabernet Sauvignons, crisp Chardonnays, and velvety Merlots danced on my palate, leaving a lingering impression of the region's wine making prowess.The gastronomic delights continued as I explored Napa Valley's culinary scene. I savored a farm-to-table lunch at a charming bistro, where the menu showcased locally sourced ingredients that complemented the wines perfectly. The synergy between food and wine was a testament to Napa Valley's commitment to the art of gastronomy.Eager to explore more, I visited a few boutique wineries tucked away in the valley, each with its own story to tell. From family-owned vineyards with a history dating back generations to avant-garde estates pushing the boundaries of wine making, Napa Valley offered a diverse tapestry of experiences.As the day drew to a close, I found myself at a hillside winery, where I witnessed a breathtaking sunset over the vine-covered landscape. With a glass of exceptional sparkling wine in hand, I toasted to the beauty of Napa Valley and the memories created on this special journey.Reflecting on my trip to Napa Valley, I couldn't help but marvel at the region's ability to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly. It was not just a pilgrimage for wine enthusiasts; it was an immersion into a world where every sip told a story, and every vineyard had a unique melody to share. Napa Valley, with its picturesque vistas and exceptional wines, had cast its spell, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the artistry that transforms grapes into liquid poetry.

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Oahu Island Travel Agent Specialist

Oahu Hawaii, Diamond Head

Oahu In the Fall of 1982, working in the Silicon Valley, working for computer companies, we decided to plan our first trip to the Hawaiian Islands. When we landed, Pleasant Holidays Vacations greeted us with flower lei. Four twenty-something’s interested in one thing only, going to the beach. What I soon discovered about the Island of Oahu, is there is so much more to it than simply a famous beach. It was paradise I found, and the incredible History I would come to cherish. The Hawaiian culture, the people so gentle, so graceful and so attuned to the land, as they explained the history to the newcomers. The thing I remember the most about my first visit to Hawaii wasn’t the beaches or the swimming or the sun, it was the feeling I got standing still at the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. I will never forget how I felt after hearing the stories of the brave men who died fighting for their country. We drove through the pineapple fields at sunset. We went back to the hotel, changed for dinner, went to the beach and attended our first luau, and we fell in love that night with the Island, the people and the aloha spirit. Oahu has many places to enjoy local Hawaiian music, it is as prevalent as the smell of the Plumeria flowers. During the morning hours, we travel by Jeep, all over the Island, soaking up as much sun and fun as possible. We took mopeds to Hanauma Bay snorkeling and saw the beautiful colors of the fish and coral. We attended a show at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and ate pineapple and mango flavored ice cream, so refreshing and yummy. We had the best time shopping and being tourists. Even though Oahu has a bigger population, you hardly notice as soon all the fun things to see and do are a distraction. From Fishing, diving, whale watching, or hanging on the Catamaran you will have the best time. Don’t forget to climb Diamond head. The view from the top is amazing.

My Reviews

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

My friends and I were looking for a European trip to see more of the countryside not accessible on City tours. I saw a commercial for train tours through Italy, with glass domes to see more of the spectacular landscape, while sipping perfectly paired wines and the most excellent europeans style cuisine. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, is a luxurious and iconic train experience that evokes the elegance and glamor of the golden age of travel. Needless to say, we were all onboard for the experience. Shannon provided information and options with pictures to give us a taste of what to expect. Shannon booked the round trip flights, tickets on the Orient-Express, plus transportation to and from the airport. We had a blast! The staff was friendly, making it easy to relax. We all felt the service was excellent. The train was stunning European decor and a smooth ride. The cuisine was epic, and the wait staff attentive to our needs, making our trip all we expected and more.

By Dr. Stacy from Rough & Ready, California
Traveled to Italy ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends