NORTHERN LIGHTS NEW YEAR’S TOUR to

ICELAND

Ready for New Year´s with a difference? We offer a once-in-a lifetime experience in Iceland. You´ll be awed by its pristine nature. See hot springs, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and hunt for the northern lights. Celebrate New Year’s in the fascinating Westman Islands, the “Pompeii of the North.” Enjoy Reykjavík, Iceland’s colorful capital, - and feast on Icelandic lobster and lamb. Meet the Icelandic horse up close and personal, splash in the world famous Blue Lagoon and celebrate the end of 2017 in style, - the Icelandic way. This is the one for your bucket list!

Dec. 28, 2017 >

Jan. 04, 2018

NATO LTD 9 Warrenton Way - Simpsonville, SC, 29681 - USA Tel.: 864 263-7962 – E-mail: dkorat@aol.com

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

Travel to Iceland - A few good Reasons

Iceland is a magical island, where nature casts a spell on any visitor. You’ll be awestruck by pristine landscapes no

matter the season. Majestic waterfalls are lined up in all parts of the country, lava fields are ever present, from

yesterday’s eruption or overgrown by moss. Geysers gush, hot springs bubble and glaciers grind their pathways

through the mountains. It is a symphony of the elements in a land still in the making. This is where man has learned

to adapt to the quirks of nature and make use of its boundless energy. Icelanders swim in hot pools, grow tomatoes

in greenhouses, heat their houses with thermal waters and produce energy by the power from waterfalls.

Read your tour program carefully and compare it to other offers. You will find that on your tour no time is wasted.

You will see and experience all the natural phenomena listed in the above. You will swim in the Blue Lagoon, traverse

endless lava fields, inspect the heating system of the capital, be awed by some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls

and see as many bubbling hot springs to last you a lifetime. And on your tour – during the midst of winter - there is

an extra bonus – Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights, best seen in Iceland of all places.

Icelanders are extraordinary. A visit is as much about the people as it is about the landscapes. The warmth of

Icelanders is disarming, as is their industriousness. It is as if the power of Icelandic nature releases an extra measure

of energy in its people. These are the descendants of Vikings who braved the ocean and beyond to make their mark

in places as far as Constantinople (Istanbul). They settled this island that borders the Arctic Circle, created the world’s

oldest parliament and over time developed a cultural life which celebrates a literary legacy that stretches from medieval

Sagas to Nobel Prize winners. Icelanders are fiercely proud of their country, heritage and language. An Icelander is

individualistic, creative and full of initiative. Witness a nation of scant 330,000 people who operate a sovereign

country, with airlines, universities, hospitals, theaters, hotels … all in the shadow of 130 active and extinct volcanoes.

Icelandic Food is in some ways different from what you are used to, but hardly something to be concerned about.

Most meals are included in your tour price and you are likely to bring back memories from some excellent meals.

Breakfast is buffet style and you can pick and choose from a variety of items. You should try skyr , somewhat similar

to yogurt, mixed with milk and served with sugar or Icelandic blueberries. Icelanders claim that their lamb is the best

in the world. Once you have tried a meal of hangikjöt (smoked lamb) or an Icelandic rack of lamb, you might agree,

and actually understand the reasons why, when you see the pretty sheep who merrily roam free in the highlands.

Something as mundane as a hot dog becomes a delicacy in Iceland, where people line up at kiosks in downtown

Reykjavík for a pylsa með öllu (hot dog with everything). The Icelandic hot dogs contain lamb, which gives them an

unusual flavor. You will find the variety and quality of seafood unbelievable in Iceland, as one would expect on an

island surrounded by Arctic waters of cod, haddock, monkfish, herring, skate, lobster and salmon. The more

adventurous visitor will be fascinated by a variety of traditional Icelandic food items, - sheep heads, fermented shark,

seal flippers, and various sea birds.

Icelandic Horses are loved and admired by all visitors to Iceland. Horses

were first brought to Iceland by the Vikings who settled the country in the years

874 > 930. For nine centuries, no other horses were brought to Iceland and now

the Icelandic breed is one of the purest in the world. Over time the horses

toughened by harsh weather conditions, volcanic eruptions and other natural

disasters. They developed into the now famous Icelandic horse, known for its

amazing strength, sure-footedness, stamina and endurance.

The Icelandic horse grows a thick winter coat every fall that is shed in the spring >

Northern Lights - New Year’s in Iceland

WED. DEC. 27: PRE-TOUR ARRANGEMENTS

As advertised the tour starts on Thursday Dec. 28, when tour members travel from various parts of the

U.S. to join one of the 10 Icelandair and Wow Airlines flights to Iceland. However, some participants will

depart a day early due to flight schedules and others who wish to rest for a night before the tour in the

vicinity of Keflavik Airport. Birgir Blondal, your tour manager, will fly from Denver to Iceland on Dec.

27, in order to meet and unite all tour members as they arrive on the different flights. We expect that there

will be 30 people on the tour.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

Clients have the choice between 10 departure airports in the United States, where either of the two

Icelandic carrier offer non-stop flights to Iceland. All ten flights arrive at Keflavik Airport in the early

morning hours of Friday the 29th of December.

• ICELANDAIR - Clients can join this tour from the following U.S. airports, where Icelandair

offers direct flights to Keflavik, Iceland: Washington, DC (Dulles Airport), - New York (JFK),

Denver, CO, - Seattle, WA, and Orlando, FL.

Icelandair flies modern 757-300 aircraft. Soft drinks,

tea and coffee are complimentary as well as the use of

the personal inflight entertainment system. Meals and

alcoholic beverages are served at a charge. The flight

schedules as well as further information on the flights are

to be found on the last page of this presentation.

• WOW AIRLINES - Clients can join this tour from the following U.S. airports, where WOW

AIRLINES offers direct flights to Keflavik, Iceland: Washington, DC/Baltimore (BWI), New

York (Newark, NJ Airport), Boston, MA, Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco.

Iceland has been a pioneer in transatlantic aviation for

decades. It is fascinating that this country of mere 330.000

people operates several international airlines.

This includes WOW, which serves 33 destinations

across Europe, Israel and North America. It operates 12

Airbus aircraft, including three new widebody A330 jets

that serve Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a young

and efficient fleet, with the lowest emission. WOW did

carry 1.6 million passengers in 2016 and employs over 900

hardworking people.

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 1 -THU.: UNITED STATES - KEFLAVIK, ICELAND

DEC. 28

Tour members travel from various parts of the US to one of the Icelandair or WOW gateways to Iceland.

The flights are all direct – non-stop – overnight flights that arrive at Keflavik Airport in the early hours the

following morning.

Your Tour Operator - Ingólfur “Ingo” Blöndal

Ingo is an Icelander, who has lived in the United States for many years.

He was educated in Iceland and Germany and operated a travel business in

Reykjavik. He moved abroad and offered his expertise in travel to

international corporations in West Africa, Turkey, Germany and the United

States. Ingo founded NATO LTD in 1986, a company that mainly caters

to visitors from around the world to the United States. The business is

located in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

As an Icelander, with his background in travel in Iceland, Ingo seeks to

offer tours to Iceland that mirror a true perspective to Icelandic culture and

traditions. The tours by NATO LTD are designed in great detail to demonstrate the highlights of Icelandic

nature, Icelandic hospitality, cuisine, handicraft and ingenuity.

Your Tour Manager - Birgir “Biggi” Blöndal

Biggi is born and bred in Iceland but moved overseas with his parents (Ingo)

at an early age. He settled in Torrey, Utah some 20 years ago, where he operates

his own automotive and contracting business. He specializes in contracting for

and building solar energy systems throughout the State of Utah. Winter is

downtime in his business, when he likes traveling back to Iceland – at times as

tour manager for NATO LTD. Clients like traveling with Biggi, and find him a

charismatic, caring, knowledgeable, hands-on manager.

Why Iceland ? - Why NATO LTD ?

Iceland holds the fascination by many who wonder what makes this small island nation tick. In this age

of failed nations Iceland prospers. This volcanic rock that sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,

straddling the Arctic Circle is home to 330,000 industrious, hard-working people; a nation fiercely proud

of its language and culture. Come to Reykjavik and feel the energy, that emanates from countless hot

springs, waterfalls and volcanoes and drives a culture of accomplishment. NATO LTD with its Icelandic

background is better equipped to show you the genuine Iceland than anyone else.

Northern Lights - New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 2 – FRI .: KEFLAVIK_- ÞINGBORG

DEC. 29 MORNING

Arrival at Keflavik Airport in the early morning. Pass quickly through customs and immigration;

collect your bags and board the tour bus waiting by the curb outside the terminal. “Biggi”, your tour

manager, is here to welcome you and to round up every last

member of the group as they arrive on different flights.

Keflavik is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, a vast

area, largely covered by volcanic lava. Small fishing

villages dot the coastlines both to the north and the south of

the peninsula. The town of Keflavik (18,000), adjacent to

the airport on the one side and the Atlantic on the other, is a

thriving community that makes its living, from the many

activities connected to the airport, aside from fishing and fish

processing. Typical moss-covered lava field

TIME PROGRAM B

07:20 07:30

08:30 08:50 10:00

All tour members are accounted for. Depart from Keflavik Airport Terminal. Arrive at Viking World, a museum that features exhibitions about the times of the Vikings. Its modern architecture highlights the beauty of the viking ship „Islandingur“ (Icelander). Enjoy the museum, where breakfast is served for the group, including Icelandic food specialties. Depart from Viking World for the first phase of our Iceland adventure. The drive south across Reykjanes peninsula takes us through typical Icelandic lava fields that stretch to the horizon as far as the eye can see, your first introduction to this „land of fire and ice“. The older lava is overgrown by hardy plants and moss, while vast areas are desolate, as you might imagine the planet Mars, miles of basalt rubble. This is also where the famous Blue Lagoon is located. Arrive on the south coast of Reykjanes in Grindavik, a small fishing village and turn east on a route that takes us to friendlier environs, to the fertile regions of Southern Iceland. The ladies at Þingborg Wool Center are expecting us. A pot of Icelandic coffee is on the ready. This is a highlight on your tour:

Þingborg Wool Center

Þingborg is a wool lover´s paradise. It is an old house repurposed as a place for wool processing and a shop. It serves as a gathering place for a group of women who knit, spin, card, felt, and

weave the wool of Icelandic sheep, a breed that goes back to Viking times and the 1st settlement of Iceland in the 9th century. These wonderful women give classes and teach about Icelandic wool and how to use it … AND they sell their handwork in the shop. You just might need a warm Icelandic sweater, a scarf or mittens, considering that you are traveling in the middle of winter.

Northern Lights - New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 2 – FRI.: ÞINGBORG - “THE GOLDEN CIRCLE” - FLÚÐIR

DEC. 29 – CONT. AFTERNOON AND EVENING

TIME PROGRAM L-D

11:00 12:00

13:00

14:30

14:45

15:30 16:00 19:00

Depart from Þingborg and proceed for the “Golden Circle”, a must for any visitor to Iceland. The circle comprises three major attractions; Þingvellir, a meeting point of the continental plates, a natural phenomenon and the site of the ancient Icelandic Parliament; the spouting hot springs at Geysir; and finally the majestic waterfall Gullfoss.

• Arrive at Þingvellir:

Þingvellir National Park – The Birthplace of a Nation

Situated on the northern shores of Lake Þing- vallavatn, Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland. It is, for one, the key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world, first assembled there in 930AD. Þingvellir has for this reason been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides being a location of historical significance, Þingvellir is also protected as a natural park due to its unique geology and natural features. Almannagjá is a canyon formed between two tectonic plates, a spectacular representation of continental drift.

• Arrive at Geysir: Lunch at Glíma Restaurant – Served buffet style.

Hot Springs – Geysir and Strokkur

You have arrived in an eerie, moonlike landscape with bubbling, spouting and boiling hot springs. Visit Geysir, the first geyser ever mentioned in text; the one for which all geysers are named. Though it rarely erupts, nearby Strokkur keeps the show going, erupting every 4-8 minutes.

Departure from Geysir.

• Arrive at Gullfoss, the most majestic of

them all. Be awed by this immense, roaring waterfall that spans the river Hvítá and sprays mist on those who come to marvel at its beauty.

Departure from Gullfoss. Arrive for check-in at Icelandair Hotel Flúðir for a well deserved rest after a long day of travel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, known for its excellent food. Proceed outside and relax in the geothermal powered hot tubs, while watching for the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 3 - SAT.: FLÚÐIR – ÞORLÁKSHÖFN – WESTMAN ISLANDS

DEC. 30

TIME PROGRAM B-D

08:30 09:30 10:30 11:00 11:45

14:30

15:00

19:00

Enjoy breakfast at Hótel Flúðir. Drive from Flúðir south to the ocean for a visit to a small but charming village of Stokkseyri, where the Icelandic Wonders Museum is located. Here the Northern Lights phenomena are explained and other details about the aurora borealis provided. In the same building you can visit a museum about ghosts in Iceland and another one about Icelandic elves and trolls. The Stokkeyri shore offers some of the most impressive breaker waves in Iceland. Proceed along the coastline through Eyrarbakki village to Þorlákshöfn, a small harbor town. Board the ferry Herjólfur for the crossing to the Westman Islands. Herjólfur sails from Þorlákshöfn.

Herjólfur

Herjólfur is a ferry, the common mode of transportation between the mainland and the Westman Islands. It makes the round trip up to five times a day. The ship carries 388 passengers and 60 automobiles on each journey.

Herjólfur offers 3 main passenger indoor areas; a cafeteria, TV room and a lounge. You can buy hot meals and sandwiches in the cafeteria, which has comfortable seating

for 130 people. There are further 80 seats in the TV room. For those who choose to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and a view of the ocean, there are benches on the deck. The crossing takes 2:45 hours. We leave the bus behind in Þorlákshöfn and a different bus and driver will meet the group on arrival in Heimaey (the main island). Meet Páll (Paul) Zóphoniasson, NATO LTD representative and former mayor in Vestmannaeyjar.

Check in at Hótel Vestmannaeyjar. Rest after your ocean journey.

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar // Hotel Westman Islands

You will enjoy your three nights at HV, - located in the very town center, within walking distance to everything. It is THE place in town close to restaurants and shopping. It is the top-rated hotel on Heimaey, with 43 rooms, a restaurant, bar/ lounge, 2 Jacuzzies and sauna. A recent review on TripAdvisor described the hotel as “modern luxury on a lovely island.”

Meet for dinner at “Einsi Kaldi” the restaurant in the hotel. This is an excellent restaurant; suffices to mention the many lauding reports in TripAdvisor. Two hot pots and a sauna

Bus and driver are ready for a Northern Lights exploration

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 4 – SUN.: WESTMAN ISLANDS

DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

There are those who say that you have not been to Iceland if you have not been to the Westman Islands. It is an archipelago of 15 islands, located off the coast of South Iceland, off the beaten path and therefore not included on many tours.

The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions just 11,000 years ago; the youngest island, Surtsey, emerged from the sea in 1963. The biggest island, Heimaey is the only permanently inhabited one, and is currently home to some 4,300 people. Vestmannaeyjar hit the headlines in January 1973 when a massive volcanic eruption in Heimaey spewed out millions of tons of lava, leading to the evacuation of thousands of inhabitants to the mainland. The lava flow destroyed about 1/3 of the town and today still covers about 400 houses – a place called “Pompeii of the North.”

TIME PROGRAM B-L-D

08:30 10:00

12:00

17:00

19:00

11:00 12:00

Enjoy breakfast at Hótel Vestmannaeyjar. Paul (“Palli”) takes us on a hike through the lava field that was created during the 1973 eruption; still warm in places. How far we go and how high, will depend on the weather. Paul will explain how the islanders have made use of the geothermal heat emitted by the cooling lava to build a system to heat their houses. Visit Eldheimar Volcano Museum, an interactive and very visual exhibition that tells the story of the 1973 eruption in a way that makes it interesting and easy for everyone to understand. Visitors get a glimpse into peoples lives on Heimaey before the eruption that would change their lives forever. They had to evacuate in the middle of night, never to see their homes or belongings again. It tells the story of the heroic battle against nature when the islanders sprayed seawater on the advancing lava flow, changing its course and thereby saving their precious harbor.

Vestmannaeyjar has a surprising selection of restaurants in all categories. Some of these offer the finest international cuisine. This includes Canton a Chinese restaurant that takes advantage of the fresh seafood available in the islands at all times. You will be served Lobster with Garlic and Chilli, Corral Fish Sweet and Sour, Duck on a bed of vegetables and more! Afternoon free time. Visit Brothers Brewery, a great craft brewery recently open. Gala Dinner at Einsi Kaldi – in the hotel. Enjoy the evening – New Year’s Eve – with new friends and a sumptuous dinner with the best of Icelandic specialties. Join the local islanders at a major bonfire and a specta-cular fireworks display at midnight, - one of the biggest in Iceland.

Northern Lights?

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

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DAY 5 – MON.: WESTMAN ISLANDS

JAN. 01 NEW YEAR’S DAY

TIME PROGRAM B-L-D

08:30

09:00

12:00

18:00

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast after the late night. Leave for an experience that might very well be the highlight of your tour, - getting to know the Icelandic horse up close and personal. Visit Lyngfell Horse Stables, that are operated by Ása Birgisdóttir and her husband. You might not be a rider, but you will enjoy the visit and learn about the beautiful Icelandic horses; their history that extends back to the times of the Vikings, and about their special characteristics. The

Icelandic horses take on a shaggy coat during the winter, which they shed in the spring. Some of you may wish to take a 1-hour or 2-hour guided ride, - on the beach and along trails. Of course, it will all depend on the weather. If it is good the ride will be an experience of a lifetime, with the spectacular views in all directions. The small and sturdy Icelandic horses are easy to ride, even if you have no prior riding experience. We ask that you mark on your reservation, if you wish to ride or only pay the horses a courtesy visit.

New Year’s Day is a holiday in Iceland, celebrated with a special meal at lunchtime. We will, accordingly, have lunch at 900 Grillhús, another excellent restaurant in Vestmannaeyjar. The entrée will be a leg of lamb, which in Iceland is considered a delicacy. Icelanders claim the Icelandic lamb to be the best in the world. This may be correct considering the healthy diet of the Icelandic sheep, who thrive on fresh green grass as they roam free in the mountains.

The afternoon is free without a program, unless some of you are still enjoying a horse ride. The group is divided into smaller parties to enjoy the evening in an Icelandic home, including dinner, another interesting experience and tour highlight.

Northern Lights in Iceland Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the earth’s atmosphere which occurs normally at night in the polar regions. The best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between the months of September and March.

The best chance to witness the Northern Lights is on a night with a cloudless, clear sky, with the outside temperature being cold but dry. They can be seen in Reykjavik, but for a more intensive display, travelling outside the city and suburban areas is recommended. The Westman Islands, away from city lights is a perfect place. It should be clearly understood that as a purely natural phenomenon the appearance of the Northern Lights (or elves!) can never be guaranteed.

Bus and driver are ready for a Northern Lights exploration

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 6 – TUE.: WESTMAN ISLANDS - REYKJAVÍK

JAN. 02

TIME PROGRAM B-L

06:30 07:15 07:30 08:00 10:45

11:30

14:00

Enjoy an early breakfast at Hótel Vestmannaeyjar. Check out from your room. Transfer from the hotel to the harbor and the ferry Herjólfur. Board the ferry. Herjólfur departs from Westman Islands for Þorlákshöfn. Herjólfur arrives at Þorlákshöfn. Proceed by the shortest route for Reykjavik.

Arrive in Reykjavik and head directly for Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest and largest church in Iceland and the most prominent landmark of the city. A local step-on guide comes aboard the bus for a 2-hour sight-seeing tour of the city, starting with a visit to the beautiful church. From the tower you have a great view of Reykjavík, the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The church is of a distinctive design, dedicated to the most renowned, sacred poet of Iceland, Hallgrímur Pétursson.

A statue of Leif (Leifur) Eiríksson is aligned directly in front of the church. It was a gift from the US to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the Icelandic parliament

and a tacit acknowledgement that Leifur beat Christopher Columbus to North America by almost 500 years.

On the tour of Reykjavik you will enjoy the view of the city from the top of the water tanks that feed the entire city with hot water; you will drive by the University of Iceland and proceed to the downtown area. You will see the Parliament Building, the National Theater, Harpa, the spectacular concert hall, and the main seat of government. The harbor area, where older buildings have been retrofitted as boutiques and restaurants, is particularly attractive. Drive on through residential areas and you will come to admire this clean and modern city. The tour includes a light lunch at famous Icelandic hot dog bar – Pylsubarinn.

Check-in at CenterHotel Miðgarður. The hotel is con-veniently located on Laugarvegur, the main shopping street in Reykjavík, within walking distance of various attractions and many restaurants. Buffet breakfast is included as well as Northern Lights Wake up Service.

HARPA CONCERT HALL

The remainder of the day is free without a program. It is highly recommended that you sample some of the rich Reykjavík cultural life. There are performances offered at Harpan, the concert hall, various musical performances, jazz, symphony, opera ... We will send program options to those of you who are interested, and Birgir, your tour manager will help with choices and tickets. Reykjavík offers a wide selection of restaurants in all categories – for your dinner choice. You are well advised to make a reservation (or we will do this for you) at any of the better places.

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 7 – WED.: REYKJAVIK

JAN. 03

TIME PROGRAM B

A full day in Reykjavík, without a program or regimentation. You should take advantage of your tour manager´s services to arrange and make the most of your time in this colorful city.

Northern Lights – New Year’s in Iceland

DAY 8 – THU.: REYKJAVIK – BLUE LAGOON – KEFLAVIK - DEPARTURE FOR US

JAN. 04

TIME PROGRAM B-L

09:00 09:45 11:45

13:00 13:30

15:30 ^

17:00

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast – the last on your tour. Check out from your room and depart from Hótel Miðgarður for Reykjanes Peninsula, where both the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport are located. Arrive at famous Blue Lagoon, this spectacular spa oasis in the middle of a vast lava field. We will enjoy the lagoon for about 2.5 hours. Rent of towels is included with your admission. “Farewell to Iceland” lunch at Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous geothermal spa that is one of the most visited places in Iceland. At an average temperature of around 100°F, the lagoon’s nutrient-rich waters are reported to fix various skin ailments, from psoriasis to eczema. People travel thousands of miles to bathe in these nutrient-rich waters. Others come simply to relax. Besides swimming, you can drink at the in-water bar, pamper yourself with a massage or skin treatment, or relax at one of the exclusive lounges. _____________

Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Check-in for flights by ICELANDAIR and WOW AIRLINES to the various destinations in the United States. Departure of flights to the U.S. Late afternoon and evening arrival in the United States. END OF TOUR.

Your Accommodations Your hotels on this tour are 3-star properties. Single or double rooms are available. The double rooms are either equipped with one large bed or two separate twin beds. Clients should specify their preferences at the time of booking. All rooms offered on this tour have private bathrooms.

Northern Lights – New Year‘s in Iceland

Iceland is warmer than you might think

Since this tour is operated during the midst of winter, you might be curious what mother nature has in

store for you. Iceland enjoys an oceanic climate affected by the warm Gulf Stream which flows along the

southern and western coasts of the island. This causes the climate to be much milder than one would expect,

considering the name and location of the country. The downside of the Gulf Stream, however, is the fact

that it brings the milder Atlantic air mass in contact with colder Arctic air, making the weather in Iceland

unstable and often windy.

In spite of frequent changes in the weather, temperatures stay relatively stable. In fact, the average

winter temperature in Reykjavík is higher than in various cities of more southerly locations, such as

Chicago, Stockholm or Oslo. Take note that Iceland straddles the Arctic Circle. A comparative location

in north America to that of Reykjavík would be Fairbanks, Alaska, while Reykjavik temperatures are closer

to those of Boston, MA or New York City. Icelanders stay warm due to the mild weather and due to the

abundance of geothermal heat, available everywhere.

JANUARY AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (F°): Reykjavík Fairbanks AL Chicago, IL Boston, MA Seattle, WA New York, NY

AV HIGH 36 1 31 37 47 39

AV LOW 28 17- 17 22 37 26

Iceland - Recommended Reading

The Sagas:

Every Icelander grows up reading the sagas and any traveler seeking some understanding of Iceland

and its people could not do better than to start here. The sagas are part history, part fable. Most of the

authors have been lost to history (Snorri Sturluson is the best known writer) and the exact time of the

composition of the sagas is unknown. Most were written around 1200-1350 about events happening

between 850-1030. Some of the best known are Njál´s Saga (the Saga of burnt Njal), Egil´s Saga and the

Saga of the People of Laxárdalur. Americans especially should be interested in the Vinland Sagas – The

Saga of the Greenlanders and Erik the Red´s Saga, which tell the tale of the discovery of America (Vinland)

by Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red. All of these and many more of the sagas are available in the English

language.

Halldór Laxness:

Besides Snorri Sturluson, there is probably no better loved Icelandic author than Halldór Laxnes,

winner of the Nobel Prize for literature 1955. His masterpiece is Independent People, about a stubborn

Icelandic farmer who goes through many struggles and hardships in his attempt to live independantly.

Laxnes wrote many other novels as well; and many of these are available in translation.

Of course there are many other books about Iceland that can be recommended. While in Reykjavík you

should visit an excellent book store: Eymundsson – located at Austurstræti 18 in downtown Reykjavík.

They offer hundreds of titles about Iceland, many written by Icelanders and others written by the many

foreigners who have fallen in love with our wonderful country. Here you will also find a wide selection of

books about Icelandic history, its nature, geography, etc. as well as excellent maps of Iceland.

Northern Lights – New Year‘s in Iceland

Prices & Conditions

PRICE OF TOUR: $2,879.00

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $1,296.00

INCLUDED FEATURES:

• Air fare roundtrip to Iceland by ICELANDAIR or WOW AIRLINES.

• Six nights accommodation at the hotels indicated, in single, double or twin-bedded rooms.

• Icelandic breakfast each morning – buffet style (x 7).

• Five lunches (2 course or buffet)), including a “Farewell Lunch” the last day of the tour.

• Four dinners (3 course)

• Service of tour leader – Birgir Blöndal

• Service (in English) of professional tour guides in Iceland.

• Admission to:

- Viking World Museum – Reykjanesbær

- Þingborg Wool Center – Þingborg

- Northern Lights and Ghost Museum – Stokkseyri

- Eldheimar Volcano Museum – Westman Islands

- Hallgrímskirkja tower - Reykjavík

- The Blue Lagoon – Reykjanes near Grindavík

• Transportation by modern tour buses.

• Herjólfur ferry fee to Westman Island and back.

• Wake up call at Hótel Vestmnnaeyjar in case of Northern Lights.

• All taxes on included services.

• Prayers for good weather in Iceland.

Booking Procedure

Book your seat on the tour by completing and sending in a registration form or send us the information

by e-mail. We need your complete name as it appears in your passport, your date of birth (required by the

airline, your home address, telephone number and e-mail address. We will also need a deposit of $500.00.

The payment can be made by check, PayPal or bank wire. We will confirm your reservation by sending

you an invoice which also states that final payment is due in November, 30 days prior to the start of tour.

Tipping in Iceland

It is not customary to tip in Iceland. Tips are not expected at the hotels, in restaurants, taxi cabs, ...

Northern Lights – New Year‘s in Iceland

Your flights to & from Iceland (1)

We estimate that the group will consist of 30 participants, including tour leader Birgir Blöndal. Tour

members will have the choice of flights by Icelandair and WOW AIRLINES from 10 US airports:

• BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC (BWI) - WOW AIRLINES

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATIOM

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 BWI > 18:00 / WW118 6.00 hrs KEFLAVIK 05:00 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 15:30 / WW117 6.20 hrs BWI 16:50

• WASHINGTON, DC (IAD) - ICELANDAIR

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 DULLES INT‘L 19:35 / FI-644 5.45 hrs KEFLAVIK 06:20 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 16:55 / FI-645 6.30 hrs DULLES INT‘L 18:25

• NEW YORK (EWR) - WOW AIRLINES

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 NEWARK > 17:35 / WW104 6.05 hrs KEFLAVIK 04:40 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 15:15 / WW103 6.10 hrs NEWARK 16:25

• NEW YORK (JFK) - ICELANDAIR

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 JFK > 20:00 / FI-614 5.45 hrs KEFLAVIK 06:45 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 17:00 / FI-615 6.10 hrs JFK 18:10

• BOSTON (BOS) - WOW AIRLINES

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 BOSTON > 06:00 / WW126 5.35 hrs KEFLAVIK 04:35 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 15:40 / WW125 5.55 hrs BOSTON 16:35

___ _Northern Lights – New Year‘s in Iceland____

Your flights to & from Iceland (2)

• ORLANDO (MCO) - ICELANDAIR & JETBLUE AIRWAYS

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 ORLANDO 15:35 / JetBlue 2.35 hrs JFK 18:10

28 JFK 20:00 / FI-614 5.45 hrs KEFLAVIK 06:45 1 Stop 10:10 hrs

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK 17:10 / FI-689 7.55 hrs ORLANDO 20:05

• DENVER (DEN) - ICELANDAIR

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

27 DENVER 16:15 / FI-670 7.20 hrs KEFLAVIK 06:35 Leave 1 day early

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK 17:00 / FI-671 7.55 hrs DENVER 17:55

• SEATTLE (SEA) - ICELANDAIR

DAY DEC.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME / FLIGHT

FLIGHT DURATION

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28 SEATTLE > 15:20 / FI-680 7.15 hrs KEFLAVIK 06:35 + 1

JAN.

04 KEFLAVIK > 16:55 / FI-681 7.50 hrs SEATTLE 16:45

• Participation is possible from anywhere else in the United States via the eight above gateways to Iceland. Call or send e-mail for an offer that suits you best: 864 263-7962 / dkorat@aol.com

Share a room - Save money – Make a new friend Saving the single room charge can be a good thing in more ways than one !

For some the surcharge for a single room can break the bank. We frequently receive requests from clients who are looking for a share partner to save hundreds of dollars, - or they simply do not wish to travel alone. To this day we have been able to find partners in most such cases. The earlier the request is placed the liklier it is that we can identify a suitable share partner. This is also a reason why we have ample rooms with two separate beds available on all of our tours.

The cultural aspect of room sharing is another important aspect that you might give a thought. You might find it interesting to share the tour with a person from a different background, a different culture, with a different perspective on life and people. In 2014 we matched a lady from Australia with one from Venezuela, on a tour through the Southern States; a great success. They are friends for life.

Northern Lights - New Year‘s in Iceland ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Payment Information

1. PAYMENT BY CHECK: Our prefered form of payment. There are no bank charges or fees involved, - just a postage stamp. Most of our US clients pay by check. Make the check out to NATO LTD and mail it to: 9 Warrenton Way, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

2. PAYMENT BY BANK WIRE TRANSFER: This is a secure form of payment through your bank. No heavy charges are involved. Most banks charge $20.00 or $25.00, which we expect the client to pay. Most of our overseas clients pay this way. Payment reaches our account in 2-3 days. Your bank will need the following information:

o OUR COMPANY NAME: NATO LTD (North American Tour Organization) o OUR COMPANY ADDRESS: 9 Warrenton Way, Simpsonville, SC – 29681 o OUR BANK ADDRESS: Bank of America, 2998 North Alma School Road, Chandler,

Arizona – 85224 o OUR ACCOUNT # : 004656394580 o ABA ROUTING # : 122101706 o SWIFT # : BOFAUS3N

3. PAYMENT VIA PAYPAL: This is the favorite payment form by clients ho wish to use a credit card. It is a safe, simple and easy way to pay. In this case, however, there are higher fees involved, as PayPal will deduct 2.9% from the amount being transferred. NATO LTD does not cover this charge and expects to be paid the full invoiced amount. PayPal needs the following information for each transaction:

- NATO LTD e-mail address: dkorat@aol.com - Name on NATO LTD PayPal account: Ingo Blondal - Your credit card information

4. PAYMENT DATES: $500.00 is the tour deposit, due when you book your participation. The final payment will be due 6 weeks before the start of tour. Your invoice will specify the exact dates.

Tour Documentation

5. 3-4 WEEKS WEEKS BEFORE THE START OF TOUR: You will receive:

- Your airline tickets (electronic ticketing) - always provide your full name as it appears in your passport

- The latest, up-dated version of your tour itinerary - Your name tag, which we ask you to wear for the duration of the tour

NEWSLETTERS: We send (e-mail) out a couple of newsletters before each tour, to keep you informed about the tour and about matters related to Iceland, - Icelandic money, food, history, customs, etc. NEWSBRIEFS: We send (e-mail) out news briefs during the tour, with weather predictions, lunch menus for you to pick from and anything else important that may be affecting your tour.

Northern Lights – New Year‘s in Iceland

Reservation Application

When you are ready to reserve your spot on the tour, fill in this form and mail it to NATO LTD or send us the information by e-mail:

Date: ____________

I am / We would like to make a reservation for the Northern Lights Tour to Iceland

December 28, 2017 > January 04, 2018

NAME (1): ____________________________________________ DOB: ___________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ TEL.: ________________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________ NAME (2): ____________________________________________ DOB: ___________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ TEL.: ________________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________ We wish to join the tour in: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Other requests: _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A deposit of $500.00 per person is required with the application for tour participation.

Payment to:

NATO LTD - 9 WARRENTON WAY – SIMPSONVILLE, SC - 29681 Tel.: 864 263-7962 // Fax: 864 213-2344 // E-mail: dkorat@aol.com